Best Archery Targets for Broadheads and Practice Tips

As a seasoned archer and avid hunter, I’ve spent countless hours honing my archery skills. A good archery target for broadheads is going to set you up for a better experience and less frustration. Replacing targets that don’t last long enough because they are the wrong material for the type of arrows can get costly. 

If you are new to archery and thinking about which target to practice with, it’s important to first understand the difference between broadheads and field points. 

Broadhead

• Design: Broadheads have wide tips with multiple blades that are made to cut and penetrate deeply. They come in different types like fixed blades, mechanical (expandable), and removable blades.
• Purpose: Broadheads are mainly used for hunting. Their design helps create large wounds, leading to quick, humane kills by causing a lot of internal damage to animals.
• Impact on Target: Broadheads can damage targets quickly and may become dull if shot into the wrong materials (such as sand or sugar bags). This makes them less ideal for everyday practice. However, if you like practicing with broadheads, it’s important to choose the right kind of target.

Field Point

• Design: Field points, also called practice points, have a simple, smooth, and narrow tip shaped like a cone or bullet. They are usually made of metal and have a shape that makes them easy to pull out of targets.
• Purpose: Field points are used for practice and target shooting. They are designed to cause less damage to targets, so you can use them over and over again with different types of targets like bag targets, foam targets, and block targets.
• Impact on Target: Field points go into targets smoothly and are easy to pull out. They don’t damage the targets as much as broadheads, which helps the targets last longer.

What type of arrow to use for your practice session?

Some hunters say you must practice with your broadheads instead of field points because they will fly differently. From my 40 years of experience, I have not found this to be the case. My point of view is that a properly tuned bow, good maintenance, and the right arrows make a difference. I recommend tuning your bow after a long storage period with your local archery shop. This step will set you up for success if it’s done before you start practicing each season. 

Understanding the impact of arrow weight is also crucial. Your draw weight affects shot accuracy due to the arrow’s weight. Make sure your field points and broadheads are the same weight to ensure consistent flight. Before hunting season, I shoot 1-2 broadheads during practice to check alignment.

Preparing Your Bow

If you are experiencing a big difference between how your field points fly and your broadheads, I would recommend reviewing three things:

1. Have you tuned your bow and checked it mechanically at an archery shop?
2. Is the weight of your arrow too light for the draw weight of your bow?
3. Have you sighted in your bow at close distances before shooting longer distances?

Different Types of Archery Targets

There are several types of archery targets: block (or foam) targets, bag targets, 3D targets, and simple paper targets. Each has its advantages and purposes. If you are determined to practice with your broadheads, you will want a Block (or foam) target. 

Block or Layered Foam Targets: Best for Broadhead Use

• Overview: Lightweight, portable target, and durable; made from high-density foam for effective arrow stopping and easy removal. A great option for broadheads, made from solid self-healing foam.
• Versatility: Suitable for both field points and broadheads.
• Best target for broadheads: Rinehart RhinoBlock XL. 6 different sides, portable, self-healing foam, 2 target areas have replaceable components and over 40 different shooting designs on the surfaces. It is on the pricier side and currently costs around $230.
• Good brand of target for broadheads: Spyderweb targets like the Spyderweb ST 18XL Archery Target
• Third choice: Blob Target.
• Opinion: Six-sided shooting is a popular choice and a favorite target for many hunters. Cheap block targets work fine for broadheads but wear out quickly. More expensive foam targets, like the Blob, are durable with extensive use. 

3D Targets

• Overview: Simulate real-life hunting scenarios with life-size game animal replicas and visible deer vitals
• Benefits: Train for shot placement, distance judgment, replaceable core, and angles encountered in the field.
• Popular Brands: Rinehart, Delta McKenzie, Shooter.
• Recommend: Delta McKenzie Bloodline Buck XL – replaceable vital inserts for long-lasting use.
• Opinion: 3D targets are great for practicing realistic shot placements but require occasional repairs. They do have replaceable inserts, but these don’t always fit perfectly, reducing the target’s effectiveness over time.

Bag Targets

• Overview: Excellent for high-volume shooting with easy arrow removal, good value
• Construction: Filled with synthetic material, suitable for field points and broadheads.
• Popular Brands: Morrell, Hurricane, Big Shot.
• Recommend: Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 for an affordable option.
• Opinion: Smaller target sizes are available which makes these great to throw in your car. Morrell targets are easy to use and durable, though all targets wear out eventually.

Paper Targets

• Overview: Cost-effective for practicing shot placement and groupings.
• Usage: Mount on foam or bag targets to track progress and adjust technique.
• Popular Brands: Maple Leaf Press, Kruger.
• Example: Maple Leaf Press NFAA Animal Faces – life-sized animal targets for varied practice.

The best type of archery target for broadheads:

For broadheads, high-density foam block targets are my top recommendation. These targets can withstand broadhead’s sharp edges and high impact, offering durability and effectiveness. At home, I use a layered foam target, which can also be classified as a block target. This target type is versatile, and suitable for both broadheads and field points.

When I asked different hunting friends their opinions, one said, “Cheap block targets work fine for broadheads but wear out quickly.” This is why you want to choose a more expensive, durable option. Another hunter noted, “The foam works excellent, providing long-lasting use even with broadheads.” 

Key Features to Look for in Broadhead Targets

• Durability and Longevity: Essential for broadhead use.
• Ease of Arrow Removal: Important for efficient practice.
• High Visibility: Clear aiming points.
• Portability: Easy setup and transport.
• Realistic Practice: Specific shot placements and lifelike targets.
• Customer Insight: “Replaceable modules can enhance target longevity.”

My experience with different targets

I’ve had a few types of archery targets over the years. My first was a 3D target. It made target practice more fun and realistic, mimicking a live deer, which helped improve my aim at vital areas. However, 3D targets tend to degrade quickly, especially when exposed to weather. The material breaks down, requiring frequent replacement or new cores.

Next, I used a layered foam target, which held up better over time compared to the 3D target. Layered targets are more durable and less affected by weather. They close up around the arrow holes, maintaining their integrity longer.

I later switched to a high-density foam target, shaped like a rectangle with a molded impression of a deer on one side and regular aiming circles on the other. This target offered the dual benefit of durability and realistic practice.

Currently, I’m back to using a layered foam target. Throughout my practice, I’ve used these targets primarily in my backyard. However, I’ve also taken them on extended hunting trips like my moose hunt to Newfoundland. It was important for maintaining muscle memory and keeping my equipment in top shape. For portable practice, having a target that can travel with you is crucial, especially for long trips where maintaining your skills is important.

You might enjoy reading my tips to Master Your Bow: Archery Practice at Home.

Bag Target for Field Points

Today I discovered a new store in Michigan called the Backwoods Trading Post. I met the owner, Aaron Buehler, and we talked for a while. He was super knowledgeable about the archery industry, the Prime brand of compound bows as well as Mathews. He helped me pick out a new target based on my style and habits. 

In my backyard, I practice with field points, so portability wasn’t a significant concern and the affordable bag target is a good option. At first, we were looking at the Wedgie brands. They are designed with a triangular shape so the base is wider. This makes the target less likely to fall over from impact. 

Delta McKenzie Speedbag 28

But then I spotted a larger one, the Delta McKenzie Speedbag 28. Aaron said that was the one he had in his backyard. We talked about how it would last longer if I hung it up so that the bag could swing on impact. This helps reduce the wear and tear on the bag over time. Hanging targets also enable shooting from different angles and distances, especially useful in varied terrains.

The Speedbag 28″ Premier Range Bag Target is the largest in the Speedbag series and an excellent choice. I’m looking forward to a new season practicing with this field point target. It can handle speeds up to 525 FPS, making it great for the fastest crossbows and vertical bows. It has two sides you can shoot at, each with several targets and bright graphics, making it easy to see where you’re aiming.

Great target for deer season

Choosing the right target will come down to your priorities. Are you looking for something portable to take on a long hunt? Check out smaller lightweight foam targets with a handle. Are you a beginner and want something low-budget? A small bag target will be great to get started. Do you want something more fun to shoot that looks like a deer? Then go with a 3D target and enjoy your bow! 

If you’re looking for the right archery target for broadhead practice, then a high-density foam block is the right choice. You can’t go wrong with the Rinehart RhinoBlock XL or Spyderweb ST 18XL. 

Support Small Business and Shop Local

For my bow-hunting friends who live or travel to Michigan, check out Backwoods Trading Post, and ask for Aaron. He’s located in Freeport, Michigan. If your travels don’t make it possible for a visit, you can also shop on his website soon!