How to Make an Archery Target:  The Do-It-Yourself Guide

The most well loved among target sports is archery.  There are no arguments here.  Most, if not all, archery fanatics can easily describe the feeling they get when pulling the bowstring and aiming at the target.  Yes, it’s refreshing in a different sort of way.  No one can argue that hearing the whiz of the arrow as it leaves the bowstring is enough to make an archer excited.  The best feeling is when the arrow hits the target right on the mark.

In archery, having the right bow and the steadiest and sturdiest arrow is essential.  But one cannot discount the importance of the target.  The target should be stable enough to withstand the barrage of arrows that come in contact with it.  The target should also be just the right size and at the correct distance.  Some archers give little or no consideration at all about the target.

If you are still learning the art of archery, here’s how to make an archery target for practice with these simple steps:

To make an archery target, you have to have the correct materials so that your target will last.  You can use old rugs, foam padding, or corrugated carton. 

Next, you have to think about the size.  This can vary depending on your preference.  But most people use three feet in diameter.  You can adjust this according to what you need and want. 

Once you have the preferred size, you can start to cut out a circle on a template that is around the size that you want. 

Next, you cut out the cardboard or the rug to fit the size of the template that you made earlier.  Then you pile these materials one on top of the other until you get around six to ten inches thickness.  You should use heavy-duty glue to keep these pieces together. 

Once you have the pieces glued together, you can start making holes around the edges so that you can sew your target.  To make the holes, you can use an ice pick or a wire hanger. 

Next, run a cord or a string through these holes and lock the end.  This step is pretty much like sewing.  The pieces should be sewn tightly together to make the target sturdy. 

The next part in making an archery target is preparing the stand.  To make the stand, you can cut three pieces of two by four wood.  One piece should be longer than the length of other two.  For example, you cut a piece that’s two feet long, the third piece should be around three feet long.  This is going to be used as the middle leg; the one that should be directly aligned to the target. 

Next, cut a two inch section at the tip of each piece at a 45 degree angle so you can nail the three pieces together.  Put the two shorter legs together first and the longer leg last, to support the other two.  This would form the tripod or the stand of your target. 

Now, you’re almost done making your archery target.  You can choose paint or other marking materials to make co-centric circles on the target board.  Or you can simply glue colored paper on the target to use as your guide or your bull’s eye.

The last thing you need to prepare is a cover to protect your target when it’s not in use.  You can choose plastic or canvass.

Now, you’re done making your archery target.

You can enjoy archery using your own homemade target.  The guidelines are easy to follow. Keep in mind that making an archery target does not require precision and superlative craftsmanship.  It takes just a bit of carpentry logic and the right materials.  

TIP: If you wish to take the easy way out, check out the Archery store or this website for a large variety of ready-made archery targets.