Here’s Your Blueprint For Choosing the Right Archery Targets

You know what most archers do? They walk into a shop, grab the first archery target they see, drag it home, and start shooting. Then, a few weeks later, they’re frustrated because their arrows are chewed up, their accuracy hasn’t improved, or the thing looks like it survived a tornado.

Sound familiar?

It’s not your shooting that’s the problem. It’s the target.

If you train on the wrong surface, you’ll never perform your best. A runner wouldn’t practice sprints in work boots, and an archer shouldn’t waste hours shooting into a target that doesn’t match their setup.

The right target can be the difference between arrows that group tight and arrows that wobble off course, between practice that feels effortless and practice that feels like pulling teeth.

At Kenco Outfitters, we’ve seen this story play out with beginners and seasoned bowhunters alike. 

The fix is simple: pick the archery targets that match your bow, arrows, and goals.

And that’s exactly what we are talking about in this blog. We will break down the three main types of archery targets, bag, foam block, and 3D animal, and determine which will make your practice count.

The 3 Main Types of Archery Targets (And Which One Fits You)

Once you realize your target actually matters, the next step is figuring out which type matches how you shoot. Not all targets are created equal, some are built for pure repetition, others for versatility, and some are made to mimic the real thing.

Let’s break down the big three:

Bag Targets

If you’re the archer who loves emptying a quiver just to clear your head, bag targets are your best match.

They’re designed for volume. 

Shoot, pull, shoot again, day after day. 

And the best part? Your arrows slide out without a fight, which means more time shooting and less time yanking arrows out like you’re wrestling with a tree stump.

• Best for: high-volume practice with field points.
• Pros: easy arrow removal, long-lasting, and tough enough for thousands of shots.
• Cons: Broadheads will shred them, and they’re not exactly fun to move once they’ve soaked up some rain.

Bag targets are dependable, plain, and simple. Not fancy, not flashy, but if your goal is steady practice, they’ll have your back every time.

Foam Block Targets

Foam block archery targets are like the Swiss Army knife of practice. They can take broadheads, field points, and everything in between, and they’re light enough to haul to a buddy’s yard or the range without breaking a sweat.

The layered foam design stops arrows clean, but fair warning: pulling them out can feel like an extra workout, especially if you’re shooting higher draw weights.

• Best for: versatility, works with field points and broadheads.
• Pros: lightweight, portable, and solid stopping power.
• Cons: tougher arrow removal, and the lifespan depends on how much (and how hard) you shoot.

If you want one target that can handle pretty much everything, this is the one to grab.

3D Animal Targets

This is where practice gets exciting. Shooting at a lifelike 3D deer, coyote, or turkey is the closest thing to drawing back on the real deal.

These targets don’t just stop arrows, they train your eye for shot placement, angles, and distance. If bowhunting is your thing, this type of practice is gold.

• Best for: hunters who want realistic training.
• Pros: teaches precision on kill zones, makes backyard shooting way more engaging.
• Cons: They cost more, and weather can beat them up if you’re not careful.

3D targets are LITERALLY a rehearsal before opening day. They’ll sharpen your instincts so your first shot in the woods feels like your hundredth at home.

How to Choose the Right Archery Targets for You?

So now you’ve seen the big three: bag, foam block, and 3D. 

The question is, which one actually fits you?

Because there’s no one-size-fits-all target, the right choice depends on how you shoot, what you’re shooting, and what you’re training for. If you just grab “whatever,” you’ll either wear it out too fast, wreck your arrows, or get frustrated when it doesn’t hold up.

A quick way to narrow it down:

• What’s your bow’s draw weight? Heavy poundage demands a tougher target.
• What arrows are you shooting? Field points, broadheads, or both?
• What’s your main goal? Backyard reps, realistic hunting prep, or a mix of both?
• How much do you want to spend? Durability often costs more upfront but saves money (and arrows) in the long run.

Here’s your cheat sheet:

Dial In Your Aim with Kenco’s Archery Targets

At Kenco Outfitters, we stock targets for every kind of archer. 

• Bag targets for the backyard shooter who loves putting in reps, 
• Foam blocks for anyone who wants a solid all-rounder, and 
• 3D animal targets for bowhunters who want their practice to feel as close to the real thing as it gets.

We don’t just throw random products on the shelf. We test them, we shoot them, and we make sure they’re worth your time. So whether you’re fine-tuning your shot for hunting season or just keeping your groups tight in the yard, you’ll find something here that works as hard as you do.

Check out our full range of archery targets and set yourself up with the one that matches how you shoot.