I like both. With 3D I don't compete I practice. With stumpin I do it the way I hunt, I actually stalk my prey, being careful not to alert it, and when in range shoot. It could be a leaf, stump, clod of dirt,I'll stalk it.      If you just let go and enjoy, it really doesn't matter whether its 3D or stumpin!  

It depends on the 3-D course for me. Formalized 3-D is fun, but not much more than practice with my hunting gear (I only shoot my hunting setup, whatever the target). Stumping is great for mixing up distances etc. and I would consider 2nd best overall.

However, the way we often set up targets on our 3-D courses and the informal nature of many "after competition" rounds, it is definitely better than roving for me. The one vital component missing in stump shooting is the necessity to pick a small spot on a target with little or no visible cues to aid in that targeting. Usually when stumping we are picking out a tiny target...but it's really not that difficult to hit compared to a blank 3-D profile, imho, because it's so easy to focus on the tiny spot presented. Much harder for me to pick that spot and burn it in on a 3-D, even though I know where the kill/scoring zones are. Like Mocsin, we often take turns picking out where to shoot and from forced positions...it definitely makes me a better hunting shot than either formal 3-D or stumping. YMMV, but either way, you'll have a great time watching the arrows fly.

Stump shooting overall, but 3D will give you the visual balance needed.

JC - I have the exact same opinion as you on this one and was going to post something similar until I read your post.  Thanks for saving me some typing.

3D shoots I fall apart and end up frustrated.Stump shooting alone or with buddies I feel more relaxed and I think I shoot a little better.

I enjoy stump-shooting, but to be honest, 3D has helped me more as a bowhunter than has roving.

I like to stump shoot any time. You can practically shoot anywhere.I think it is great practice, especially for small game. You have a
never ending supply of targets. When my friends and I go to shoot at bales, we usually end the session with some stump shooting.

imo, the only thing 3d has going for it are the foam critters - the rest is just target archery, particularly if shot during an event where there the entire atmosphere and groups of archers take away from what should be the spontaneity focus of the hunt.    

the muzzy event is better than 3d, imo ... and that's pretty much stumpin'.

roving is more like hunting, but instead of foamies ya got stumps, bushes, grass clumps, cowpies (well, maybe), logs and whatnot else as yer quarry.  

shooting at fixed distances (even if unknown distances) is fine for working on 'form', but that ain't got a thing to do with hunting.

i think stumpin is best.

3d only for me - gives me all I need for my hunting.

I love both, but have to say stump shooting for random make ya think shots.

QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:
shooting at fixed distances (even if unknown distances) is fine for working on 'form', but that ain't got a thing to do with hunting.

I guess we'll have to disagree Rob, shooting at a clump of grass that easily stands out on a hillside or a piece of moss that contrasts with a stump has less to do with hunting than shooting at a blank 3D target where you must pick a spot of your own.

QuoteOriginally posted by JC:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:
shooting at fixed distances (even if unknown distances) is fine for working on 'form', but that ain't got a thing to do with hunting.

I guess we'll have to disagree Rob, shooting at a clump of grass that easily stands out on a hillside or a piece of moss that contrasts with a stump has less to do with hunting than shooting at a blank 3D target where you must pick a spot of your own. [/b]

ah, the challenge and beauty of picking a spot on a stump, moss patch or clump of grass - not for the faint of heart!  

I shoot 3D all summer and love it, I like being with my family and friends, but when I get serious about hunting practice I shoot alone stumping or broadheads in the yard.