No matter the gear you choose, executing a good shot is the name of the game in bowhunting. In order to do that, bowhunters have to put in time at the practice range to hone their skills.
But, how exactly do you practice archery for hunting? Rather than just mindlessly slinging arrows down range, use these tips to help guide your practice sessions.
Shoot Your Bow Often
Many hunters roll out to the range a few weeks ahead of hunting season and shoot pie-plate sized groups before calling it “good enough”. Don’t do this.
Shooting your bow often throughout the year will help develop a consistent shot routine and give you the confidence you need to make a great shot when it counts. Keep a journal of how many arrows you shoot each session and set a goal for how many shots you want to take in a given week or month.
This doesn’t just apply to the offseason – it’s easy to forget to practice during the hunting season. Be sure to carve out some time to get a few reps in and make sure your bow sight is sighted in properly.
If you don’t have access to a range, make due with what you have. Even shooting at 5 yards in your basement or garage is better than not shooting at all!
Practice Like You Play
Be mindful of the hunting situations you may find yourself in when you are out at the practice range. This means shooting from a seated position or shooting from an elevated position if possible to mimic shooting from a ground blind or treestand.
If you only practice at 20 yards but your treestand or ground blind is set up for shots out to 30+ yards, you aren’t setting yourself up for success. Practice at distances greater than your typical shot in the field. If you expect to shoot at 30 yards during hunting season, practice out to 40 or 50 yards. This will make those 30 yard shots seem easy.
Most game animals won’t stand around and let you shoot a second arrow at them if your first shot is off the mark – so you have to make that first shot count! Step out first thing in the morning or right after work and shoot a single “cold bore” arrow (even better, use a 3D buck target). Give yourself an honest assessment of how well you executed the shot, and make a mental note for next time.
Be sure to check out the rest of the Bowhunting 101 series to help you navigate outfitting your archery set up.