Sand Pit Target

[Cromm]

In the medieval times the archers used to shoot at the archery butts ie big mounds of soil covered with turf-grass.

[Whip]

Clean topsoil will stop the arrow, but it will also stick to the shaft and head, especially when shooting broadheads.  Sand is much easier to clean off when pulling your arrows.

[Possum Head]

How would good, black topsoil, allowed to settle and packed a bit work? Might be a bit less abrasive than sand.

Works great. When I lived in a sub-division in town it was all I could trust for safe shooting. Cheap and effective.