Woodys Prairie Dog Target Review

First Impressions of Woodys Prairie Dog Target

The Woodys Prairie Dog Target is a deceptively simple product that aims to bring some affordable, reactive fun to your target practice. From Woodys, a name not typically associated with high-end tactical gear, this target promises a budget-friendly way to simulate hunting scenarios. Two life-sized prairie dog images stand ready to test your marksmanship.

I was drawn to the Woodys Prairie Dog Target because I wanted a cost-effective and portable training tool for honing my snap-shooting skills. Prairie dog hunting requires quick target acquisition and precise shot placement, skills that are easily dulled without consistent practice. I needed a realistic target that wouldn’t break the bank and could easily be transported to various shooting locations.

Upon receiving the target, my initial impression was that it was incredibly lightweight and compact. The full-color prairie dog images printed on what appears to be a sturdy paperboard gave a decent representation of the real thing. Compared to more expensive reactive targets like steel silhouettes or self-healing polymers, the Woodys Prairie Dog Target seemed decidedly basic. I ultimately chose this target for its low cost, ease of transport, and the potential for high-volume practice without feeling guilty about destroying an expensive piece of gear.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would be more than just a novelty item. The promise of realistic practice in a lightweight, affordable package definitely piqued my interest.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Woodys Prairie Dog Target to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Woodys Prairie Dog Target at my local outdoor shooting range, setting it up at distances ranging from 50 to 100 yards. The weather was clear and sunny, with a slight breeze that occasionally caused the lightweight target to wobble. I primarily used a .223 rifle and a .22LR pistol to evaluate target visibility and the effect of different calibers on the target.

The target was remarkably easy to set up, requiring only a couple of sturdy sticks to hold it upright in the ground. Despite the breeze, the target held its position surprisingly well. After about an hour of shooting, the .223 rounds obviously created significantly larger holes, while the .22LR rounds punched clean, smaller holes.

I didn’t experience any major issues, although I did notice that the target started to sag slightly after repeated hits, especially from the rifle rounds. The visibility was excellent even at 100 yards, making it easy to acquire the target quickly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Woodys Prairie Dog Target showed expected signs of wear and tear. Repeated exposure to the elements, including some light rain, caused the paperboard to soften slightly. After a few range sessions the target needed replacing

Maintenance was practically nonexistent – once it was riddled with holes, it was simply replaced. Compared to more durable targets like steel or polymer, the Woodys Prairie Dog Target is clearly a consumable item.

Given the low price point, the target’s performance was acceptable and met my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Woodys Prairie Dog Target

Specifications

The Woodys Prairie Dog Target features two life-sized, full-color prairie dog images. The target’s height is 0.1 inches, length is 13 millimeters, and width is 16 inches. It weighs approximately 0.16 pounds.

These specifications translate to a lightweight and easily portable target. The dimensions are large enough to provide a realistic aiming point, while the light weight makes it simple to transport and set up.

Performance & Functionality

The Woodys Prairie Dog Target performs adequately for its intended purpose, providing a visual representation of prairie dogs for target practice. Accuracy depends more on the shooter’s skill than the target’s inherent qualities. The lightweight nature of the target makes it susceptible to wind, which can be both a strength (simulating moving targets) and a weakness (inconsistent aiming point).

The target meets expectations as a cheap, disposable practice tool. The paperboard material is not particularly durable, so it will not withstand repeated hits or harsh weather conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The target’s design is simple and straightforward, consisting of two realistically colored prairie dog images. Build quality is basic, reflecting the low price point. The target is user-friendly, requiring no special skills or tools for setup.

There is no real ergonomic consideration, as the product is designed to be shot at, not handled extensively. The lightweight nature of the target makes it easy to transport and set up in various locations.

Durability & Maintenance

The Woodys Prairie Dog Target is not designed for long-term durability. Maintenance is nonexistent, as the target is intended to be replaced once it becomes unusable.

Given its construction, the target is best suited for short, focused practice sessions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Woodys Prairie Dog Target does not come with any accessories. Customization options are limited to how you choose to mount the target (e.g., using different types of stakes or stands).

The target is universally compatible with any firearm caliber, although larger calibers will obviously cause more damage and shorten the target’s lifespan.

Pros and Cons of Woodys Prairie Dog Target

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Who Should Buy Woodys Prairie Dog Target?

The Woodys Prairie Dog Target is perfect for budget-conscious shooters, recreational plinkers, and those looking for a simple, portable target for basic practice. Hunters preparing for prairie dog season might also find it useful for honing their skills without incurring significant costs.

This product isn’t ideal for serious competitive shooters or those seeking a durable, long-lasting target. Anyone needing a target that can withstand repeated use and harsh weather conditions should consider investing in a more robust option like steel or self-healing polymer targets.

There are no must-have accessories, but sturdy stakes or a small target stand can help secure the target in windy conditions.

Conclusion on Woodys Prairie Dog Target

The Woodys Prairie Dog Target offers an undeniable value proposition: a cheap, portable, and reasonably realistic target for practice. While it lacks the durability of more expensive options, its low cost makes it easy to justify frequent replacements.

For those seeking an affordable way to improve their shooting skills and enjoy some reactive target practice, the Woodys Prairie Dog Target is a worthwhile investment. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly training tool. Pick up a few, head to the range, and have some fun honing your skills!