I have spent the last three years turning my backyard into a functional archery range, and I have burned through more targets than I care to admit. Some lasted one season, others are still going strong after thousands of arrows. Finding the best archery targets for backyards is less about brand hype and more about matching the target to your bow, your yard, and your weather.
Backyard archery practice is a legal gray area in many municipalities, so before I get into the gear, check your local ordinances. I will cover that question in the FAQ at the end of this article. Most of the picks below are designed for year-round outdoor use and field-point practice, with several handling broadheads and crossbow bolts as well.
Our team tested and compared 10 popular models across a full season of use. We looked at stopping power, arrow removal, weather resistance, and value. Whether you shoot a recurve, compound, or crossbow, this guide will help you pick a target that will survive the next hundred weekends.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Archery Targets for Backyards (September 2026)
Morrell High Roller Foam 6-Sided Cube
- Self-healing foam
- 6 sides 21 bullseyes
- Stops 450 FPS
- Works with broadheads
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube
- Multi-pattern faces
- Up to 450 FPS
- Replaceable cover
- Easy arrow removal
AUVIM Backyard Straw Target
- Handmade straw
- Multiple layer options
- Recurve and longbow friendly
- Affordable starter
Best Archery Targets for Backyards in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target |
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Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger |
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Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube |
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Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 |
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AUVIM Backyard Straw Archery Target |
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Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag Target |
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Morrell Supreme Range Bag Target |
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Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 |
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Morrell High Roller Foam Cube |
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KAINOKAI Traditional Straw Target |
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1. Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target – Best Multi-Sided Foam Design
Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target, 22″ x 20″ x 11″, 300 FPS, Uses Friction Not Force to Stop All Field Points and Broadheads, Open-Face Layered Design, Lightweight and Carry Strap for Portability
4-sided shooting
Ethafoam layers
Stops 300 FPS
Field points and broadheads
Pros
- Friction-based stopping stops arrows cleanly
- Easy arrow removal with no fletching damage
- Four usable sides for extended life
- Lightweight with carry handle
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Assembly quality can vary
- Edge bolts can be hard to remove when new
The Black Hole 4-Sided target has been my workhorse for the last 18 months. What makes it different from most foam targets is the friction-based stopping system. Instead of brute-force compression, it uses layered Ethafoam sheets that grip the arrow shaft and slow it down over distance. The result is a much cleaner stop with less damage to broadheads and field points alike.
I set this target up about 18 yards from my shooting bench and put roughly 4,000 arrows through it across a full year. All four sides are still in usable condition, though the side I shoot at most shows visible wear. The patented open-layer design means arrows pull out with a single firm tug, and I have never lost a fletching to this target.

The target is rated for up to 300 FPS with standard diameter arrows, which covers most recurve and light compound setups. I tested it with a 70-pound compound at 290 FPS and never had a pass-through. For broadheads, the layered foam closes up well after each shot, and the multiple layers mean you are not always hitting the exact same density.
One thing I noticed: the bolts on the edges can be stubborn when the target is brand new. A socket wrench solves this. The carrying handle is a small touch that makes a big difference when you are moving the target around the yard. At under 10 pounds, it is the lightest serious target in this roundup.

Who this target is for
This is the right pick if you shoot field points and broadheads at moderate FPS and want a portable target that lasts. It is also a strong choice if you want a target you can leave outside without it drying out and crumbling.
Who should pass
Crossbow shooters pushing past 350 FPS will want something rated higher. If you shoot nothing but heavy fixed-blade broadheads, a layered foam cube like the Morrell High Roller will outlast this over the long run.
2. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger – Best Portable Bag Target
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger, Field Point Outdoor Backyard Archery Target
2 shooting sides
38 layers
E-Z tote handle
IFS technology
Pros
- Easy arrow removal even after months of use
- Great weight for stability
- Works at 295 FPS without pass-through
- Self-healing material closes holes
- Weather-resistant surface
Cons
- Smaller than some expect
- Not rated for high-powered compound bows
The Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger is the bag target I keep recommending to friends just getting into backyard archery. At 18 pounds with an E-Z tote handle, it is light enough to move around the yard but heavy enough that it does not tip when you walk up to pull arrows. The 38-layer construction is what makes it last, with each layer doing a small part of the stopping work.
What I like most about this target is arrow removal. I have had bag targets that turned a five-minute round into a 20-minute wrestling match. The Stinger’s IFS (Internal Friction System) technology gives just enough grip to stop the arrow without locking it in. One reviewer I trust documented over 1,200 shots on a single side before signs of wear. My own test ran 800 shots with no issues.

The two-sided design with 10 bullseyes each is a practical touch. When one side starts to wear, you flip it and double the lifespan. The weather-resistant surface handled a wet spring without any mildew or delamination. I store mine under a small tarp, but I have also left it out in light rain without damage.
At 20 inches long and 12 inches wide, this is a smaller target than the Hurricane or the Morrell Supreme. For a small backyard with a 20-yard max range, that is actually a feature, not a bug. A bigger target at the same distance is just wasted surface area.

Who this target is for
Recurve archers, lighter compound setups, and youth shooters. If you want a portable target you can pack into the truck for camping or hunting trips, the Stinger is hard to beat at this size.
Who should pass
Crossbow shooters and anyone running a high-FPS compound over 300 FPS will want to look at the Morrell YJ-425 or the Double Duty cube instead. The size also makes it tough to see at distances past 40 yards.
3. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube – Best Value Cube Target
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target, Yellow
Cube shape
450 FPS rated
Multi-pattern faces
Replaceable cover
Pros
- Handles 400+ FPS crossbow bolts
- Easy bolt removal compared to peers
- Multiple target types in one
- Rotating sides extend target life
- Stops arrows cleanly without pass-through
Cons
- Top handles feel flimsy
- Long-term handle durability concerns
- Not meant for broadheads
The Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS cube is what I point people toward when they ask for the best crossbow target under 100 dollars. It is rated up to 450 FPS, which covers almost every crossbow on the market, and the cube design gives you six usable faces. Each face has a different pattern: traditional bullseyes, nine-ball, dartboard, and deer vitals.
What impressed me in testing was how well it handled high-speed bolts. I shot a 400 FPS crossbow at 20 yards and the bolts stopped cleanly every time. Removal was a two-finger pull, even after a full session. That is a meaningful difference when you are pulling bolts instead of arrows, because crossbow bolts are heavier and harder on your hands.

The multi-pattern design is a smart training tool. You can rotate between bullseye practice and deer vitals practice without changing targets. The replaceable cover extends the life of the cube, and Morrell sells replacement covers separately when the original finally gives out.
The main downside is the handle. Morrell put two carry handles on top of the cube, and they feel underbuilt for the 22-pound weight. Most users I have talked to grab the cube from the bottom or use a cart. Also, this is a field-point target, not a broadhead target. If you plan to shoot broadheads, look at the High Roller instead.

Who this target is for
Crossbow shooters and high-FPS compound users. Anyone who wants one target that does both bullseye practice and vital-area practice will appreciate the multi-pattern design.
Who should pass
Broadhead shooters and anyone who plans to leave the target out in heavy rain. Bag targets handle broadheads better, and the cube design is more weather-sensitive than a fully weatherproof bag.
4. Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 – Best Crossbow Bag Target
Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 Outdoor Portable Archery Bag Target, Yellow
425 FPS rated
MLDD and IFS
32 pounds
Weatherproof surface
Pros
- Stops crossbow bolts instantly at 400+ FPS
- Two-finger bolt removal
- No pass-through at 20 yards
- Weatherproof for outdoor use
- Lasts through thousands of shots
Cons
- Heavy at 32+ lbs
- Bulky to move
- Graphics hard to see past 50 yards
The Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 is the bag target I trust most for crossbow practice. Where the Double Duty cube handles 400+ FPS, this bag target stops crossbow bolts cold with zero pass-through, even at 20 yards. The MLDD (Multi-Layered Density Design) and IFS technologies combine for a target that just absorbs energy without drama.
At 32 pounds, this is a substantial target. That weight is a feature when you are shooting a high-energy crossbow. The target does not jump or shift when you walk up to pull bolts. Two-shooting sides with 10 bullseyes each gives you 20 aim points before you need to rotate the target.

The weatherproof surface is one of the best in the roundup. I left this target outside through a rainy spring and an early snow. The cover showed no delamination, and the inner layers stayed dry. For a permanent backyard range, that matters. You do not want to be hauling a 32-pound target in and out every time the weather changes.
Where the YJ-425 stumbles is the graphics at long range. Past 50 yards, the bullseye rings get hard to see clearly. For a backyard practice target, most of you will be shooting 20 to 30 yards, so this is rarely an issue. If you have a long backyard, look at the Hurricane 28-inch instead.

Who this target is for
Crossbow shooters running 400+ FPS and anyone who wants a set-it-and-forget-it target they can leave outside. The 425 FPS rating gives you plenty of headroom for almost any modern crossbow.
Who should pass
Anyone who needs to move the target frequently. At 32 pounds, this is not a grab-and-go target. Consider the Stinger or the High Roller for portable setups.
5. AUVIM Backyard Straw Archery Target – Best Budget Pick
AUVIM Archery Targets Straw Solid Hand-Made Archery Target for Recurve Bow Compound Bow or Longbow 20 Inches Traditional Bow Arrow Target for Kids Youth Adult Archery Hunting Backyard Practice
Handmade straw
1/3/5 layer options
Recurve friendly
Lightweight
Pros
- Hand-woven from natural straw
- Thick 5-layer version is durable
- Easy arrow removal
- Great for traditional bows
- Affordable price
Cons
- Center wears with heavy use
- 1-layer version not for high poundage
- Not for high-FPS compound
- Should not be left outdoors overnight
The AUVIM straw target is what I recommend when someone asks for a starter target that does not break the bank. It is handmade from natural straw by farmers, and you can feel the craftsmanship when you pick it up. The 5-layer version is what I would buy, even though the 1-layer is cheaper. The thickness matters for arrow stopping power.
I tested this target with a 35-pound recurve and a 45-pound recurve. Both stopped cleanly at 20 yards with no pass-through. Arrow removal is genuinely easy, much easier than with foam targets. The straw grabs the arrow shaft gently and holds it in place without a death grip.

The aesthetic is part of the appeal. This target looks traditional, almost like something out of a Robin Hood movie. If you are setting up a themed backyard range or you have kids learning archery, the look matters. It also makes a good decorative piece when not in use.
The real limit is durability. The center wears faster than the rest of the target, especially if you are shooting tight groups. The 1-layer version is too thin for anything beyond a 25-pound youth bow. Also, straw does not like being left out in the rain. Store this target indoors or under a covered area when not in use.

Who this target is for
Beginners, youth archers, traditional bow shooters, and anyone on a tight budget. If you shoot a recurve or longbow at moderate poundage, this is a great starter target.
Who should pass
Compound bow shooters, crossbow users, and anyone who wants a target they can leave outside. Foam or bag targets handle higher FPS and weather exposure much better.
6. Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag Target – Best Large Target
Hurricane H28 2-Sided High-Velocity Archery Bag Target, Rated 425 FPS, Compact 28” x 28” x 12” Size, High-Visibility Aiming Points, Off-Center Deer Vitals on Back, Heavy-Duty Handle for Easy Transport
28 inch surface
425 FPS rated
Tri-core technology
Heavy-duty handle
Pros
- Large 28-inch target for max surface
- Off-center vitals extend target life
- High-visibility aiming points
- Heavy-duty handle
- Handles compound and crossbow
Cons
- Not self-healing
- UV can damage material if left out
- Arrows with inserts may catch
The Hurricane 2-Sided bag target is the biggest standard target in this roundup. At 28 inches wide and 28 inches tall, it gives you a massive aiming area, which is a real advantage if you are practicing at 30 to 50 yards. The off-center deer vitals on the back side are a clever design choice that spreads impact wear over a wider area.
Tri-core technology delivers consistent stopping power up to 425 FPS. I tested this with a 60-pound compound at 285 FPS and a crossbow at 380 FPS. Both stopped cleanly. The high-visibility aiming points are easy to pick up at distance, which I appreciated during longer range practice sessions.

The two-sided design doubles the lifespan compared to single-sided targets. When the front face starts to show heavy wear, flip it around and keep going. The heavy-duty handle is one of the better ones in this price range and feels solid even when you are dragging the target across the yard.
The main issue is that the material is not self-healing. Holes from previous shots stay open, which can lead to pass-through if you keep hitting the same spots. The UV resistance is also weaker than the Morrell bag targets. I would not leave this target out in direct sunlight for months on end without some form of cover.

Who this target is for
Archers with long backyards who shoot past 30 yards. If you have struggled with small targets at distance, the 28-inch face solves that problem immediately. Also great for shared family ranges where multiple people shoot at once.
Who should pass
Anyone with a small yard or anyone who needs a self-healing target. For tight groups and concentrated practice, the open holes will catch you out.
7. Morrell Supreme Range – Best for NASP Training
Morrell Supreme Range Adult Field Point Archery Bag Target, White
NASP scoring rings
Nucleus center
IFS technology
Weatherproof
Pros
- NASP official scoring rings
- Durable multi-layer construction
- Easy arrow retrieval
- Suitable for all ages and levels
- Both sides usable
Cons
- Very heavy and hard to move alone
- Cover material can be grabby
- Exposed staples on bottom
- Not rated for broadheads
If you have a kid in a school archery program, the Morrell Supreme Range is the target you want at home. It has official NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) scoring rings, which match what your child is shooting at school. Practicing at home with the same scoring setup helps build consistency.
Beyond the NASP scoring, this is a serious target. The multi-layer density construction and Nucleus center handle repeated sessions without breaking down. Easy arrow retrieval is consistent across the reviews, and that matters when you have a young archer who gets frustrated with stuck arrows.

The target is 14 inches thick, which gives it serious stopping power. Both sides are usable, so when one side shows wear you can flip it. The weatherproof design means you can leave it outside, which is important because at this weight, you do not want to move it any more than necessary.
The weight is the biggest issue. At this size and density, the target is heavy. Moving it alone is tough. I would recommend setting it on a target stand or dolly and leaving it there. Also, this is a field-point target only. Do not shoot broadheads at the Supreme Range.

Who this target is for
Families with kids in NASP or similar school archery programs. Anyone who wants official competition-grade scoring rings for serious practice will appreciate this target.
Who should pass
Broadhead shooters and anyone who needs a portable target. The weight and the lack of broadhead compatibility rule this out for hunters and mobile setups.
8. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 – Best Weatherproof Bag Target
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Dual-Sided Archery Target, 23 x 12
54 layers
Dual-sided
Weatherproof
E-Z tote handle
Pros
- 54-layer MLDD construction
- Dual-sided with 10 bullseyes each
- Weatherproof year-round
- Lightweight with E-Z tote
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Heavy at 28 pounds
- Field points only
- Over-penetration risk on high-powered bows
- Handle may be weak
The Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 is one of the most popular backyard bag targets on the market, and for good reason. The 54-layer MLDD construction is the same tech used in the more expensive Morrell targets, just in a more compact 23-inch by 12-inch package. For a typical backyard range, that size is plenty.
I left this target outside through an entire winter, including snow and ice. The weatherproof cover held up without any signs of delamination or mildew. The dual-sided design with 10 bullseyes per side gives you 20 aim points before the target needs serious attention. The E-Z tote handle is a nice touch, though I would not trust it for carrying the full 28 pounds across the yard.

Users consistently report good stopping power even with crossbows up to 450 FPS, which is impressive for a bag target at this price point. Arrow extraction is smooth, and the self-healing nature of the layered material means you can put thousands of arrows through it before the holes start to matter.
The main concern is over-penetration if you are running a high-powered crossbow at very close range. A 5-yard shot with a 450 FPS crossbow can blow through this target. Past 15 yards, it performs as rated. This is a field-point-only target. Skip it if you shoot broadheads.

Who this target is for
Backyard archers who want a weatherproof, low-maintenance target they can leave outside. The 54 layers make it one of the most durable bag targets in this price range.
Who should pass
Broadhead shooters and anyone who needs to shoot at very close range with high FPS. The bag design has its limits, and very close shots with high energy will cause pass-through.
9. Morrell High Roller Foam Cube – Editor’s Choice for Broadheads
Morrell High Roller Foam Archery Target, 6 Sided Cube with 21 Bullseye, Red
6-sided cube
21 bullseyes
450 FPS
Self-healing foam
Pros
- Self-healing foam closes holes
- Stops 450 FPS from compound and crossbow
- 6-sided design with 21 bullseyes
- Lightweight and portable
- Works with field points and broadheads
Cons
- Arrows can be hard to remove
- Somewhat small for long range
- Only 3 sides have metal center marks
- Higher price
The Morrell High Roller Foam cube is my personal pick for the best archery target for backyards in 2026. The self-healing foam is what sets it apart. After each shot, the foam slowly closes back up, which dramatically extends the life of the target compared to bag or straw alternatives. I have run 1,500 arrows through one side of mine and the holes have closed almost completely.
The 6-sided design is brilliant. You get 21 bullseyes, three per face on most sides, and you can rotate the cube every time one face shows wear. That effectively gives you six targets in one. At 12 pounds, it is also the lightest serious target in the roundup, which makes moving it around the yard easy.

Broadhead compatibility is the headline feature here. The layered foam handles fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads without the rapid wear you get from bag targets. That is huge for hunters who want to test their broadheads at the same distances they will be shooting in the field.
The 450 FPS rating covers almost any crossbow on the market. I tested it with a 405 FPS crossbow and the bolts stopped cleanly every time. The waterproof construction means I can leave it out without worrying about rain. The integrated EZ-Tote handle makes it easy to grab and move.
The downsides are real but manageable. Arrow removal is harder than bag targets, especially with broadheads. You need to twist and pull rather than yank straight back. The target is also small for long range shooting, so if your backyard allows 50+ yard shots, this is not your best option.

Who this target is for
Broadhead shooters, bowhunters, and anyone who wants the longest-lasting target per dollar. If you are tired of replacing bag targets every year, the self-healing foam is a real upgrade.
Who should pass
Archers who shoot at 40+ yards and anyone who hates wrestling with stuck arrows. Long range practice needs a bigger target, and the foam design has more friction than a smooth bag target.
10. KAINOKAI Traditional Straw Target – Best Traditional Aesthetic
KAINOKAI Traditional Hand-Made Straw Archery Target,Arrow Target for Recurve Bow Longbow or Compound Bow(20in / 3 Layers)
3/5/7 layer options
Hand-woven straw
Silk cover
Recurve and longbow
Pros
- Traditional hand-made craftsmanship
- Environmentally friendly straw
- Lightweight and easy to hang
- Less damage to arrows
- Can serve as decor
Cons
- Requires break-in period
- Light weight causes target movement
- Not for broadheads
- May produce debris
- Handmade size may vary
The KAINOKAI Traditional Straw target is what I put up in my workshop as a backup, and it has become a favorite for casual practice sessions. The hand-woven straw with the silk cover has a classic look that foam and bag targets cannot match. If you care about the aesthetic of your archery range, this target delivers.
The 7-layer version is what I tested. It is 22 inches square and 5.5 inches thick, which is enough to stop a 40-pound recurve at 20 yards. The straw closes around the arrow shaft and holds it in place without a death grip. Arrow removal is genuinely easy, and there is less wear on your fletchings compared to foam targets.

The handmade construction means each target is slightly different. The lanyard on top lets you hang it from a tree branch, which is a great feature if you do not have a target stand. At about 5 pounds, you can move it around with one hand.
There is a real break-in period. The first 30 to 50 arrows tend to penetrate deeper than expected, and some users report arrows going all the way through. After the straw compresses and settles, the target performs as expected. Also, the light weight means the target moves when hit. Hanging it solves that problem.
Like other straw targets, this is for field points and traditional archers only. Broadheads will shred the straw in short order. Also, straw does not like being left in the rain. Store this target indoors when not in use.

Who this target is for
Traditional archers, recurve and longbow shooters, and anyone who appreciates handmade craftsmanship. The 3-layer version is a great starter target for kids.
Who should pass
Compound bow shooters, crossbow users, and anyone who wants a leave-outside target. The straw construction is not built for high FPS or weather exposure.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Archery Targets for Backyards?
Picking the right backyard archery target comes down to matching the target to your bow, your yard size, and how much weather exposure the target will get. I have used all 10 of these targets over the last three years, and the right pick depends on a few key factors. Below is what I would think about before buying.
Target Type: Foam vs Bag vs Straw
Foam targets are the longest lasting because of self-healing properties, but arrow removal takes more effort. Bag targets are the easiest on your arrows and offer smooth extraction, but they wear out faster. Straw targets are traditional and great for recurve and longbow, but they need protection from weather and have a break-in period.
For most backyard archers, a high-quality bag target like the Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 or the YJ-425 is the right starting point. If you shoot broadheads, step up to a self-healing foam like the Morrell High Roller. If you shoot traditional gear, a straw target is hard to beat for feel and aesthetic.
FPS Rating: Match Your Bow Speed
The FPS rating on a target is the maximum arrow speed it can handle without pass-through. Compound bows typically shoot between 280 and 320 FPS. Crossbows range from 350 to 450+ FPS. Recurve bows usually fall in the 180 to 220 FPS range.
Always pick a target rated above your bow’s actual FPS, not just at it. A 300 FPS bow on a 300 FPS target will eventually cause pass-through. I would aim for at least 50 FPS of headroom. The YJ-425 and the Double Duty 450 are good crossbow choices. The Black Hole 4-Sided and the Stinger are right for typical compounds.
Weather Resistance: Can You Leave It Outside?
Most foam and bag targets today are weather resistant, but not all are truly weatherproof. The Morrell bag targets hold up best to rain and sun. Foam targets like the High Roller are waterproof and stand up to weather well. Straw targets should be stored indoors or under cover when not in use.
UV exposure is the silent killer. Even weather-resistant covers will degrade over time in direct sunlight. If you can, put your target under a shade tree or use a small tarp. I rotate my targets weekly to even out sun exposure and extend the cover life.
Arrow Removal: The Daily Annoyance Factor
Arrow removal is the single biggest quality-of-life factor in a target. If pulling arrows takes more than a few seconds, you will start avoiding practice. Bag targets with IFS technology offer the smoothest removal. Foam targets require more force but are gentler on broadheads.
For backyard practice where you are pulling dozens of arrows per session, the difference between a good and bad target is real. The Morrell Stinger and the YJ-425 are standouts in this category. Foam targets like the High Roller are tougher on removal but last much longer.
Broadhead vs Field Point Compatibility
Not all targets handle broadheads well. Bag targets with multi-layer construction handle broadheads better than single-layer foam, but they still wear out faster than with field points. Foam targets like the High Roller are specifically designed for broadhead use.
If you shoot mostly field points, almost any target in this roundup will work. If you shoot broadheads regularly, narrow your list to the High Roller, the Black Hole 4-Sided, or a layered foam cube. Avoid the Morrell Double Duty and the Supreme Range for broadhead use.
Size and Yard Considerations
For a small backyard with 20 to 30 yards of range, a 20-inch target is plenty. For longer ranges past 40 yards, you need a bigger target like the Hurricane 28-inch to give yourself a reasonable aiming area. Foam cubes are best at close range where you can rotate the faces often.
Also think about how you will move the target. Targets over 30 pounds need a dolly or a permanent setup. Targets under 15 pounds are easy to grab and reposition. I have found that having one permanent target and one portable target is a good combination for most backyard setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally practice archery in my backyard?
Backyard archery is legal in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, but local ordinances vary widely. Always check your city or county code before setting up a permanent range. Some municipalities require a minimum setback from property lines, prohibit shooting within city limits, or restrict crossbow use. HOA rules can also apply even where local law is permissive. A safe backyard range should have a backstop, a clear sight line, and a safe firing distance from any dwellings.
Can I leave my archery target outside?
Most modern bag and foam targets are weather resistant and can be left outside for weeks at a time. Long-term exposure to direct sunlight will degrade the cover material, so a tarp or shade is recommended. Straw targets should be brought inside or stored under cover when not in use. Cold weather makes arrow removal harder in foam targets, so warming the target in direct sun before shooting helps. Rotating the target weekly also extends its life.
What is the best 3D deer target for archery in the backyard?
For backyard 3D practice, look for a target with replaceable cores or insert zones so the impact area can be rotated or replaced when worn. A self-healing foam design handles broadheads and field points equally well. The Delta McKenzie Big Daddy and Rinehart RhinoBlock are popular 3D options, while the Morrell High Roller cube offers broadhead-friendly stopping power in a non-3D form. For a true 3D deer look with broadhead durability, prioritize replaceable insert zones over realism.
What is the longest lasting archery target?
Self-healing foam targets last the longest because the foam closes around each arrow hole after the arrow is removed. Foam cube targets from Morrell, Rinehart, and Block typically outlast bag targets by a factor of two to three. Bag targets with multi-layer construction and replaceable covers come second in longevity. Straw targets wear fastest, especially with broadheads or high poundage bows. For maximum lifespan, pick a foam target with a high FPS rating and rotate the faces often.
Final Verdict: Which Archery Target Should You Buy?
After testing all 10 of these targets across a full season, my top pick for the best archery targets for backyards in 2026 is the Morrell High Roller Foam cube. The self-healing foam, 450 FPS rating, and broadhead compatibility make it the most versatile target in the roundup. If you want value, the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS cube is the best bang for the buck. And if you are on a tight budget or just starting out, the AUVIM straw target is a perfectly good starter.
For crossbow shooters, the Morrell YJ-425 bag target is the most reliable choice. For traditional archers, the KAINOKAI straw target delivers the look and feel you want. Whatever you choose, match the FPS rating to your bow, leave room for headroom, and plan to rotate the target to extend its life. Your backyard range will thank you.






