Axe throwing venues have appeared all over the country! And when you throw an axe, you need something to throw it at. Here is a summary of common questions about axe throwing targets:

• What kind of wood do you use?
• How often do you change targets?
• How does the target scoring work?
• What can I use for an axe throwing target at home?

We have compiled answers to some of the most common questions about targets used in the game of throwing axes. The practices of each axe throwing company may be slightly different, but we believe these are the most common methods for structuring and managing the targets.

WHAT KIND OF WOOD IS BEST FOR AXE THROWING TARGETS?

Well, the answer to this question depends largely on personal preference and the way the goal is used. At our NEDFOSS Hatchets field, we know that our targets are subject to a lot of wear and tear from throwers of varying strength, accuracy, and experience levels. Most entertainment companies that throw axe like to use wood type, this type of wood will last as long as possible without being too difficult to stick consistently.

Pinewood generally works well and is one of the most readily available types of wood, whether you are finding stumps in the forest or buying some cheap lumber from Home Depot. Generally speaking, when it comes to wood types, it is best to keep them on the softer end. You would rather replace the target more frequently than have an axe throwing target that is difficult to stick to, right?

When designing the goal, we made sure to keep one thing in mind: WOOD GRAIN. If the angle of the axe blade doesn’t align with the natural direction of the wood grain, it is difficult to stick the target even with a good throw.

We usually use large and thick planks with vertical textures. This allows the ax blade to stick tightly to the plank after a timely throw.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU CHANGE TARGETS?

Short Answer: as often as we need to!

Obviously, it will be a big hassle if we keep going back and forth to dismantle old targets and install new ones, so we try to make them last as long as they can.

Fun fact: The slightly worn and worn target of wood is actually better than a brand new target! It just helps that the used wood is not so sturdy, and the existing nicks and cracks help the axe find a better entry into the wood.

But, of course, it isn't easy to use once the axe throwing target becomes too worn out. When there are holes on the back of the target, fragments are missing, or the axe can no longer find a fixed point in the broken mess, it is time to change to a new target.

One trick we often use is to spray our target with water regularly. Sometimes we get some funny expressions from other throwers, and they will ask: "What are you doing this for?"

Spraying water on the target surface regularly helps keep the wood soft but not fragile, which makes the axe stick more easily. But it also helps to protect the target longer, since softwood does not split and shred like dry wood.

We also have a secret that can help our goal become the best goal you can find anywhere! But this secret is closely guarded by us... You just have to try NEDFOSS Throwing Axe and see if you can figure it out by yourself!

HOW DOES THE TARGET SCORING WORK?

Axe throwing targets usually have 4 rings, 1 bullseye and 2 special zones called “the clutch”.

THE RINGS

Just like playing darts, scoring in the target ring is very simple. No matter which ring your axe sticks into, this is your score for this throw: 1, 2, 3, or 4 points. Often the axe head is buried in the wood and touches two different scoring rings. When this happens, the score will be the highest-valued ring touched by the axehead, even if it's just a little bit!

THE BULLSEYE

You know where it is—right in the center of the target! If you can throw your axe straight and true, and then stick it in the orange bullseye, you get 6 points. That’s two points more than landing it outside the bullseye of the center ring! This is the easiest way to get high scores if you can hone your throwing movements to obtain accuracy and consistency.

THE CLUTCH

There are two small blue dots on the upper part of the target, one on the upper-right and one on the upper-left. These dots are called clutches, and they are the high-risk and high-reward scoring areas on the axe throwing target.

If you grab the clutch and miss it, you may only get 1 point or even 0 points. But if you manage to catch the clutch, it's worth 10 points!

Many professional axe throwers can hit key shots consistently, but this is definitely a challenge for most people.

WHAT CAN I USE FOR AN AXE THROWING TARGET AT HOME?

You may want to throw a few axes in the backyard or the backwoods. Here are some suggestions for setting your own axe throwing target.

Yep, don't think too much! Although it is difficult to find a large tree stump that is thick enough and in good condition to throw at, they'll work pretty well if you have one. The stump is already round, so just spray paint some rings, the bullseye, and your clutch shots and you’re ready to go. But hey, don’t cop out and make your clutch dots too big!

They don’t have to be pine, but those are usually the ones you’ll have laying around or that you can find for the cheapest at the store. You need to make sure your plank is thick enough to sustain some repeated throwing,  otherwise, your axe throwing game will end soon.

Here is a little trick, whether you are using a tree stump or a plank: Turn the wood over when it starts to tear. Before the target becomes firewood, the fresh side may give you some additional uses.