How to Make Archery Targets From Grates

Making your own archery target from plastic, metal, or wooden grates is a great way to make a secure and stable archery target while also saving money by not spending more money on a pre-made archery target. Using items that are already on hand is a great way to recycle materials that would normally be thrown away. Custom-made targets also allow you to create one according to your own personal preferences when it comes to size, shape, and thickness.

Things You'll Need

• 1 or 2 Wooden, metal, or plastic grates Packing material Target or spray paint Twine, bailing wire, or nails

Instructions

1. 

   Create a stand to make sure the grate stays up at the proper height. You may use another grate as a platform, attaching it with a welder, nails, or ties, depending on what type of material your grate is made out of. If you have a concrete wall, shed, or other hard surface that is safe, you could prop your target against it.

2. Pick materials to absorb and anchor the arrows. An old mattress or futon pad, sacks of grain or sand, plywood (for sharp hunting arrows), foam, used sofa cushions, or cardboard are all great materials for targets. Place or stack these materials behind the grate.

3. Anchor the materials to the grate. Depending on what type of packing material is used, using nails, twine, bailing wire, or heavy rope will attach the material to the grate itself. In order to create a long-lasting target, make sure the material is securely attached.

4. Create a target. Using a traditional bullseye pattern, a picture, or a drawing of a deer are all great ideas for a target. You can either spray paint the target directly on the grate and material, or use a sheet or tarp with the design on it and then attach that to the front of the grate using more nails, twine, or wire.

5. Begin to use the finished target. Once the target is securely attached to "feet" to make it free-standing, or it is leaned against a secure surface, you may begin using your target for practice. If there is no design on your target, you can practice your aim by trying to see how many arrows you can hit into certain holes of the grate, or you can race with your friends to see who can hit a certain area first.