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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: northener on February 25, 2015, 02:48:00 PM

Title: Practice in winter time
Post by: northener on February 25, 2015, 02:48:00 PM
Wondering how many shoot indoors in the winter time at home.
I shoot in my basement, its only 9 yds but its impossible to shoot outdoors in Mn. in the winter with any regularity.

The only time I do shoot outside is when its above 30 degrees with no wind, still I do not shoot very long and tend to rush it making for poor practice.

Come on spring.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: mcgroundstalker on February 25, 2015, 02:56:00 PM
I've been at the 3D range the past few weekends... Spring can't come soon enough for me!... Have plenty of arrows under the snow so far...   :archer2:   ...
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: mahantango on February 25, 2015, 03:27:00 PM
In the basement beside the coal stove, sitting on a stool or kneeling, 10 yds. Shoot those little plastic practice golf balls hung from a string.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Sirius Black on February 25, 2015, 03:30:00 PM
A lot of folks do shoot indoors in winter, in some way. My place isn't really big enough, so I brave it, and shoot outside. Ends up being about once a week. My club has covered straw bales that are big, and I don't lose any arrows. The compounders sure think I'm nuts!
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Ulysseys on February 25, 2015, 03:33:00 PM
I'm in New Jersey, the frozen tundra and still shoot outback daily...it's usually only around a dozen shots or so while my dog is running around but I still like popping a couple of shots off in less than ideal conditions
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: TooManyHobbies on February 25, 2015, 03:49:00 PM
13 yards in basement for me.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Stone Knife on February 25, 2015, 03:54:00 PM
Shooting in my basement and went to an indoor range.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: ChuckC on February 25, 2015, 04:51:00 PM
I have been taking my puppy (now 1 year old) for walks in the fields and woods two or three times a week all winter, except for the worst weather times.  Always have a longbow and judo arrows and shoot quite a bit.  If you look, there are places and ways.
ChuckC
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: SquareHead on February 25, 2015, 06:00:00 PM
12 yards in basement for me.  I have several bag targets and several block targets to shoot at.  Move some of these outside in the warmer months.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: AZ_Longbow on February 25, 2015, 06:03:00 PM
10 yards in by back room, then I head outside around 10am for a nice 60 degree shoot at the local range. Love the AZ winters.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: MnFn on February 25, 2015, 06:09:00 PM
I have a target sitting on snow in the backyard. Step out take A few  shots and that is about it.  I am going to practice form in my shop, but it is very short range.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: M60gunner on February 25, 2015, 06:10:00 PM
It was 45 degrees at Ben Avery range this AM. Warmed up around 9am. Shed the extra shirt and shot another round.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Florida lime on February 25, 2015, 06:10:00 PM
80 degrees today - it's actually the best time of year to practice for me.    :D  

Almost makes up for the mosquitos, and sweating like a fool during deer season.    :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: northener on February 25, 2015, 06:24:00 PM
My outdoor target is covered with a sheet of rubber for the winter patiently waiting

I usually get out the first warm days and shoot judos if the snow is gone or ace blunts at ice chunks. Then the Rinhart 18-1 will get thown out and shot at too.

Years of construction work makes taking walks in the woods painfull on my hips. So I very seldom do that anymore.

I really need some longer ranges  oh well  guess my muscles stay in shape shooting inside.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: tracker12 on February 25, 2015, 06:46:00 PM
I shoot in the basement an outside everyday for the most part.  At least fling a dozen or so.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: straight_arrow on February 25, 2015, 07:04:00 PM
Just have to shoot daily, my options are #1. Outside, #2. My shop which allows an 18 yard shot and #3. the garage 8 yard shot. Really don't have too many issues outside unless the wind is blowing
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Bernie B. on February 25, 2015, 07:44:00 PM
I used to shoot into my garage from the driveway, but this winter I started shooting in my basement.  Even though the yardage is a lot less I can shoot day or night and work on form.  I love it!  

It's nice to not have to get bundled up to fight the cold and wind!

Bernie
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Krex1010 on February 25, 2015, 07:45:00 PM
I shoot in my basement sometimes, I can only get 7-8 yards but it keeps the muscles working. I have been shooting outside all winter though, even when it's dropped below 0. I have to go outside to the woodpiles every night so I bring the bow along and work about a dozen or so shots into my wood runs.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: PeteA on February 25, 2015, 07:49:00 PM
Half inside, half out. I shout from my driveway into the garage. 18 yards max. I try to get off at least 12 shots a day no matter how cold it is. If it's really bad I close the garage door behind me and take whatever distance I can get.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: creekwood on February 25, 2015, 07:52:00 PM
My local bowhunting club has indoor winter leagues five days out of the week for eight weeks.  I shoot Monday nights and Thursday nights.  Targets are 5, 10, 15 and 20 yards.  It is a great way to maintain the shooting edge and I will be sad to see it end in a couple more weeks, though it means that spring is just around the corner.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: brianbfree on February 25, 2015, 08:16:00 PM
Here in AZ it's an enless summer at Ben Avery
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Bowtie on February 25, 2015, 09:48:00 PM
18 yards in my basement, also in a 12 week indoor archery league, and once a week with friends stump shooting.  Yep, once in a while we lose an arrow in the snow, but find them in the Spring.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on February 25, 2015, 10:12:00 PM
10 yards in my basement about 20 shots once every other week or so.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: strait1 on February 25, 2015, 10:50:00 PM
I love to go out on snowshoes and shoot in the snow. Once you've done it you'll find yourself looking forward to one more of life's little pleasures each year.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Jerry Jeffer on February 26, 2015, 12:05:00 AM
I prefer stumping, but it has been soooo cold, I have been using the garage a bit. At home in the garage it is short distance, but good for form practice.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: mangonboat on February 26, 2015, 12:24:00 AM
I try to get out at sunrise every day to shoot a few dozen arrows, switching bows as the mood suits me. I especially like stumping in the snow. Most challenging morning so far was 3 below, 20 mph wind...I think I shot 15 arrows and called it quits.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Longbow58 on February 26, 2015, 12:54:00 PM
9yds. in basement, go outside for a dozen or so shots while filling bird feeder and game feeder. Shoot our winter 3D league every Sunday mourning. Not bad this past weekend , didn't have to dress like Nannook of the north like we did on 2/15...single didgets with wind. Found out my LS Slammer could take it.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: archer66 on February 26, 2015, 01:04:00 PM
I have a target in the backyard that I shoot from my elevated deck when the weather is nice.  When it's nasty out I shoot in my basement.....my target down there is 15 yards.

I like the golf ball idea!!!  Gotta start trying that....I assume you use the one with no holes to prevent the arrow from sticking??
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: longbowman on February 26, 2015, 01:10:00 PM
I stump shoot nearly every day.  There's about 44" of snow on the ground here and it's all on snow shoes but I still shoot regularly.  You just look for the mark of your arrow where it hit the snow when you miss and dig the arrow up.  I would go nuts shooting the same distance in doors.  Monday when I went out it was -16 Degrees but I was shooting pretty good!
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: archer66 on February 26, 2015, 02:23:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by longbowman:
I stump shoot nearly every day.  There's about 44" of snow on the ground here and it's all on snow shoes but I still shoot regularly.  You just look for the mark of your arrow where it hit the snow when you miss and dig the arrow up.  I would go nuts shooting the same distance in doors.  Monday when I went out it was -16 Degrees but I was shooting pretty good!
That's awesome....great way to stay sharp AND stay in shape at the same time.  I'd venture to say that most of us aren't that hearty or that dedicated.  I'm pretty cold tolerant but -16 and that much snow takes a toll on me.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: TSP on February 26, 2015, 04:50:00 PM
It's been averaging in the single digits here for quite awhile now, sometimes going to -20 or so if the wind picks up.  Still, I'd rather shoot outside than inside.  Lot's of snow, too.  Lawn snow depth is over my waist, edge banks are eyeball height.   Can still shoot easily to 25 yds. or so in the driveway, otherwise known as "Snowblower Alley".

I think winters like this one are just God's way of getting back at us.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: slowbowjoe on February 27, 2015, 02:38:00 PM
Yup, still shoot. Outdoors, even if my fingers only last for a few arrows before getting numb. It's a cold winter here, too.

Usually stump shoot throughout the winter too, but tweaked my shoulder and I'm taking it easy.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: kat on February 28, 2015, 10:01:00 AM
I shoot outside about every other day this time of year. My target butt is set up to shoot anywhere up to 30 yards once I snow blow out a path.
I like to keep it to 10 degrees or more. As long as I am dressed properly, I can get off about 25-30 shots at varying yardages.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Trond on February 28, 2015, 10:27:00 AM
No chance of indoor shooting so it' out in the yard at 10-20 yards, but prefer stumping. Yard-shooting is just to practise form.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Sarge5706 on February 28, 2015, 09:40:00 PM
I shoot outdoors year round here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Won't go out if it is windy and single digits.
This morning it was 6 degrees and calm so I went to the range and sent 30 arrows down range.
I'm layered and wearing at least the snow camo top, matching glove on the bow hand and a wool mitten/glove on the string hand with shooting glove underneath.
the wind is the deciding factor for me.  Been out twice on snowshoes.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: sheepdogreno on March 01, 2015, 05:43:00 AM
I shoot a lot in my heated garage about 7-8 yards...I work nights so I don't have much free time during daylight with these short days...but I still tote the bag target outside when I can and shoot out to about 25 yds at least once a week. the man cave garage is nice tho for messing with brace heights and stuff..
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: bsv on March 01, 2015, 05:45:00 AM
I have no indoor range so I do this
 (http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x353/bsv1960/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/A130F38A-A803-4291-9535-11AC9228C16F.jpg) (http://s1177.photobucket.com/user/bsv1960/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/A130F38A-A803-4291-9535-11AC9228C16F.jpg.html)
 (http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x353/bsv1960/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/A3848B16-979B-4187-8B95-97561688DAF2.jpg) (http://s1177.photobucket.com/user/bsv1960/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/A3848B16-979B-4187-8B95-97561688DAF2.jpg.html)
 (http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x353/bsv1960/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/F62A4E67-24D1-4D7D-8400-3CEC51F633A8.jpg) (http://s1177.photobucket.com/user/bsv1960/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/F62A4E67-24D1-4D7D-8400-3CEC51F633A8.jpg.html)
Burt
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Bowwild on March 01, 2015, 08:36:00 AM
Yep, I have a range downstairs. In fact when the walk-out was being built I made the ceiling 9 feet and put double doors going from the TV/Play room into my archery "shop". I have a 5' wide by 6' high, 24" thick foam wall (stacked Block targets)as the backstop.

The only arrow that has "gotten away" was a release executed shot by my son. Pretty little 5/16" hole about 7 foot high and a couple inches wide.

Sometimes, itching to turkey hunt I put up a pop-up blind and shoot from it on this range. Soon I'll put that blind up and practice shooting a String Tracker from it.

The shot is 13 yards. I usually shoot 4-20 arrows per day. Sometimes 2-4 times daily. The other day I shot 5-6 different bows, chronographed, and just general tinkering.  (http://i956.photobucket.com/albums/ae50/bowwild/IMG_2009_zps665d84c8.jpg) (http://s956.photobucket.com/user/bowwild/media/IMG_2009_zps665d84c8.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: huronhunter on March 01, 2015, 09:05:00 AM
I shoot every week at our local club .
I'm also lucky enough to have a range in my basement  17 yards.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Archer Dave on March 02, 2015, 05:45:00 PM
I shoot outdoors down to about zero or so, sometimes lower temps. I use a tab and wear gloves in between shooting and retrieving arrows. Been shooting some in the basement as well, but that is only about 12 yards.

Did some shooting outside today, it was only about 18F and slightly breezy, just wore a flannel and hat and was good to go.   :D
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Bladepeek on March 02, 2015, 10:58:00 PM
I can shoot in my shop, but it's only 6 - 7 yards. Sure beats not shooting, though.

We do have an indoor range not far from here, but it's hard to get my buds together to shoot as they are mostly still working.

As I get older, I find myself getting weaker and have dropped bow weight about as far as I can and still hunt, so this winter I decided to start Terry's workout/up regimen. I'm drawing my heaviest bow (only 46#) and holding for 5 seconds. I do 5 reps and then switch sides. Do it every other day, twice a day. Once I get up to where I can do 10 reps each side, I will buy or borrow a 50# bow and work my way up in reps on that one.

I'm totally comfortable hunting with a mid-40 # bow, but if I can work my way back up to 50#, that sure can't hurt. Gettin' old is a bear   :(
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: OregonTom on March 03, 2015, 09:54:00 AM
Winter never really came this year to Central Washington.  We have been out stumping since Christmas Day.   We are going to have a dry summer I bet.
Title: Re: Practice in winter time
Post by: Frank V on March 03, 2015, 12:53:00 PM
I can get 10yds in the basement.
I did get to shoot outdoors last night, but we've got 4" of snow today not much.