I get worried when archers and bowhunters stop talking about targets. Without targets, how do we practice? Just something to think about.
One target that piqued my interest, and one I've since been able to put hundreds of arrows into, is Morrell's Yellow Jacket MOD PRO. A sizeable (29 "W x 13 "D x 31" H) bag target rated to stop arrows and crossbow bolts moving up to 435 fps, this 56-pound target has much going for it.
For starters, it's part of the Morrell's Yellow Jacket line, which has an uncanny ability to resist arrow damage and last for years. Second, the MOD Pro has a Tuning/Precision Target Wrap complete with shootable tuning squares, dots, etc. However, thanks to Velcro on the target's sides, the wrap is removable, allowing you to purchase and add other customized wraps like the Buck + Turkey, NFAA 40 + 60 CM, 25 Series-Darts, and others.
At $179.99, the target doesn't break the bank, and additional target faces are $24.99 each. This target is ideal for close and long-range shooting. Long-range shooting is becoming popular, and while I don't promote stretching the distance too far when hunting, I recommend practicing twice the distance you feel comfortable dropping the string on a big-game animal. When shooting at a distance, a larger target boots your peace of mind and prevents lost arrows. Arrows are too expensive to lose.
The target features a flat bottom, and over the one-month testing period, I sat it on concrete and uneven dirt and even dug it into a hillside. The flat bottom, combined with the target's weight, provides a stable shooting platform regardless of the terrain. I also found the target impervious to nasty weather. While you should cover the target or place it inside during periods of moisture, know that the MOD Pro will handle a few good soakings.
This is not a target you want to carry everywhere; however, the transport handle makes moving reasonably easy. I recommend finding a permanent location for the MOD Pro—where you can shoot close and far—and leaving it. You don't want to take this target on road-trip hunts. If you're looking for an excellent road trip target, give Morrell's High Roller Foam Target a look. The target is light and has a rope carry handle, and the six-sided dice build provides 16 2-inch white dots to hammer with arrows.
For more information, check out morrelltargets.com.
