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Author Topic: Rotate that bale!  (Read 198 times)

Offline akbowbender

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Rotate that bale!
« on: July 15, 2013, 11:33:00 PM »
This spring, I decided to buy hay bales for my target, instead of using bag targets like I used before. I really enjoy shooting into hay, and having a larger backstop when shooting from longer distances (I have 3-bales.) But there was a problem: at times there was a stiff crosswind, or I had the evening sun in my eyes, or both.

With bag targets, I could easily adjust them as needed, but it would be a greater effort to rotate my hay bales which are strapped onto a pallet.

I finally decided I needed a rotating base, so I topped another pallet with some plywood, added 4-2" wheels to the bale pallet and installed a 1/2" steel rod in the middle of the works to keep the bale pallet in place. Now I can rotate my bales so I can shoot from different locations when it is calm, or adjust it to avoid cross winds or the sun.

The setup:

 

Looking NW, 10 yds max. shot

   

Looking W, 40 yds max shot

   

Looking SW, 45 yds max shot

   

Looking S, 50 yds max shot

   

Looking SSE, Do I really want to shoot that far?

   

Changing the direction also minimizes the wear and tear on the lawn. Last year, I had a nice game trail to my target!
Chuck

Offline bowhuntingrn

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Re: Rotate that bale!
« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2013, 01:34:00 AM »
That's a pretty sweet set up! High tech hay bales...    :thumbsup:
"The first 40 years of childhood are always the hardest"

Offline Pheonixarcher

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Re: Rotate that bale!
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2013, 02:15:00 AM »
"Game trail to my target"
Lol, I have a well worn foot path 20 yards from my back door to my target. With the lack of rain this summer, it's almost down to bare dirt!
I like that idea, I might have to try it.
Plant a fruit or nut tree today, and have good hunting tomorrow.
=}}}}}-----------------------------}>

Offline SKITCH

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Re: Rotate that bale!
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2013, 03:38:00 AM »
Great idea....thanks for posting.  Ummm.... How many arrows do you have "stashed" in those woods behind the bails???  Looks like a fun place to go look for them!
"A nation with little regard for it's past will do nothing in the future to be remembered" 
   Lincoln

Offline pcg

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Re: Rotate that bale!
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2013, 09:22:00 AM »
Ingenious! Simple & effective.
-1 John Schulz RH bows
-2 TimberHawk Monarchs LH, RH
-3 GP Swift T/Ds, LH & RH; GP Long Curve RH
-3 Dave Miller longbows LH, RH
-3 Rempp selfbows

'Bow' in Greek means life but its work is death. -Heraclitus

Offline akbowbender

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Re: Rotate that bale!
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2013, 12:23:00 PM »
Skitch: There are only a couple of arrows in there from when I was using bag targets. The extra square footage of the bales comes in handy!
Chuck

Online STICKBENDER98

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Re: Rotate that bale!
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2013, 04:14:00 PM »
Cool set up, can you also compress the bales with the ratchet straps as the bales loosen up from shooting?
Too many bows to list, and so many more I want to try!  Keep the wind in your face, and your broadheads sharp.

Offline akbowbender

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Re: Rotate that bale!
« Reply #7 on: July 16, 2013, 06:59:00 PM »
The ratchet straps work well for keeping the bales compressed. I also wrapped each bale in the middle with 1/8" rope as insurance if I should hit and break one of the bale twines.
Chuck

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