Best Archery Targets of 2017

I've got a weird addiction to bow targets. It started before I had kids and had a lot of time to shoot. Those pre-parenthood days were filled with range time and I had no problem driving the 15 minutes to my local club and shooting. After my wife delivered two babies at the same time into our lives, the option to devote hours to shooting evaporated just like my sleep schedule.

I suddenly needed to shoot at home either in my basement or in the yard and what I realized was that I didn't like it as much. So I started buying a new target every year and setting up a little range of my own. It isn't much, but I've got a few 3D targets and an assortment of blocks and bags. I'm covered whether I've got a few minutes over lunch to fling some arrows, or are heading out-of-state and need a camp target.

These days, I firmly believe that every bowhunter needs at least two targets if at all possible. The first is an animal 3D target, whether that's a deer or a turkey or whatever. The second is something portable with clearly defined bulls-eyes.

If that sounds like a good plan, follow along because there are several new offerings in the target market worthy of your consideration.

Rinehart Targets Pyramid

I love Rinehart Targets. They are more expensive than most targets, but the old adage 'you get what you pay for' certainly applies here. I've never had targets hold up as well as Rineharts. In addition to a pile of new 3D targets, they've released the Pyramid ($70) this year. This ultra-portable, seven-pound target is perfect for hunting camp. It's also designed with Minute Of Angle (MOA) grid, which you might recognize from your old gun hunting days. What this does is make it pretty simple to sight in with this target, which features highly visible target zones for practicing during all conditions - including low light.

Hurricane Bag Targets Storm

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Exclusive C.P.E. (Compressible, Packable, Expandable) technology makes Hurricane's latest offering different from everything else on the market. The Storm measures 20x24x10 inches but can be compressed down to only four inches thick for travel. It weighs 15 pounds and is the ideal target for backyards and travel considering it costs only $35. This field-point target features multiple high-contrast aiming points to ensure a better shooting experience and longer target life.

BLOCK 6X6

There's a reason that BLOCK targets are some of the most popular targets in the world. Several reasons, in fact. Their latest is full of evidence to support this claim ranging from the usage of Friction Foam and an injected molded exterior. This results in a durable target that can be shot on all six sides for years of use. This target measures 18x18x16 inches and weighs a shade under 15 pounds.

Cabela's Barricade High-Performance Target

Welded Core Technology allows Cabela's latest target to be used and abused for years while keeping pass-throughs in check. It also allows for easy arrow removal, which is always appreciated when you consider that its rated for bows that can generate blistering arrow speeds. This 17-pound target is designed to handle field points and broadheads, making it ideal for the backyard or hunting camp.

Delta McKenzie Targets Mo'Go Layered Foam Target

High-speed bows are no match for Delta McKenzie's latest with its high-density Mo'Foam, and its ability to be shot from all four sides with both field points and broadheads. A sleek-looking graphic outer wrap allows you to pick and choose a litany of aiming points for both up-close shooting, and for those sessions when you want to see just how far your effective range really extends to.

Morrell's Yellow Jacket YJ-350 F/P

Yellow Jacket targets are pretty common in bowhunter's backyards, and for 2017 they are likely to become even more so thanks to a redesign by Morrell. This sharper looking Yellow Jacket can handle arrows hitting it at up to 350fps, is 100-percent weatherproof, and is highly portable thanks to the E-Z Tote carrying handle. One thing that didn't change with this latest incarnation of the Yellow Jacket is that it still allows for one finger arrow removal, which is always appreciated.