Bow Target Types | Seven Archers Need To Know

The seven primary archery target types are bag targets, 3D targets, foam layered targets, modular targets, paper targets, self-healing targets, and steel targets, each designed for a specific use like practice, hunting simulation, or competition scoring.

Picking the wrong target means wasted arrows, ruined broadheads, or a backyard practice session that ends early. The right one makes your bow setup more accurate and keeps the gear working season after season. The seven main types each serve a distinct purpose, and the choice comes down to what you actually shoot — field points, broadheads, or scoring rounds — and where you shoot them.

What Are The Seven Bow Target Types?

The table below covers all seven major types at a glance, including what they do best and what they cost.

Bag Targets: The Budget Workhorse

Bag targets are the go-to for backyard practice and beginners. They use a durable fabric sack filled with synthetic fiber that stops arrows by absorbing energy. Field & Stream’s 2025 review calls the Morrell Yellow Jacket MOD Pro the best bag target, while the Morrell Yellow Jacket Swarm earns the best budget pick from both Field & Stream and Outdoor Life.

The one maintenance trick: rearrange the stuffing every now and then to keep density even — otherwise arrows might pass through or get stuck. Bag targets typically cost under $100 and are light enough to move around your yard. They do not handle broadheads well, so stick to field points. If you are ready to buy and want to see the options side by side, check out the tested bow target roundup here.

3D Targets: Life-Size Hunting Practice

3D targets are foam molded into animal shapes like deer, elk, and bear, painted with realistic detail and scoring rings near the vital zone. They are used in official 3D competitions under NFAA and USA Archery rules. The Rinehart Jimmy BigTine is Outdoor Life’s 2026 pick for deer practice, and Field & Stream gives top marks to the Delta McKenzie Big Daddy QuivAR Buck. A standard 3D deer runs about $109, while the Delta McKenzie 3D Porcupine costs $99.99 and fits a backyard setup.

These targets work with broadheads, making them ideal for bow hunters who want real-feel shot angles before the season opens.

Foam Layered And Block Targets: Built For Broadheads

Foam layered targets use tightly compacted sheets of polyethylene or self-healing foam that pinch arrows on impact. They handle the heaviest draw weights and repeated broadhead use without falling apart. Field & Stream’s 2025 “best overall” pick is the Block Infinity 22″, and the Rinehart Rhino Block XL wins for broadhead use from both Field & Stream and Outdoor Life.

This category overlaps with self-healing targets — the Rinehart Rhino Block XL uses self-healing foam that closes arrow holes quickly, extending the target’s usable life. Prices start around $60 for smaller blocks and climb above $200 for the heavy-duty models.

Modular Targets: Maximum Life For Heavy Shooters

Modular targets use puzzle-piece cores or multi-sided layers that rotate when the center wears out, letting you move fresh material into the impact zone. According to 60X Custom Strings, these are the most expensive targets on the market — $200 to $2,000 — and are overkill for beginners. If you shoot hundreds of arrows per week or test broadheads constantly, modular targets pay off by lasting years instead of months.

Paper Targets: Precision Scoring

Paper targets are the standard for scoring rounds in Olympic and World Archery competitions. Recurve and barebow archers use a 122 cm face with a 10-ring diameter of 12.2 cm, shooting up to 70 or 90 meters. Compound archers use an 80 cm face with an 8 cm 10-ring at 50 meters. The scoring zones run gold (10, 9), red (8, 7), blue (6, 5), black (4, 3), and white (2, 1). These targets are fastened to foam bales or bag targets for support.

How To Choose The Right Bow Target

Start with your primary use. Beginners and general practice: bag target under $100. Bow hunters wanting realistic simulation: 3D target around $100–$200. High-volume shooters or broadhead testers: foam layered or modular target in the $200+ range. Competition archers target shooting: paper faces on a quality bale. 60X Custom Strings’ guide to archery targets details the full specifications.

Two rules apply across every type: never shoot broadheads into bag or burlap targets (they ruin the fill), and always fluff bag targets periodically to keep density consistent. With the right match, your arrows land where you aim and the target lasts as long as your practice routine demands.