Pennsylvania Game News - May 2011 - 57

situations. By placing the target in realistic shooting situations, such as in small openings, between trees or in thick brush, actual hunting conditions can be mimicked, especially when using a lifelike 3-D target. If uphill or downhill shots are anticipated during the hunt, a target can be easily placed so that these shots can be practiced as well. In the past, I remember having to use two hands to remove arrows from some of the targets I’ve used, and sometimes I’d have to stand on the target to do it. When the arrow BRINGING A TARGET along on a hunt is a good did come out, it was often without idea, because muscles get stiff and bulky clothing the insert. With the types of targets can affect shooting form. Taking a few practice shots before heading to the treestand can build on the market today, such scenarios confidence in the hunter’s shooting ability. are a thing of the past. Today, a bag target allows a shooter to remove the adds interest to the practice session and arrow with just two fingers. Morrell, Delta, assists with proper shot placement. Field Logic, Rinehart, American WhiteBow manufacturers are improving tail, Hips and Magic Stop are just a few of their products every year and this means the manufacturers offering a line of targets arrows are flying faster than ever before. covering just about every price range and By using new arrow stopping material expected performance level. and incorporating new technology, target Basically, targets fall into three general manufacturers are meeting the challenge categories: bag, layered foam and solid of this increased arrow speed. foam. Bag targets are popular because they Because of the legalization of crossbows are lightweight, portable, durable and rela- during the regular archery season, hunters tively inexpensive. If these benefits aren’t using these devices are discovering a need enough, consider they stop the fastest ar- for a target designed specifically for them. rows and seemingly last forever. Crossbows shoot a bolt at higher speeds Layered foam targets appeal to many than a compound bow shoots an arrow, and shooters because they can perform the this requires a heavier duty target. Luckily, double duty of stopping broadheads as target manufacturers have recognized this well as field points. Solid foam targets also need and almost all offer targets designed effectively stop broadheads and are quite specifically to stop high-speed crossbow durable. They appeal to shooters because bolts. they can take a lot of abuse from broadShooters have their personal needs, and heads and can last for many seasons with not every type of target will appeal to every a minimum of care. hunter or shooter. Luckily, dealers and pro In addition, manufacturers have created shops carry a variety of targets. Targets not only versatile and functional products, are constructed in several ways using difmost are visually stimulating as well. Most ferent material and all will stop an arrow, foam targets come with colorful graphics but not all work the same. For example, and multiple aiming points, while others some shooters prefer practicing with a bag have a deer’s vital anatomy printed or target, but despite all its advantages a bag molded right on the target. This feature target has limitations. A bag target easily
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Pennsylvania Game News - May 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Game News - May 2011