Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target Review

Using the Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target in the Real World

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments – from rugged outdoor expeditions to meticulously controlled lab settings and demanding field operations – I approach new gear with a critical, practical eye. My recent acquisition, the Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target, was driven by a specific need to enhance my archery practice for realistic hunting scenarios without resorting to excessive wear on more delicate broadhead targets. I was looking for a durable, self-healing target capable of withstanding a high volume of practice arrows, particularly those tipped with broadheads, mimicking real-world hunting conditions. While a few premium broadhead targets exist, their cost and rapid deterioration under heavy use often make them impractical for extensive practice.

My initial impression upon unboxing was a mix of optimism and mild concern. The target looks the part – a realistic buck silhouette designed for serious practice. However, the packaging, or rather the lack thereof, immediately raised a red flag. The user feedback regarding shipping was, unfortunately, eerily accurate. It felt as though the box had been through a wrestling match and barely survived, with significant damage and only a single stake provided. This certainly tempered my initial enthusiasm, making me question the brand’s attention to detail beyond the product itself. I considered alternatives like simpler foam block targets for broadhead practice, or even more stylized 3D deer targets, but the allure of a dedicated “hunter” design, even with its shipping woes, kept me focused on this particular model. My immediate reaction was a pragmatic desire to assess the target’s core function despite the rocky delivery.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing regimen for the Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target took place in my usual outdoor practice area, a sprawling backyard that serves as my impromptu range. I set it up in a relatively open space, using the single stake provided to anchor it, which was barely adequate given the target’s size and weight. The initial setup was straightforward, mostly involving positioning the target and ensuring it was stable enough to receive arrows.

The first volley of arrows, fletched with field points, entered the target cleanly. However, when I switched to broadheads, the true nature of the target began to reveal itself. The self-healing core performed reasonably well, with arrows passing through and leaving relatively clean entry and exit points that showed minimal expansion after a few shots. Performance in varying conditions was decent; it handled a light evening dew without issue, but I made a mental note to bring it into shelter during heavier rain, as prolonged moisture might affect its integrity.

Ease of use was largely dictated by the setup. Once arrowed, retrieving them required a firm pull, indicative of the target’s density, which is a positive sign for stopping power. My primary surprise was the lack of a proper broadhead core, a detail mentioned in the user feedback I’d seen. This meant the vital areas, where a broadhead would ideally penetrate a dedicated core, were instead filled with the same material as the rest of the target.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent practice, incorporating broadhead shots three times a week, the Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target has held up surprisingly well in terms of its core functionality. The self-healing material continues to seal most arrow entries, though with broadheads, the exit wounds are noticeably larger and show less tendency to completely close compared to field points. There are no visible cracks or signs of structural failure on the main body, which speaks to its robust construction, despite the less-than-ideal packaging.

Durability is a mixed bag. While the target’s main body remains intact, the scoring zones, designed to simulate vital organs, are starting to show significant wear from repeated broadhead impacts. This is expected, but it does mean that over time, the fidelity of these specific aiming points will diminish. Maintenance has been minimal; I occasionally wipe down the surface to remove dirt and debris, and I ensure it’s stored under a tarp when not in use to protect it from the elements.

Compared to some of the cheaper foam targets I’ve used in the past, this target offers superior stopping power and a more realistic profile. However, it falls short of high-end, multi-layer broadhead targets which are designed for extreme durability and specialized core sections for broadheads. For its price point and intended use as a practice target for hunting situations, it strikes a reasonable balance, but the absence of a dedicated broadhead core remains a notable limitation.

Breaking Down the Features of Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target

Specifications

The Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target, specifically the Pro Hunter Buck Single Core model, presents a realistic buck silhouette designed for archery practice. Its core material is engineered for self-healing properties, which is crucial for targets intended for broadhead use. This allows the material to close around arrow shafts, minimizing damage and prolonging the target’s lifespan.

While exact dimensions aren’t provided in the product description, the visual representation suggests a substantial size, mimicking the vital zone and overall profile of a large game animal. The inclusion of a single core design indicates that the entire target is constructed from the same composite material, rather than having separate zones with varying densities. The user feedback unfortunately highlighted a significant omission: the lack of a dedicated broadhead core and insufficient stakes, which is a key specification for a target marketed for hunter practice. The price point is $215.99, placing it in the mid-to-upper range for practice targets.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target is to stop arrows effectively and allow for realistic aiming practice. In this regard, the target performs adequately. Arrows, both field points and broadheads, are stopped with a satisfying thud, indicating good density and energy absorption. The self-healing aspect is apparent, as smaller holes from field points tend to close up nicely after arrow removal.

However, the performance is somewhat compromised by the absence of a specialized broadhead core. Broadheads, with their wider cutting diameter, create larger, more permanent wounds in the material, and the self-healing effect is less pronounced. This means the vital zone will degrade faster than on targets specifically designed with multi-density layers or replaceable broadhead inserts. For general target practice, it’s excellent, but for high-volume broadhead tuning, its limitations become apparent.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target is its strongest visual asset, featuring a highly realistic buck silhouette. This realism is invaluable for hunters looking to practice aiming at specific vital areas under pressure. The target’s overall shape and proportions are well-executed, offering a true-to-life representation that enhances practice sessions.

In terms of ergonomics and usability, the target is primarily a stationary object. Its weight, while not specified, feels substantial, making it stable once placed, though moving it requires some effort. The surface texture is rugged and appears designed to withstand outdoor elements. However, the lack of dedicated carrying handles or a more robust anchoring system (beyond a single, seemingly inadequate stake) is a notable ergonomic oversight.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target is a key consideration, especially given its price. The core material’s self-healing properties suggest it’s built for longevity, at least for its primary function of stopping arrows. After several weeks of consistent use, the main body shows minimal signs of structural compromise, which is promising.

Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe-down is usually sufficient. The real concern regarding durability lies with the vital zones and the impact of broadheads. Over time, the repeated cutting action of broadheads will undoubtedly lead to significant degradation in these areas, potentially requiring replacement sooner than a target designed for lighter practice. I would advise bringing it in from the elements when not in use to maximize its lifespan, as prolonged exposure to sun and moisture could accelerate material breakdown.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target comes with a rather minimalist accessory package. The most notable item included is a single stake, intended to help anchor the target. However, given the target’s size and the forces involved in arrow impacts, this single stake feels insufficient for truly stable positioning, especially in windy conditions.

Beyond this, there are no other included accessories. The product description and user feedback specifically mention the absence of a broadhead core, which would typically be considered a crucial accessory or integrated feature for a hunting-focused target. Customization options are also limited. While the target itself is a static representation, there are no interchangeable parts or modular components designed to extend its functionality or target specific areas.

Pros and Cons of Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target

Who Should Buy Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target?

The Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target is best suited for archers who are serious about hunting and want a realistic target for practicing their shot placement. It’s ideal for those who primarily use field points for their practice sessions but occasionally want to shoot broadheads to check their flight. This target offers a great visual representation of a game animal, helping to simulate the pressure and aiming challenges of a real hunt.

However, serious bowhunters who exclusively practice with broadheads will likely find this target’s limitations frustrating. If your primary goal is extensive broadhead tuning and you need a target that can endure hundreds of broadhead impacts without significant degradation, you should look for models that specifically include replaceable broadhead cores or multi-layer designs. Those who need a truly portable or easily repositionable target might also find its substantial weight a drawback. Highly recommended accessories would be additional stakes for secure anchoring and potentially a heavy-duty tarp for protection when not in use.

Conclusion on Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target

The Bigshot Pro Hunter Buck Target offers a compelling option for archery enthusiasts seeking a realistic practice tool for hunting scenarios. Its impressive buck silhouette and effective self-healing core for field points are significant strengths that provide a valuable training experience. The target’s construction appears robust, promising a decent lifespan for general practice purposes, and its price point makes it accessible for many.

However, the experience is significantly marred by issues with shipping and packaging, as well as a notable omission: the lack of a dedicated broadhead core. While it can handle some broadhead shots, its longevity in that specific use case is questionable. For the discerning hunter who practices primarily with field points and occasionally tests broadhead flight, this target presents good value. For those prioritizing extensive broadhead tuning, alternative, more specialized targets might be a wiser investment. Ultimately, while I would recommend this target for its realism and general utility, prospective buyers should be prepared for potential shipping hiccups and consider supplementing its anchoring system for optimal performance.