LOL-WOW-SLOW DOWN THERE A LITTLE Yes a bale of hay will stop your arrow but only if the bale is in good shape and not very lose. I personly would try to shoot better tagerts. There are plenty of diffrent types on the market today that work very well and don`t` cost an arm and a leg? The bag target you asked about are most of the time filled with old rags! And will stop arrows very well! And don`t` cost to much to maintain.I personely would suggest to you, Try to get a 3-D type target! If your going to be hunting deer? these targets can help very much when practicing for hunting situation. Now About the cover sent? I would not spray cover sent all over my bow(IMO) I would try to keep it as dry as possible! and keep it wiped down and away from smelly oils? About how many arrows do most carry in the field with them? Well i can`t` awnser for all but myself i carry 4! least amount of weight as possible. I don`t think i have ever shot over 4 times at a deer at one time! Now as far as shooting on the ground and shooting from an elevated stand postion? There really is not that much diffrence as long as you bend at the wast when shooting from an elevated stand! But before you head off into the woods after game, I strongly suggest you practice a good bit first from an elevated stand!! As far as how far should you take a shot on any animal? Only you can awnser that question! And this comes from lots of practicing. This is how you can find what your effective range is? Buy far the best advice i can give you is practice, pratice, pratice!!