John Rinehart purchased some conventional archery targets in 1997 to sharpen his archery game for an upcoming hunting trip. He was disappointed in their durability and performance. Believing he could design a “better mousetrap,” Rinehart began experimenting with foam and developed a compound that solved the problems he’d experienced. In 1999, Rinehart Targets and its industry-esteemed self-healing foam were born.

The first target John launched was the Velociraptor. Why didn’t he introduce his new foam on a deer target? Because he wanted his recipe to stand out.

That Velociraptor gained Rinehart Targets and its new foam formula its due limelight. It was so effective, in fact, that Rinehart still uses it in its logo today (below).

In 2005, John Rinehart turned the company’s leadership over to daughter Barbara and son-in-law James McGovern. They purchased the company in 2010. “Prior to taking over, Rinehart 3-D targets were primarily sold to archery clubs,” James McGovern said. “We still honor that commitment, but we began channeling our targets to consumers through pro shops, too. That’s been a big success for us. In fact, we dominate the high-end 3-D target market.

“Our self-healing foam makes our targets different,” he continued. “It uses mass to stop arrows and flexibility to pull them out. As we move forward, our foam will continue to drive our success, but so will our efforts to improve.” The 1/3 Scale Woodland Elk (below) is his new favorite.

“Most folks don’t have $1,500 to buy an elk target," McGovern said. "Most also don’t have 60-yard ranges in their backyards. But, with $220 and a 20-yard patch of lawn, they can simulate a 60-yard shot — this downsized target appears at 20 yards the same as a life-size elk at 60 yards. No other company has done this before. It’s completely new to the market.”

For more information, visit www.rinehart3d.com.