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12 DIY Archery Backstop To Catch Stray Arrows

A DIY archery backstop are used to catch stray arrows when you target practice. No more running around looking for the strays that missed the target, the backstop will catch them. You can spend lots of money and buy a ready-made archery backstop or you can create a DIY backstop for very little money.

It’s a great way to recycle soft materials like foam padding or carpeting. A DIY archery backstop can be made from a bale of hay. It’s inexpensive and will last for a few months.

Check out these creative ideas and get busy building a homemade archery backstop so you won’t have to chase down stray arrows.

1- Archery Backstop With Roof

Use these free plans to build a large archery backstop by standardamericandad with a roof for year-round fun.

The wooden frame has a roof cover with metal roofing material to keep the rain and snow off the target. The large size of the backstop allows you to use a standard bullseye target or set up an archery deer, turkey, or hog target.

The backstop is created from a recycled rubber floor mat and is thick enough to stop all the stray arrows that miss the target.

If you have a few leftover building materials on hand, then this DIY project can be created very inexpensively.

DIY Archery Backstop
DIY Archery Backstop, Image via: standardamericandad

2- Portable Arrow Backstop

Here is a great idea for stopping a stray arrow anywhere you want to target practice.

This portable arrow backstop by archerytalk is built from plywood and has a roof over the top to keep the rain and snow off your target. If you have some scrap lumber, this DIY project will be cheap to build. You’ll be able to target practice anywhere and in any weather conditions with this homemade backstop.

Portable Arrow Backstop
Homemade Portable Backstop, Image via: archerytalk

3- Backyard Archery Range

If you enjoy shooting with bow and arrows but don’t have an archery range nearby, build one in your backyard.

Follow these free plans to create an archery range by survivingprepper that has two targets and a safe DIY archery backstop large enough for both targets. You will be able to step outside and into your own backyard archery range in less than one day with this easy building project.

This is ideal for a suburban backyard and the backstop takes up very little space.

Backyard Archery Range
Backyard Archery Range, Image via: survivingprepper

4- Horse Stall Mat

A horse stall mat is made from thick rubber and it will stop an arrow that misses the target. Learn how to build a frame from recycled landscape timbers and suspend a horse stall mat behind the arrow target in this idea by Fabville.

It’s a permanently placed backstop that is concreted into the ground. It will last for years as you hone your archery skills on the target.

Horse Stall Mat
Horse Stall Mat, Image via: Fabville

5- Exercise Mat

Learn how to take a large exercise mat and create a DIY archery backdrop like this one by Donald Porta on Youtube video. It’s easy to build and easy on the budget too.

The large mat is thick and strong, yet it has cushioning so stray arrows won’t break when they hit the backdrop. This backdrop will stop all of your practice arrows and broadheads that miss the target.

6- Foam Block

This video tutorial will provide you with detailed instructions for building a safe and secure DIY archery backstop like this one by
longdread575 on youtube
.

A stack of light weight foam blocks behind the target slows the stray arrows down and stops most of them, But just in case the foam blocks are not enough, there is a thick rubber horse mat behind them that will stop all stray arrows.

The wooden frame holds everything together and will provide you with a safe target for practicing with your bow and arrows.

7- Under $50 Backstop

All you need is a few 2“x4“ pieces of lumber and a horse stall mat to create a safe backstop by diydanielle.

The target goes in the center and the mat is wide enough on each side to stop all the stray arrows. This is a great size for a small backyard and the price is right for any budget. Arrows are not cheap and you won’t be losing any more of them after you build this effective arrow backstop.

Under $50 Backstop
Under $50 Backstop, Image via; diydanielle

8- Carpet Backstop

Get an excellent idea for recycling an old piece of carpeting or rug into diy archery backstop like this one by Aaron Matters in Youtube video.

Carpeting and rugs are made from thick, soft materials and do a great job at stopping strays arrows. So when it’s time to replace your flooring, save the old carpeting and rugs for this DIY project.

The carpeting or rug is easy to suspend behind the archery target. If the space must serve double duty, then the carpeting or rug will be easy to take down and rolled up when not in use. The backstop can be put up in a few minutes and you can enjoy target practicing without losing any arrows.

9- Cardboard Backstop

Cardboard is free and easy to obtain. It also makes a great DIY archery backstop by gatewaytoairguns when you combine several layers of cardboard.

Cardboard is a paper product, therefore it’s made from trees and is very durable. A cardboard box filled with layers of cardboard is tough and will last a long time if it’s kept out of the weather.Check out this shooters forum for some great ideas on how to build targets and secure backstops to catch stray arrows.

DIY archery backstop
Cardboard Backstop, Image via: gatewaytoairguns

10- DIY Portable Backstop

Learn how to build a portable backstop for your arrows like this one by TightlineTV in this Youtube video.

The backstop is created from 2“x4“ boards and a thick horse mat. Wheels are attached to the bottom so it’s easy to move around. The design creates a thin DIY archery backstop that is easy to store in a small space when it’s not in use.

The mat is thick and well able to stop stray arrows so you won’t have to chase them down after target practice. You won’t lose any more of those costly arrows either. This is a simple build and it’s budget friendly.

11- Homemade Backstop

Improve your archery skills for the next bow hunting season with your own target and homemade backstop in your backyard.

This project costs less than $50 and it will help you develop the arrow shooting skills needed to harvest a big buck or other wildlife. Practice with peace of mind, knowing your arrows won’t be lost or broken.

A horse mat seems to be the most popular item to use as a backstop for arrows. This backstop design by Clarks Outdoors on youtube uses a horse mat and a 2“x4“x8 wooden frame to create a perfect, cheap homemade backstop. Watch this YouTube video for complete instructions.

12- Anti-Fatigue Mat Backstop

Those cushiony anti-fatigue mats that are made for people who have to stand in one place for long periods of time make great DIY archery backstops.

These mats are relatively cheap and the backstop is easy to build. The thick cushioned anti-fatigue mats are sturdy and durable and will last through a few seasons of target practice. The narrow width makes the backstop easy to store when not in use.

Improve your archery skills and quit losing arrows with a backstop like in this Youtube video.

Ending Note!

DIY archery backstop helps you in target practicing to have a clear shot when you are on hunting. You can also use these 12 diy archery backstop we have shared with you for fun with your kids or teaching them art of hunting.

References

Washington Department of Fish & wildlife, “Target shooting on WDFW lands”, https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands/recreation-planning/rule-development/target-shooting

Department of Natural Resources, “Getting Started: Archery”, https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/education-training/wild-ohio-harvest-community/getting-started-archery

About Farhan Ahsan

My name is Farhan Ahsan,I am web enthusiast, writer and blogger. I always strive to be passionate about my work. I started my work at the beginning of 2007 by engaging myself with detail reading and exchanging information with others. Since then things and times have changed, but one thing remains the same and that is my passion for helping and educating people, building a successful blog and delivering quality content to the readers. I always love to write about gardening, sustainable life, off grid living and homestead farming.

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