Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Artus on May 29, 2020, 02:17:22 am

Title: biodegradable target
Post by: Artus on May 29, 2020, 02:17:22 am
Hello!

I'm not sure, if this is the right place here for this topic. Please move it, when there is a more suitable board.

I got a big jute sack I wanna use as a target. I know it is a common way to stuff it with plastic wrappings, but I wanna use something biodegradable. Do you have any idea what could be used as a natural filling material?

Thanks
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: Tommy D on May 29, 2020, 03:24:18 am
I have used cotton waste fibers from a textile mill. It’s brilliant. Easiest stuff to pull arrows out of - just not good for broadheads (unless u put it is a cardboard box or something) as they cut the sack. I have also used the synthetic waste (polyester fabrics) as they don’t rot when left outside - but as u want biodegradable I would say the cotton is a good bet
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: Ricardovanleeuwen on May 29, 2020, 04:08:32 am
Or a Cardboard box stuffed with othr Cardboard boxes
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: Pat B on May 29, 2020, 08:37:47 am
Your jute sack is biodegradable, only the stuffing isn't. When the just bag starts to break down put the stuffing in another jute bag. The plastic will still be effective.
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: dylanholderman on May 29, 2020, 10:41:49 am
i haven't tried it but tightly stuffing it with straw/hay (straw bales are way cheaper than hay bales) or dry grass clippings might work, if you use grass make sure that it is dry though, put green grass in a pile and it will quickly heat up and turn into dirt.
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: simson on May 30, 2020, 01:03:36 am
I have used straw bales, but wasn't satiesfied. arrows shot from higher poundage bows got ugly burning marks. When humidity is high and the straw gets wet it is hard to tear out the arrows ...
Cardboard targets makes a loud noise (don't like that) and don't hold up very long.
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: Artus on May 30, 2020, 05:05:42 pm
Thanks for your ideas! Maybe stuffing it with another couple of yute bags would be an idea.
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: backtowood B2W on May 31, 2020, 02:33:20 am
I stuffed my yute bag with old pillows. This target is under roof, no experience if it would last in the rain.
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: Artus on May 31, 2020, 05:33:18 am
That's a good idea too! I guess the pillows are down filled aren't they?
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: backtowood B2W on May 31, 2020, 09:46:57 am
Yes ,with down, takes some time to degrade, guess being wet it's gonna stink..
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: Weylin on May 31, 2020, 10:54:32 am
If you can find raw wool waste and stiff it in there it works brilliantly. really stops the arrows well and deals with moisture better than something like cotton.
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: Artus on May 31, 2020, 04:26:15 pm
Thanks!
Unfortunately these goods are not available for me, hence I think I will use my source for yute sacks and use these as a filling material.
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: Ozymandias on May 05, 2022, 07:53:39 pm
An old post but I agree with the raw wool idea. I use fleece scraps that would otherwise go to waste. Does a great job of stopping the arrows and pulls out really easily. Of course I guess most people do not have animals being shorn on their properties.
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: bownarra on May 06, 2022, 02:31:30 am
Ultimate natural backstop....a pile of sand :)
Lasts for ever and stops anything...
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: Parnell on May 06, 2022, 12:37:09 pm
Ultimate natural backstop....a pile of sand :)
Lasts for ever and stops anything...

Genius! 
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: JW_Halverson on May 06, 2022, 10:33:01 pm
Another alternative is to switch to blunts and shoot at a canvas tarp. So long as the top corners are supported and the bottom is hanging loosely, the arrows will spend their energy and fall to the ground.

Added benefit, there is no chance of one arrow damaging another!
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: superdav95 on May 07, 2022, 12:58:10 am
In a pinch I would use some old scrap jeans and work shirts to stuff in a sack.  Not good for broadheads but it’s cheap and redo able.  I now use a foamy block with a hay bail as backdrop. 

Good to see you back Simson!   
Title: Re: biodegradable target
Post by: mmattockx on May 07, 2022, 12:17:54 pm
Ultimate natural backstop....a pile of sand :)
Lasts for ever and stops anything...

That's pretty hard on the arrows, isn't it?


Mark