A new frame and possibly the longest lasting and least expensive target

[Tedd]

After 3 years of using the compressed straw bales from Tractor Supply I'd argue they are the longest lasting and least expensive targets available except maybe for a pile of sand. Today;s project was new target frame will help the bails last even longer by keeping them covered but with air flow. Previously I  had a rubber sheet laying right on top of the bales and draped down over the sides and rear. They lasted a year like that. Though I have been getting some pass throughs for the last few weeks.
The bales cost $11 ea. The materials for the new frame were scavenged except for the 4x4 posts.  I used long skid for the floor and roof and some rubber sheet from work that made nice roofing material. I used a ratchet strap to lash the bales to the floor so the don't move when pulling an arrow out  
   

[Tedd]

The backstop is a heavy duty horse stall mat.
   
   
   

[jcar315]

Outstanding!

Thanks for sharing and the pics really get the creative juices flowing!

[Tedd]

I'm using small diameter Black Eagle Rampage shafts and they really penetrate deep into the bale compared to anything else I used. But they pull out with one hand!  

 

 

[Tedd]

I forgot...I tested the horse stall mat. Using what I think would be my best penetrating arrow - A 715 grain Black Eagle Renegade shaft with 375 gr up front. Shot at 16 yards the point just sticks out the back of the stall mat. After getting the arrow out the hole healed itself.
Tedd
 
   

[Shadowhnter]

Great idea, great job! I agree, I like my compressed bales better then any other target I've ever shot.....and $11 to boot.

[trad_bowhunter1965]

Thanks for the post I bought two compressed straw bales from Tractor Supply.

[bhylton]

broadheads tear up the bales much?

[Longtoke]

I got some compressed alfalfa bales to shoot at, came out one evening for a little late night practice and there were about 15 rabbits eating my target!

lol

it has been my experience that broadheads will wear a hole in the target fast as it pulls the material out when you remove the head.  they last a long time with field tips though.

[Roy from Pa]

Tedd ya have a pm.

[JEFF B]

now thats what i call style right there good for you tedd  

[Tedd]

I don't think I mentioned above, but make sure you remove the shrink wrap because if you don't when your arrows poke holes water will get in and the bale will rot.

[Woodpuppy]

What're the chances kids' arrows will stick in those bales? My 5-1/2 year olds arrows bounce off my foam block, so we use cardboard for them. Not particularly weather resistant!

[DarrinG]

Very nice work! We must think alike because I spent the day Saturday building myself a new target shed also. I put some new straw bales in the back for broadhead practice and hung a new bag target in the front on snaps (easy moved to shoot broadheads into the straw bales). I put a tin roof on mine and refurbished an old pallet from our hay room and gave it a coat of exterior paint for longevity. Very happy with it.

 

[DarrinG]

[South MS Bowhunter]

Nice work guys!