Best Backyard Archery Targets for Safe, Fun Practice at Home
Answering the demand for durable, beginner-friendly targets that perform well in a backyard setting, this guide highlights five top picks ideal for family practice, yard lanes, and small-range targets. Each option offers portability, arrow-removal ease, and weather resistance. Best for beginners, families, and intermediate shooters who want quick setup, consistent hits, and simple transport between sessions.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger | Families and casual backyard shooters | Two-sided target with easy arrow removal |
| Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20″ | Serious practice and crossbow users | Dual-sided aiming points, weatherproof |
| Morrell Lightweight Outdoor Portable | Youth and beginner shooters | Two-sided with four shooting spots, portable |
| Delta McKenzie Speedbag 24″ | Advanced backyard shooters | High-contrast graphics, easy arrow removal |
| Morrell High Roller Foam 6-Sided | All-round practice and long-term use | 21 bullseyes, durable self-healing foam |
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger Archery Target
The Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger is a field-point bag target designed for backyard practice. It measures 20 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 20 inches long, offering a compact footprint that fits tight lanes. A key feature is easy arrow removal, making family sessions smoother and less frustrating. The weather-resistant surface supports outdoor use, and an E-Z tote carrying handle enhances portability for practice sessions at different locations. Best for casual shooters and families who want quick setups and simple maintenance.
Selected for: portability, two-sided use, and forgiving arrow removal. Caution: Smaller overall target area may require closer aiming for higher draw weights.
Delta McKenzie Speedbag 24″ Archery Target
The Speedbag 24″ is a high-performance archery target designed to withstand arrows from a range of bows, including compounds and crossbows. Its 24″ x 24″ x 10″ size provides substantial stopping power, while a dual-sided design with high-contrast graphics helps shooters align shots in varying light conditions. Easy arrow removal and field-point compatibility simplify practice sessions. Best for shooters who want a robust, long-lasting backyard target and realistic practice scenarios. Caution: heavier and less portable than smaller bags.
Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20″ Archery Target
The 20″ Speedbag offers professional-grade durability with a dual-sided high-contrast aiming point set and a 10″ depth. It balances stability and portability, making it a solid choice for serious backyard practice. It’s field-point compatible and features an easy arrow removal process, saving time between shots. Best for dedicated archers who want a realistic target with quick setup. Caution: Higher speed arrows close to power limits may wear the bag faster over time.
Morrell Lightweight Outdoor Portable Archery Target
This NASP-era target is a portable, two-sided bag with four shooting spots, designed for use with bows up to 30 pounds. It emphasizes family-friendly practice with safe arrow removal and a compact 28″ length. It’s well-suited for youths and beginners who want a budget-friendly, easy-to-move option. Best for: beginners and young archers learning fundamentals. Limitation: less suitable for high-speed or larger bows due to weight and target surface wear.
Buying Guide
What should you consider before buying a backyard archery target?
- Target type and size: Bag targets offer easy arrow removal, while foam cubes or 3D targets provide varied practice. For tight lanes, a smaller 20″ or 24″ bag is often ideal.
- Arrow compatibility: Ensure the target supports field points, and check for any restrictions on broadheads or expandable tips if you shoot wider gear.
- Durability and weather resistance: Look for self-healing foam or thick fabric covers and materials that withstand sun and rain.
- Portability: If you practice in multiple locations, consider models with handles or lighter weights.
- Skill level and bow type: Beginners benefit from two-sided targets with multiple scoring zones, while advanced shooters may prefer larger, more durable targets compatible with higher speeds.
How to compare the top picks for your yard
- Best for families: Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger offers two playing sides and easy arrow removal for family sessions.
- Best for serious practice: Delta McKenzie Speedbag 24″ emphasizes durability and dual sides with clear aiming points for improved accuracy.
- Best for beginners and youth: Morrell Lightweight Outdoor target provides simple setup and multiple shooting spots for varied practice.
- Better for long practice sessions: Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20″ combines portability with field-point compatibility for extended drills.
- Best overall value for all-around use: Morrell High Roller Foam with 21 bullseyes supports varied drills and broadhead compatibility considerations.
What about safety and setup?
- Place targets on level ground away from windows, pets, and bystanders.
- Use a sturdy backstop beyond the target to prevent ricochet accidents.
- Inspect arrows and tips before every session to avoid tip damage and target tears.
How should you maintain backyard targets?
- Clean off dirt and debris after use to prevent wear on the surface.
- Rotate between sides or faces to extend target life.
- Store indoors during extreme weather to preserve foam and fabric integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best archery target for beginners?
– A two-sided bag target with multiple shooting spots provides forgiving impact points and easy arrow removal, ideal for beginners and casual shooters. - Can I use broadheads on backyard targets?
– For safety and target longevity, use field points unless the target explicitly supports broadheads. - Which target is best for crossbow practice?
– Targets designed for higher-speed arrows and wider hit zones, such as 24″ dual-sided bags, perform well with crossbows. - How do I extend the life of my backyard target?
– Rotate sides, keep the surface dry, and store out of direct sun when not in use. - Is portability important for backyard practice?
– Yes. Lighter, handle-equipped bags make it easier to move setups between lanes or take them to a park or field. - Are these targets suitable for NASP-style training?
– Several options offer two-sided faces and specific shooting spots aligned with NASP practice formats.