Our Top Picks
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger Archery Bag Target for1-Pack20 x 12.3 x 23.5 inches18.31 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Archery Target Shooting Targets Bow Targets17.7×17.7×2.4"17.7 x 2.4 x 17.7 inches5.4 PoundsCheck on Amazon
The best archery targets for backyard practice are weather-resistant layered-foam targets for frequent shooting, compressed-straw targets for broadface durability, and bag targets for beginners who need easy arrow removal and a compact setup.
Choose the target around your bow’s draw weight, arrow type, available shooting distance, and the people or property behind it. A target that stops arrows safely at 10 yards may be unsuitable for a faster compound bow at 20 yards. Always check the target maker’s stated bow-speed and draw-weight limits, and use a substantial backstop beyond the target.
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger Archery Bag Target for Backyard Practice
Picked as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
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AUVIM Archery Targets Straw Solid Hand-Made Archery Target for Recurve Bow Compound Bow or Longbow 20 Inches Traditional Bow Arrow Target for Kids Youth Adult Archery Hunting Backyard Practice
Picked as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
View on AmazonArchery Target Shooting Targets Bow Targets - Straw Target Practice Archery Backstop Archery Targets for Backyard for Compound Bow & Recurve Shooting Practice Outdoors17.7×17.7×2.4 in
Picked as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
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Kalkal Archery Target, 6 Side Foam Archery Target Block with Carry Handle, Easy Arrow Removal, Lightweight Poker Archery Targets for Backyard Practice
Included for 'Best Archery Targets for Backyard Practice' because the listing specifies 6 Side Foam Archery Target Block with Carry Handle and Easy Arrow Removal, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonQuick picks by backyard situation
| Backyard situation | Best target type | Useful specification | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small yard or short shooting lane | Dense layered foam | 24–28 inches wide; rated for at least 350 fps | Provides a generous aiming face and dependable stopping at shorter distances |
| Recurve or longbow practice | Compressed straw or standard bag | 24–32 inches; rated for the bow’s draw weight | Usually offers sufficient stopping power without the cost of premium high-density foam |
| Compound bow with hunting arrows | High-density layered foam | At least 28 inches; replaceable shooting panels preferred | Better suited to high arrow speeds and broadhead-compatible designs |
| Children or several casual users | Bag target | 20–24 inches; soft-fill construction | Easy arrow removal and lower risk of damaging arrows during routine practice |
| Rain-exposed storage area | Sealed foam or covered bag target | Water-resistant shell plus a fitted cover | Moisture protection helps preserve the core and limits mildew or swelling |
How large should a backyard archery target be?
For most recreational practice, a target face measuring 24–28 inches is a practical starting point. It gives beginners enough aiming area while remaining portable. A 20-inch target can work for low-poundage youth bows or a very small yard, but it leaves less margin for inaccurate shots. A 30–36-inch target is preferable when several people share the range, when shooting from longer distances, or when the target must accommodate large 3D-style aiming zones.
Target width is only part of the calculation. Allow room for the stand, arrow removal, and safe movement behind the shooting line. A compact setup may require approximately 3 feet of clear space in front of the target and at least 2 feet on each side for access. Do not place the target where an arrow can pass over, around, or through it toward a neighbor, road, window, shed, or occupied area.
A short backyard lane often works best at 10–20 yards, provided local rules permit archery and the area has a properly sized backstop. Longer distances increase the need for a larger target face and a more carefully controlled overshoot zone. A target is not a substitute for a backstop: use a purpose-made archery net, an adequately thick layered backstop, or another system specifically designed to catch arrows.
Foam vs. bag vs. compressed straw
| Construction | Stopping power | Arrow removal | Weather behavior | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layered or self-healing foam | High when matched to the bow’s speed rating; premium models can handle frequent compound-bow use | Moderate to easy, depending on foam density and arrow diameter | Good with a cover; prolonged sun and rain can degrade exposed surfaces | Regular practice, faster bows, and users who want replaceable faces |
| Bag with synthetic fiber fill | Moderate; depends heavily on fill depth and arrow speed | Usually easiest, especially with field points | Shells may resist light rain, but the fill should stay dry | Beginners, youth bows, and frequent arrow retrieval |
| Compressed straw or layered natural fiber | Moderate to high for traditional bows and many recurve setups | Can become harder as the face compacts or gets damp | Moisture can cause swelling, odor, and reduced durability | Traditional archery and dry, covered outdoor ranges |
| Solid foam block | High if sufficiently thick and speed-rated | Often easy, but dense blocks may grip small-diameter arrows | Generally good under a waterproof cover | Compact storage and broadhead-compatible practice models |
Layered foam: the versatile choice
Layered foam targets stop arrows through multiple compressed layers rather than a single thin face. They are typically the strongest all-purpose option for a backyard where a compound bow may be used. Look for a published maximum arrow speed, a minimum recommended distance, and a core thick enough for your setup. Replaceable center sections are valuable because the middle wears first; rotating the target periodically can extend its useful life.
Foam is not automatically waterproof. Ultraviolet light can make the outer layers brittle, while rain can enter seams or weaken adhesives. Store it under cover, use a fitted target cover, and avoid leaving it in standing water. Do not wrap a damp target tightly in plastic, since trapped moisture can encourage mold or material breakdown.
Bag targets: the forgiving beginner option
Bag targets are often the easiest on arrows and hands because field points can be pulled from the soft face with less effort. They are also convenient when children or occasional users share the range. Their limitation is stopping depth: a lightly filled bag may allow fast arrows to pass through or become embedded deeply.
Choose a bag with a dense, evenly distributed fill and a shell with reinforced handles or stitched seams. Keep it off wet ground on a raised stand or pallet. A bag target that becomes waterlogged is heavier, harder to move, and more likely to sag or develop weak spots.
Weather resistance and outdoor storage
For year-round backyard use, prioritize a sealed outer shell, covered seams, corrosion-resistant fasteners, and a removable waterproof cover. A target that lives outdoors should be elevated above grass or soil so water can drain underneath. Sun exposure is often more damaging than occasional rain: fading is cosmetic, but cracking faces, exposed foam, and brittle straps are signs to replace the target.
Inspect the target before every session. Retire it if arrows pass through, if the rear surface bulges, if the face has large open channels, or if the target has shifted enough to expose a vulnerable edge. Never rely on a damaged target merely because it still stops some arrows.
Assembly, footprint, and moving realities
A target itself may be ready to shoot immediately, but the stand and backstop determine the real footprint. A typical 24–28-inch target on a basic stand occupies about 30–36 inches of width and 18–24 inches of depth. Add another 24 inches behind or around it for safe access, then measure the complete arrangement before buying.
For a small storage area, a bag target weighing roughly 20–40 pounds is easier to carry and can often be moved by one adult. Dense foam blocks commonly weigh around 30–70 pounds, while large multilayer targets can exceed that range. Check doorways, gates, and stair turns: a target listed as 30 inches wide may need diagonal clearance and may not pass through a narrow gate once its stand is attached.
Prefer stands with wide feet, cross-bracing, or ground anchors. Lightweight tripod stands are portable but can tip in wind or when arrows are pulled at an angle. A permanent or semi-permanent frame is steadier, but it increases assembly time and may not suit renters. Keep the target face square to the shooting line; an angled target can deflect arrows unpredictably.
Choosing the right target for your bow
- Youth or low-poundage recurve: A 20–24-inch bag or standard foam target is usually adequate, provided the arrow does not pass through.
- Adult recurve or longbow: Choose a 24–28-inch bag, straw, or foam target rated for the bow’s draw weight and arrow diameter.
- Compound bow: Favor a dense foam target with a clearly stated speed rating. Do not assume a thick-looking bag can handle a fast compound setup.
- Broadhead practice: Use only a target explicitly designed for broadheads. Broadheads can destroy ordinary bag and field-point targets and may become difficult to remove.
- Mixed household use: A replaceable-face foam target or a separate low-poundage bag target prevents one bow from prematurely damaging the other target.
Bottom line
For most homeowners, the best balance is a 24–28-inch layered-foam target with a published speed rating, replaceable center or face panels, a stable stand, and a fitted weather cover. Select a bag target when easy arrow removal and low weight matter most. Choose compressed straw only when the bow type, dry storage, and maintenance requirements suit it. Whatever material you buy, measure the complete shooting footprint, install a real backstop, inspect the target regularly, and keep the range isolated from people, pets, roads, windows, and neighboring property.
