Whether you hunt game or shoot on a range, you need to practice. A lot. To gain accuracy you must be patient and pay great attention to detail, keep a steady hand and feel comfortable with your equipment. In order to practice you need something to shoot at, so choosing a target is an important step.
There are different types of targets, based on their style of build. They can be in the form of a bag, foam, 3D or paper and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. One of our favorites is foam target, but you can also make your own DIY homemake archery target.
Pros and Cons of Paper Achery Targets
One benefit of using a paper target is it allows the archer to see clearly where arrows land, once the arrows have been retrieved. They can be circular in shape, which allows the shooter to work on their accuracy, or shaped to represent certain game.
Paper big game targets work well for anyone who likes to hunt, as they give a more realistic target to aim for. They can help you to develop better shot placement, as the vitals are clearly outlined and you can aim at the kill zone.
They are also one of the least expensive types of big game targets available.
However, paper can be flimsy and these targets will need to be stapled to a backer. As paper is disposable, they can be destroyed if it rains and they typically only last for one session. The big game targets are only printed on one side too, so you can only really practice a broadside shot.
7 of the Best Paper Archery Targets
If you do want to use paper archery targets to practice shooting, there are many to choose from and some of the best on the market are detailed below.
Archery Targets by Longbow
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”500″ identifier=”B00IX258Q8″ locale=”US” src=”https://deadbullseye.com//sites/deadbullseye.com/files/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/51Qaq8IRWNL.jpg” tag=”deadbullseye-20″ width=”300″]These basic archery paper targets are the perfect choice for a beginner, not looking to spend a lot and get a lot of practice in before hunting for real.
They are also suitable for range shooting and are manufactured to the strict 24” archery standards. The 5 coloured sections provide the shooter with different targets to aim for, with each one scoring differently.
If you prefer not to hunt game, these are ideal as they do not feature an animal at all.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00IX258Q8″ locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>See the latest price for the Bullseye Archery Targets<<<[/easyazon_link]
Champion 24” Bullseye Target Review
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”500″ identifier=”B0000C6BJI” locale=”US” src=”https://deadbullseye.com//sites/deadbullseye.com/files/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/51hdXraM2QL.jpg” tag=”deadbullseye-20″ width=”300″]This is a top of the range paper archery target, manufactured in the USA by Champion. The 5 coloured scoring rings enable you to hone your shooting skills, as you try to score as much as possible with each arrow.
This is a standard competition design but can be used for any sort of shooting practice. It is a large, reasonably durable paper target but cannot be reused.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0000C6BJI” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>See the latest price for the Champion 24-Inch Bullseye Archery Target<<<[/easyazon_link]
Thompson Life Size Deer Vitals Target
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”500″ identifier=”B00JXOW9ZS” locale=”US” src=”https://deadbullseye.com//sites/deadbullseye.com/files/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/51SBgwQ2BYAL.jpg” tag=”deadbullseye-20″ width=”300″]This fabulously detailed paper target is made in the USA and features the vital organs kill zone. You can practice your shooting skills and see exactly where you would hit the animal at the same time. It is a very good quality product and the vibrant ink shows up well down the range.
This paper target is life-size and anatomically correct. One of the most effective shots when it comes to killing big game is the double-lung shot. This target design allows you to focus specifically on that, to improve your chances of an accurate, ethical kill when out hunting.
These also provide a bit more interest than a standard circular paper target. They are made from decent, heavyweight paper and work well even in humid conditions.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00JXOW9ZS” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>See the latest price for the Life Size Deer Vitals Shooting Targets<<<[/easyazon_link]
Champion Visicolor Deer Target
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”500″ identifier=”B000W8J182″ locale=”US” src=”https://deadbullseye.com//sites/deadbullseye.com/files/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/51otQhoawsL.jpg” tag=”deadbullseye-20″ width=”300″]These professional paper targets are another great choice from Champion, a very reputable company in the industry. They offer high-visibility and a fun way to practice hunting large game, such as whitetails.
The multi-coloured halos provide easy identification of your hit location but it is not life-size, so that is something to bear in mind. They are best used in dry conditions, as the paper has a tendency to curl up in the wet.
These are great paper targets for beginners, as they provide a fun and simple way to hone your skills.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B000W8J182″ locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>See the latest price for the Champion Visicolor Deer Target<<<[/easyazon_link]
X-Ray Archery Target Review
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”500″ identifier=”B0014VYWPI” locale=”US” src=”https://deadbullseye.com//sites/deadbullseye.com/files/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/51nitVKx1nL.jpg” tag=”deadbullseye-20″ width=”300″]These large, deer-shaped paper targets are great fun to shoot at and hunters can get a good idea of how best to aim for the deer’s vital organs. The organs are clearly marked and give hunters of any ability the chance to hone their skills.
These paper targets offer highly contrasting colours, to improve visibility for the archer. There are 4 distinct colours and the target even has vital details about the animal printed on it, such as the average weight of a deer that size and its top speed.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0014VYWPI” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>See the latest price for the Champion Deer Xray Paper Target<<<[/easyazon_link]
Birchwood Casey Eze-Scorer Elk Target
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”500″ identifier=”B00HQQFX0I” locale=”US” src=”https://deadbullseye.com//sites/deadbullseye.com/files/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/512B2Gz6HD3L.jpg” tag=”deadbullseye-20″ width=”300″]These top of the range paper archery targets have been tested for quality and durability, offering archers a great value for money product. They feature a picture of an elk, which is about a third of the actual size, and the vital organs are clearly marked.
The realism presented allows the hunter to replicate real-life hunting scenarios and have fun while practicing. The paper is heavy-weight, giving it more strength to withstand hard-hitting arrows from high energy bows.
These are one of the best archery paper targets for anyone who likes to keep their practice realistic.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00HQQFX0I” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>See the latest price for the Elk Paper Target<<<[/easyazon_link]
Champion Visicolor Zombie Targets
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”250″ identifier=”B005HJ9NKW” locale=”US” src=”https://deadbullseye.com//sites/deadbullseye.com/files/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/41TjAI6QA0L.jpg” tag=”deadbullseye-20″ width=”300″]These professional paper targets are great fun, offering something very different to anyone with a taste for horror! They feature vivid, movie-quality images of zombies in bright colours, with different zones to aim for. The head shot is a radiation green colour and if you miss, this counts as an accidental hit to a hostage.
Zombie movies are hugely popular these days and these good quality paper targets will prove to be great fun for fans. They are particularly good for younger hunters, who perhaps like the idea of chasing zombies and being in their own apocalyptic adventure.
They are designed more for rifle shooting but for the archer who fancies something a little different, they are just as good.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B005HJ9NKW” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>See the latest price for the Champion Visicolor Zombie Target<<<[/easyazon_link]
Finally…
When you have chosen your paper targets, make sure that you secure them to the appropriate backing and remember to shoot somewhere safe. Hunting is a fun sport and even practice need not be boring when you look at some of the options available.