Choosing the right archery target is one of the smartest moves any shooter can make. The right target improves accuracy, builds confidence, and protects your arrows and equipment for longer. BIGshot Archery designs targets for every type of shooter, from backyard beginners to professional competitors, and this guide will help you find the one that fits your bow, your style, and your budget.
1. Identify Your Target Type
The first step is deciding which style of target best suits your practice needs.
Bag Targets are perfect for high-volume practice with field points. They’re easy to shoot into and even easier to pull arrows out of, and they stand up well to repetitive shooting sessions.
Broadhead Targets are engineered to handle sharp, cutting broadhead tips. These are essential for hunters who want to practice with the same arrows and broadheads they’ll use in the field. Regular targets tend to wear quickly when hit with broadheads, but broadhead-specific targets hold up much better.
3D Targets offer a more realistic shooting experience. Life-like animal shapes such as Dall Sheep or Mountain Goat help archers practice aim on vital zones and get mentally prepared for real hunting scenarios.
Crossbow Targets are made with high-density construction that can stop bolts traveling at speeds over 500 feet per second. Models like the Iron Man series are built to prevent pass throughs and protect your bolts from damage.
2. Consider Your Bow’s Speed and Power
Not all targets can handle the speed and energy of modern archery equipment.
For standard vertical bows and most compound bows with moderate draw weights, backyard and youth targets offer reliable stopping power and durability.
If you use a high-performance crossbow, you need a target specifically designed to handle greater kinetic energy. Specialized targets like the Kinetic 650 are built to prevent pass throughs and keep your bolts intact.
3. Specialty Practice and Training
For shooters who want more than a basic block, there are advanced training options.
QuivAR Enabled Targets combine a physical target with augmented reality for interactive sessions that make practice more engaging.
Archery Simulators provide a video-based shooting experience that’s great for commercial ranges or dedicated home setups.
If you enjoy other throwing sports as well, Heavy Duty Axe and Knife Targets are built to withstand the impact of steel blades.
4. Pro Tip: Save with Blemished Targets
If you want professional-grade performance on a tighter budget, check out blemished models. These targets have minor cosmetic imperfections but deliver the same stopping power as full-price versions.
5. TargetTack®
TargetTack® provides a professional-grade way to secure paper targets to a wide range of backstops—from traditional hay bales and dense foam to pre-drilled wood surfaces. It makes mounting and swapping targets quick and keeps your shooting surface flat and stable through long practice sessions.
No matter your goals—fun practice, serious training, or hunting season prep—this guide helps you choose the right target for the job.
Learn more at bigshottargets.com
