Garden Archery Range

Home Made Archery Range

The garden archery range is slowly happening. My partner and I have been busy over the Easter weekend. Some of the arches are up, some netting added and borders dug. I was a bit worried about the birds flying into the netting so I've hung up some cd's until the plants get going and left a gap at the bottom so that the blackbirds can still run around. I've planted lots of clematis for a more permanent structure, the morning glory seeds are planted and waiting to grow in the greenhouse and I've got some willow to put in. It actually looks much longer in this picture than it really is. The finished range is only going to be about 10 yards so that I can improve my grouping and work on my technique but I'm looking forward to trying it out and maybe at a later date I might extend it. I'll also be shooting down at the target and placing a back net behind it. Our garden slopes upward and backs onto a field (plus we have that huge sycamore tree), so I am not too worried about the length. However, the width is not ideal so I'm taking no chances and planting loads of climbers to make a natural barrier over the netting. I just hope it grows quick!

For now, I'll be happy shooting at a shorter distance and hopefully I won't annoy my neighbours too much. I'm looking forward to the Summer.

Back with a Vengeance

Side view of boss.

Decided to use every spare inch of my boss and (after shooting a hole in the kitchen cupboard) tried to save it a bit more with insulation and wooden boards behind.

Arrows straight through the boss
and insulation foam.

Arrows are still going through where the target is getting worn, but it's certainly a lot better now and hopefully I won't keep hitting the wood behind and have to keep replacing the nocks that seem to be shattering.

Target face pinned to scrap foamboard.

Grouping is definitely getting better and I've now fitted a clicker to my bow - one that attaches just behind the sight as I haven't got a recess for an extension plate. Even though this is a Hoyt Excel, I gather it's because this is a 23" riser (my choice as it is perfect for my small hands). Another small grumble is that the handle grip is really uncomfortable and I have had to tape it up! Had a bit of trouble with the clicker at first as the allen key didn't fit and it kept moving about. Visited Bowsports in Wolverhampton and they very kindly found one that fit for me. Result!

Grouping getting better.

My beautiful bow.

Target Testing

Home Archery Range

I set up a small archery range at home by putting up the boss in my kitchen with a piece of plywood behind and also a square piece of wood. I also hung up an old decorating blanket on top of my kitchen units. The distance from the lounge to the kitchen was about 10 yards. I started to use my paper targets with my training bow which is just 15 to 18 lbs. After a few sessions the boss started to wear away in the middle but I carried on moving the target around so that it wasn't that close. Shooting over the couch and through doorways is certainly different - just in case you're wondering I was alone in the house. My first session using my targets was very good and I was pleased at how well the paper targets lasted.

However, I decided to mount the paper targets onto foam board with spray adhesive.  These lasted a lot longer and also saved my boss a bit more.

I also mounted a FITA target onto foamboard and tested that out too, but it didn't last half as long as my own as there is only one centre target.

Then I  bought my new Intermediate bow which is 24 lbs. All the targets took a new hammering and, in less than 2 weeks (at only an hour or so a day) my boss was useless. 

The arrows went straight through the boss, my plywood, and stuck into the wood. Really disappointed at the boss, will definitely not buy another one like this.

End of testing - for now.

Back of boss