Looking to build a bow/crossbow backstop at home since my fence is taking a beating when my son tires out when practicing (and I don't think it is good for his arrows to be stuck in the fence and pulled out), but not wanting to spend a bunch of dough on commercially available stops if I don't have to. What have you done in the past for a home-made back stop for compound bows and crossbows?

Pics would be helpful if descriptions are not easily understandable

Maybe several hay bales. To make them last longer I'd try to set them on something that allows some air to get under them like pallets and cover them with a tarp when not being used. If you could find a big piece of thick stryofoam or connect some pieces together that might work, and be easier to move and not be such an eyesore.

Hanging carpet it gives so much when hit the arrows just fall, you might have to use two layers if it's a heavy poundage bow

Has to be the thin industrial stuff, not the stuff from your house it has too wide of weave, we use it as a backstop in Wisconsin to shoot in our basements in winter

Horse stall mat. Tracker Supply has them for about $40

I read, homemade backstrap, I was thinking how the heck?!?

Me too! WTH? Time for hunting season...

If he is only hitting the fence when he gets fatigued/tire, it is time to stop shooting when he hits the fence.

if you have the space, a round bale would be perfect as a backstop, as it covers a large area and lasts for a while, though i also agree with the previous poster that says if he begins to vary that much when tired that he is missing the target completly and hitting the fence, i would tell him to take a break....even when working out doing weights for school, they tell the kids to take breaks in between reps so their muscles get a bit of time to relax. Maybe have him shoot groups of 30 or so and then take a break for around 30 minutes....read a book or have him snoop around the forum for more ideas.....lol.