Perhaps more than any other type of bowhunting is the difference between those who take bowfishing seriously vs. those who are casual. Some hunters/anglers wade or stand on shore with a simple recurve rigged for shooting fish, while others go “all in” and own expensive gear, from the bow itself and all the accessories, to a boat fully rigged with shooting platform and lights.
To satisfy those customers who take bowfishing to the next level, it might make sense to offer one or more 3-D bowfishing targets, at least during spring. The models shown below are from Rinehart, and range in price from $74.99 to $220. The most expensive one features a replaceable insert ($61).
Customers can shoot these targets in the backyard off a deck so arrows that miss simply stick in the lawn, but those hunters/anglers who really want to simulate the real deal can take tips from Melissa Bachman and submerge a bowfishing target. By raising and lowering the target in shallow water, shooters can practice learning how low to aim to overcome the problem of refraction. Check out Bachman’s video at the bottom of this page.
Rinehart Asian Carp
The Asian Carp target ($104.99; model 16011) is made from Rinehart’s solid, self-healing Signature Series foam that absorbs countless shots from field points and all styles of broadheads with minimal degradation to withstand thousands of shots. When an arrow is removed, the holes “heal” themselves within 10 seconds. The target is weatherproof and UV-resistant. Length is 35 inches, and the target simulates a 35-pound Asian carp.
Rinehart Carp Target
The Rinehart Carp Target ($220; model 504) has solid, self-healing foam and features a replaceable insert ($61); patented internal locking insert tubes lock the target insert in place until it's time to replace it. Length is 37 inches, and the target simulates a 50-pound carp.
Rinehart Yellow Fin Gar Target
The Rinehart Yellow Fin Gar Target ($74.99; model 50311) has solid, self-healing foam like the other models discussed above. This gar will challenge any bowfishing man, woman or child. The lifelike target simulates a 25-pound gar and measures 48 inches in length, but it’s narrow, so your aim must be true or you’ll miss.
In the video below, Melissa Bachman shows how she rigs the Rinehart Gar Target underwater for realistic bowfishing practice.
