SRT 3D TARGET CARE

Keep Your 3D Targets Happy and Healthy (for Longer!)

We totally get it—your 3D targets are an investment, whether they’re for your bustling club or your serene backyard range. And naturally, you want them to stick around for as long as possible! We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your 3D targets are not indestructible! The secret to their longevity isn’t magic, it’s just a little bit of mindful care. Think of it as giving them spa treatment, but with less cucumber and more foam-friendly habits.

Group Shots: Not Their Favorite Photo Op

Here’s the scoop: 3D targets generally aren’t big fans of shooting groups. We’re talking about those impressively tight clusters of arrows hitting the exact same spot. While it’s a testament to yours or your group’s accuracy (high five!), it creates a larger-than-life hole that the target’s foam just can’t bounce back from. It’s like trying to patch the grand canyon with a Band-Aid!

This has become particularly noticeable with the rise of rangefinders, known-distance shooting and large diameter arrows. So, what’s a sharpshooter to do?

• Buddy System for Targets: On your 3D courses, if you can, try placing two or more targets at a shooting station. Picture a charming pair of raccoons or a whole family of bears (though we know smaller targets are often kinder on the wallet for this!). This way, your group of skilled archers can spread the love (and the arrows) around, preventing any single target from getting overwhelmed and developing a giant, unhealable boo-boo.
• Embrace the Challenge: We know modern archers come equipped with all sorts of helpful gear—fancy sights, precise rangefinders, and even wheels on their bows! So, perhaps it’s time to make those shots just a little more challenging than usual. A slightly trickier angle or a spot that requires a touch more thought before letting the arrow fly can encourage archers to spread their shots out, even unintentionally. It’s a win-win: archers hone their skills, and your targets get to live longer!

Mix It Up: Angles and Rotations

Variety is the spice of life, even for 3D targets!

• Rotate, Rotate, Rotate: Don’t always shoot your targets broadside with the animal’s head staring right at you. Spinning them around regularly allows you to hit different spots and angles. Many targets, especially SRT 3D targets, even have multiple competition-standard killzones placed strategically, inviting you to try different shot angles and keeping things fresh.

Weather Woes: Give ‘Em Shelter!

While 3D targets are built for the great outdoors, leaving them constantly exposed to the sun’s harsh UV rays and extreme temperatures is like leaving your favorite pet out in a hurricane—it’ll speed up the foam’s “aging process.”

• Consider a Cozy Retreat: Think about bringing your targets in, covering them up, or tucking them under some shelter when they’re not in use. A little protection goes a long way in preserving that precious foam.

Broadheads: A Big No-No (Usually!)

Unless a target specifically boasts about being broadhead-friendly, assume it’s not. Most mainstream 3D targets are designed to stop arrows cleanly, not to endure being sliced and diced by broadheads.

• Stick to Field Points: If you want your 3D targets to live a long, happy life, simply put, don’t shoot broadheads into them. Your targets (and your wallet) will thank you!

Got any other clever tips for keeping your 3D targets in tip-top shape? We’d love to hear them!