Whether you’re a seasoned hunter fine-tuning your shot placement or a recreational archer building consistency, the right target is the cornerstone of effective practice. The ideal choice balances durability, arrow-stop capability, and realistic training scenarios to match your specific goals. From high-density foam cubes to life-like 3D animals, the market offers a specialized solution for every archer and bow type.
Selecting a target involves considering your bow’s speed, preferred arrow tips, and desired practice style. This roundup examines nine top-rated archery targets, highlighting their key features and strengths. Our goal is to help you identify the model that will provide lasting value and help you achieve your accuracy objectives.
Our Top Picks for Archery Targets
- Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target
- GLENDEL Buck 3D Archery Target with Replaceable Insert Core
- Rinehart Targets 18-1 Broadhead Target, Black
- Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Archery Bag Target
- SHOOTER Buck 3D Deer Archery Target with Replaceable Core
- Delta McKenzie Big 8 XL Archery Target 20″
- GLENDEL Glen Del Half-Scale Elk 3D Archery Target
- Black Hole Archery Target by Hurricane Bag Targets
- SpyderWeb 20-Sided Self-Healing Archery Target
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target
This versatile cube target from Morrell is designed for archers who want multiple training games in one durable package. It features traditional bullseyes, a nine-ball pattern, a dartboard game, and a deer vitals diagram, providing comprehensive skill development for various shooting disciplines. The design helps maintain engagement and focus during extended practice sessions.
Built to withstand speeds up to 450 FPS from both compound bows and crossbows, its resilient construction promises a long lifespan. The inclusion of carrying handles enhances portability, while the replaceable cover system significantly extends the core target’s life. Easy arrow removal is a key benefit, making practice efficient and less physically demanding.
GLENDEL Buck 3D Archery Target with Replaceable Insert Core
For hunters seeking realistic scenario training, the GLENDEL Buck target offers a life-like 3D representation of a 200 lb buck. It stands 56 inches tall with a shoulder height of 34 inches, complete with 150″ B&C antlers, providing accurate shot placement practice for vital zones. This realism is invaluable for preparing for actual hunting conditions.
The target utilizes Polyfusion technology, which fuses the internal layers to the inner wall. This creates uniform layer compression that results in remarkably easy arrow removal, even after repeated shots. Its longevity is supported by a four-sided, replaceable insert core, allowing you to rotate the core for fresh shooting surfaces and extend the target’s usable life for many seasons.
Rinehart Targets 18-1 Broadhead Target
The Rinehart 18-1 is a rugged, cube-shaped target built for archers who demand extreme versatility and broadhead compatibility. As the name suggests, it features 18 different target faces, offering an extensive variety of aim points to keep practice sessions from becoming repetitive. This makes it an excellent tool for developing precision across many scenarios.
It is broadhead capable and tough enough to handle arrow speeds up to 500 FPS, making it crossbow approved. Despite its robust construction, it remains lightweight and includes an easy-carry handle, enhancing its portability for use at the range, in the backyard, or at a remote hunting camp. It’s a true all-around practice solution.
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Archery Bag Target
The Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 is a professional-grade bag target engineered for serious, high-volume practice. Its dual-sided design features a total of 10 bullseyes, providing ample space for multiple archers or for concentrating on group tightness. The target is constructed using Morrell’s MLDD technology and 54 layers of material.
This build quality is designed to withstand thousands of shots, offering exceptional longevity for dedicated archers. Furthermore, its weatherproof design allows for reliable year-round outdoor use, which is particularly important for hunters who need to practice in the same conditions they will encounter in the field. It’s a durable workhorse for consistent training.
SHOOTER Buck 3D Deer Archery Target with Replaceable Core
The SHOOTER Buck provides an economical entry into realistic 3D target practice. It is designed to stop both field points and broadheads, adding to its utility for pre-season hunting preparation. The replaceable core system is a cost-effective feature, as it allows you to refresh the vital zone area without replacing the entire target body.
This target is noted as a perfect addition to any backyard range, offering a practical and space-efficient way to practice ethical shot placement on a deer profile. Its design focuses on the essential function of providing a clear, life-like target for honing the skills needed for a successful hunt.
Delta McKenzie Big 8 XL Archery Target
The Delta McKenzie Big 8 XL features an innovative eight-sided asymmetric hexagon design that provides approximately 40% more shooting surface than a traditional square target. Each side has high-visibility two-tone green and white target spots, offering numerous fresh aim points and extending time between rotations.
It uses premium, high-density urethane self-healing foam developed for competition, which is reported to last up to eight times longer than conventional layered targets. The foam allows for effortless arrow removal over thousands of shots. It is fully compatible with all arrow types, including fixed and mechanical broadheads, and is speed-rated for the fastest compound bows and crossbows.
GLENDEL Glen Del Half-Scale Elk 3D Archery Target
This half-scale target simulates a 300 lb elk, standing 38 inches tall at the shoulders, and is ideal for archers preparing for elk hunting or those wanting to practice on a larger game profile. It features a blow-molded head and antlers with heavy-duty plastic construction for durability against the elements and repeated use.
Like its buck counterpart, it employs open-layered polyfusion core technology for easy arrow removal. The four-sided core design not only provides unprecedented target life but also allows for practice at various angles, helping archers prepare for the quartering shots often encountered in real hunting situations.
Black Hole Archery Target by Hurricane Bag Targets
The Black Hole Archery Target is known for its high-contrast white target face against a black background, which greatly improves visibility and aim point definition in various lighting conditions. This design helps archers maintain focus and improve accuracy during practice sessions.
As a bag target, it typically features a durable, weather-resistant exterior suitable for outdoor use. The layered internal filling is engineered to stop arrows effectively while allowing for relatively easy removal. It serves as a reliable and straightforward option for general field point practice and skill development.
SpyderWeb 20-Sided Self-Healing Archery Target
The SpyderWeb target distinguishes itself with a 20-sided geometric design, maximizing the number of available shooting faces and aim points. This extensive surface area rotation capability can greatly prolong the target’s overall useful life, as you can shoot each face many times before needing a replacement.
Constructed from self-healing foam, it closes up behind arrows upon removal, maintaining the target’s integrity and stopping power shot after shot. This type of foam is often compatible with both field points and broadheads, making it a versatile choice for archers who use different arrow setups for practice and hunting.
How to Choose the Best Archery Targets for Practice
Choosing the right archery target isn’t just about grabbing the first one you see. I’ve learned that the wrong target can make practice frustrating and even damage your arrows. The right one makes all the difference for skill development and fun. Let’s break down what I look for when I’m picking out a target for my own backyard or club.
First, consider your bow type and arrow speed. This is the biggest factor. If you’re shooting a high-poundage compound bow with modern carbon arrows, you need a target designed to stop that kind of force. A simple foam sheet won’t cut it; you’ll need a layered foam block or a dense bag target. For traditional recurve bows or lower-poundage setups, you have more flexibility and can often use lighter, more portable targets like straw bales or layered foam.
Next, think about the target face and durability. I always ask: how easy is it to see my shots, and how long will the target last? Some targets come with high-contrast printed faces, while others are plain, requiring you to buy a separate target paper or face. For durability, look at the target’s core material and its ability to “self-heal.” High-density layered foam is great for this, as arrows slide in and close up behind them. Bag targets filled with synthetic material also last a long time but can be harder to pull arrows from as they compact.
Finally, don’t forget portability and setup. Where are you going to practice? If you’re always on the move, a lightweight bag target or a folding foam model is a lifesaver. For a permanent backyard setup, a heavy block target or a full-size 3D foam animal target might be perfect. Also, consider if you need a stand. Many block targets can sit on the ground, but for bag targets, a sturdy stand is usually necessary to get them to the right height. By matching the target to your bow, your practice style, and your space, you’ll get the most out of your sessions. This careful selection is key to finding one of the 9 best archery targets for practice – Dec. 2025 that truly fits your needs.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a bag target and a block target?
Bag targets are usually filled with synthetic fiber and are great for stopping broadheads and field points from most bows. They’re often more affordable but can get heavy and dense over time. Block targets are made of compressed, layered foam. They’re fantastic for easy arrow removal and often have multiple shooting sides. Blocks are generally better for high-speed compounds because the foam layers grip the arrow shaft securely.
Can I leave my archery target outside all year?
I don’t recommend it for most targets. While some are marketed as “weather-resistant,” constant sun, rain, and snow will break down the materials quickly. Foam becomes brittle, bag covers fade and tear, and moisture inside can ruin the filling. Your target will last many times longer if you store it in a garage, shed, or under a heavy-duty tarp when not in use.
How do I make my archery target last longer?
Rotate your shooting surface regularly to avoid wearing out one spot. For block targets, shoot at all available sides. For bag targets, move your aim points around the face. Always use the correct arrows for your target (e.g., don’t shoot broadheads into a target not rated for them). Finally, keep it out of the weather as mentioned above. Proper care is part of maintaining your gear.
Why are my arrows so hard to pull out of the target?
This is common, especially with high-poundage bows and certain foams. The friction is immense. First, ensure you’re using targets rated for your bow’s power. For difficult pulls, a bit of arrow lube on the shafts can help reduce friction. The right technique is also key: stand close to the target, grip the arrow close to the target face, and pull with a straight, steady motion. Don’t yank or twist wildly.
Are 3D animal targets good for practice?
Absolutely, and I find them incredibly useful. They’re not just for tournaments. 3D targets teach you to judge distances on an uneven, life-sized shape and to pick specific aiming points (like the vitals on an animal). They make practice more engaging and realistic. Just make sure you get one with a replaceable core or vital insert, as those high-aim spots will get shot out first.