
Have you ever thought of using your skills for holiday decoration? Let’s walk through this because it’s pumpkin time! First let’s work on the target end of the range. Know that a pumpkin, unless it’s one of the largest and toughest ones, isn’t going to stop an arrow. You’re going to need a backstop like the Big Shot Titan 10XS Target. Once you’ve got an appropriate backstop set up, place your pumpkins and start thinking about the design.
Get Creative! Possibilities Are Endless!
Do you want your Jack ‘O’ Lantern to have two eyes? Get creative, you can make a cyclops Jack, which I know would look great! Maybe sink your Victory XBolt Lighted Half Moon Nock all the way to the fletching and call that a nose. All Jack ‘O’ Lanterns have a mouth but if yours starts talking, just make a pie out of it. Back to the mouth ideas, you can shoot several holes till you get a smile or sideswipe a mouth on him, see the possibilities are endless!
Would you draw the face you want and draw aim points or do you have the canvas in your head and don’t need any guidelines? If you’re like me then let’s get the markers out and give ourselves some guidelines.
Onto the Finer Details
Onto the finer details; weapon, arrow/bolt, broadhead and distance. I would recommend a crossbow for this if you’re in a hurry, or you’re not well practiced with a compound bow. A crossbow like the TenPoint Turbo S1 will do the job, but If you’re not in a hurry and are well practiced, maybe something like the Bear Whitetail Legend RTH Compound Bow will do just fine!
Let’s think about the size of the hole you’re “aiming” to create. The larger the broadhead the larger the wound channel or I mean hole. For more precision and less expansion, of course, use a field tip, but you better be super accurate and willing to spend some time twanging. For more of a rugged and larger hole, requiring less shots and less time, what do you think about the Titan Thrasher Small Game Head?
Ready to Decorate
With all the equipment put together, you’re ready to decorate! Some final tips:
- Before shooting the pumpkin practice on an archery target first.
- Be sure to have backup arrows, field tips/broadheads and pumpkins.
- Be prepared to do some clean-up when you’re finished.
- Best tip yet, invite friends and family over to join you.

One final touch to your spooky decorations, shoot some arrows into the Undead Fred Zombie and be sure to take some head shots, because it gives a better effect. Holidays aren’t just another day passing by, it’s a day to create unforgettable memories. When your children grow up they’ll say, “Hey dad, you remember when we shot those pumpkins with your crossbow? The best part was shooting the zombie in the head and scaring the neighbors with him, so can we do that again this year?”
A Family Tradition
Who knows, maybe it’ll become a family tradition! Happy Decorating and more importantly have a safe and Happy Halloween!