Archery Paper Targets

What Are Archery Paper Targets?

Archery paper targets are printed target faces that attach to an arrow stopping target. They usually show coloured scoring rings, aiming spots, animal style practice designs or simple bullseye layouts.

A paper target is not designed to stop arrows on its own. It must be used with a suitable target boss, bag target, cube target, foam block, straw target or other arrow stopping system. The paper face gives the archer a clear aiming point, while the target behind it stops the arrow.

How To Choose The Right Paper Target

Start with the target boss or backing you already use. The paper face should fit the target properly, with enough space around the edges for safe shooting and secure fixing.

Size is one of the most important buying factors. Larger faces are usually better for beginners, junior archers and longer distances. Smaller faces can be useful for short range training, indoor practice and experienced archers working on accuracy.

Also think about the type of shooting. Standard ring targets are useful for scoring and structured practice. Multi spot targets can help spread arrows around the boss and reduce damage to one small area.

Standard Target Faces And Scoring Rings

Traditional archery target faces usually use coloured scoring rings. The familiar colours are gold, red, blue, black and white, with the centre scoring highest and the outer rings scoring lower.

Paper scoring faces are useful because they make progress easier to measure. You can track group size, scoring consistency, left or right errors and changes in accuracy over time.

For beginners, a clear full face target is often easiest to understand. For experienced archers, smaller centres, reduced faces or multi spot designs can make practice more challenging.

Indoor And Outdoor Paper Targets

Indoor archery often uses smaller target faces because distances are shorter and shooting conditions are more controlled. These faces can be useful for hall practice, winter training, club sessions and short range accuracy work.

Outdoor archery often uses larger target faces, especially at longer distances. Outdoor paper targets may need to be pinned securely and protected from wind, rain and damp conditions where possible.

If you are practising outdoors, check the weather before setting up. Paper targets can tear, flap or become unreadable if they are not fixed properly or if conditions are poor.

Full Face Or Multi Spot Targets?

A full face target shows the complete scoring face, including all outer rings. It is usually the best choice for beginners, juniors and general target practice because it gives a larger visible aiming area.

A multi spot target has several smaller aiming areas on one sheet. These are useful when archers want to avoid repeatedly shooting the same centre and damaging arrows or the target boss.

The trade off is confidence versus precision. Full faces are more forgiving. Multi spot targets make practice more focused and can help spread wear across the target.

Paper Targets For Beginners And Juniors

Beginners and junior archers usually benefit from larger, clearer target faces. A bigger target gives more margin for error and makes practice feel more encouraging.

For young archers, the target face should be easy to see, securely attached and used at a suitable distance under adult or instructor supervision.

Paper targets can also be useful for coaching because they show patterns clearly. If arrows are grouping high, low, left or right, it can help the archer and coach adjust technique.

Paper Targets For Club Practice And Scoring

For club archery, paper target faces are useful for scoring rounds, practice sessions, competitions, coaching and progression tracking.

Different rounds may use different face sizes, scoring methods or distances. If you are buying paper targets for club use, check which sizes and styles are required for the type of shooting being practised.

Keeping spare target faces available is sensible because paper can tear, become damp or wear quickly when many arrows are shot into the same area.

Fixing Paper Targets To A Boss

Paper targets should be fixed flat and securely to the target boss or backing. Loose paper can flap in the wind, tear more easily and make aiming less consistent.

Target pins, clips or suitable fixings can help hold the face in place. Make sure fixings are positioned safely and do not create unnecessary hard impact points for arrows.

Replace the paper face when it becomes too torn, faded, wet or difficult to score accurately. A clean target face makes practice clearer and more enjoyable.

Paper Targets, Bosses And Backstops

A paper target face is only one part of a safe archery setup. The arrow stopping target behind it must be suitable for the bow, draw weight and arrows being used.

A safe backstop is also important because arrows can miss the target, pass through worn areas or deflect unexpectedly. The shooting area should be private, controlled and arranged so arrows cannot leave the safe zone.

Never shoot at paper targets attached to unsuitable surfaces such as fences, doors, walls, trees, sheds or hard boards. Arrows need a proper target designed for archery use.

Using Archery Paper Targets Safely

Always check the target boss, paper face, pins, arrows and shooting area before use. Do not shoot if the target is unstable, badly worn or no longer stopping arrows properly.

Only shoot in a safe direction with a clear range and suitable backstop. Never shoot towards roads, footpaths, buildings, animals, neighbouring gardens or anywhere a person could enter unexpectedly.

If you are new to archery, supervised instruction or club practice is the safest way to learn correct shooting technique, range discipline and target setup.

Useful Accessories To Consider

Useful accessories can include target pins, target stands, target bosses, bag targets, cube targets, backstop netting, arrow pullers, quivers, arm guards, finger tabs and bow stringers.

A target stand can position the boss at a better height. Target pins help keep paper faces secure. Arrow pullers can make arrow removal easier, especially when the target grips arrows tightly.

Choose accessories that match your bow, arrows, target face and shooting space.

Why Buy Archery Paper Targets From YPC?

At YPC, we have real experience with archery and outdoor activity equipment, so we understand why clear, practical targets matter. Paper target faces should be easy to see, suitable for your practice and used with the correct arrow stopping target.

Browse the Archery Paper Targets range, compare the options and choose the paper faces that fit your target boss, shooting distance and archery practice routine.

Archery Paper Targets FAQs

What are archery paper targets used for?

Archery paper targets are used as printed target faces for aiming, scoring and practice. They must be attached to a suitable arrow stopping target.

Can paper targets stop arrows?

No. Paper targets do not stop arrows on their own. They need to be used with a proper target boss, foam target, bag target, cube target or straw target.

What size paper archery target do I need?

The right size depends on the shooting distance, archer experience and type of practice. Beginners usually benefit from larger target faces.

Are paper targets suitable for beginners?

Yes, paper targets are suitable for beginners when used with a proper target boss and safe shooting setup. Clear full face designs are usually easiest to start with.

What is the difference between a full face and multi spot target?

A full face target shows the complete scoring rings. A multi spot target has several smaller aiming points, which can help spread arrow wear across the target.

Can I use paper targets outdoors?

Yes, paper targets can be used outdoors, but they should be fixed securely and kept as dry as possible. Wind and rain can make paper faces tear or become hard to score.

How do I attach a paper target to a boss?

Use suitable target pins, clips or fixings to hold the paper flat and secure. Avoid loose paper because it can flap, tear and make aiming harder.

Can I use paper targets with a compound bow?

Yes, but the paper face must be attached to a target that is suitable for the compound bow, draw weight and arrows being used.

Can paper targets be used with junior bows?

Yes, paper targets can be used with junior bows when paired with a suitable target and proper adult supervision.

What are scoring rings on an archery target?

Scoring rings are the coloured sections of the target face. The centre scores highest, while outer rings score lower.

Why do archery paper targets tear?

Paper targets tear because arrows pass through them repeatedly, especially when shots group in the same area. Weather and poor fixing can also cause tearing.

How often should I replace paper targets?

Replace paper targets when they are torn, wet, faded or difficult to score accurately. Frequent practice may require regular replacement.

Do I need a backstop with paper targets?

Yes, a safe backstop is strongly recommended. The paper face and target boss should not be treated as complete safety protection on their own.

Can I print my own archery targets?

You can print practice targets, but they should be clear, correctly sized for your needs and used only with a proper arrow stopping target and safe setup.

What accessories are useful with paper targets?

Useful accessories include target pins, target bosses, target stands, backstop netting, arrow pullers, quivers, arm guards and finger tabs.

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