Hunting Practice?

[BobCo 1965]

Originally posted by mwosborn:
Just curious how different guys tune up for hunting season when they are limited to backyard.

What do you do?

Joined an Archery club (well two). I also have annual memberships in two indoor ranges.


Getting ready for hunting season for me is rather simple. After the recurve outdoor target season is over, I put dowm the target recurve and pick up the hunting recurve. I am already shooting 300 arrows per week with the target bow along with strength and cario training, so I am already in real good shape going into hunting season. The only thing that needs work is a different anchor point, getting used to a much lighter hunting bow, and aiming techniques. Indoor target season starts up right after hunting season and the whole thing starts again. :-)

[Charlie Lamb]

Don't forget to throw in some close work. Instead of climbing up and down out of an elevated position I usually just get on the back porch (only 3 steps) and shoot at small (bottle cap small)targets up close. Simulates treestand shooting. It's not the distance it's the angle.

[RC]

If you hunt with a glove on your bow hand or a face mask make sure to practice with it on..I also shoot one arrow at the time with a broadhead. The first shot of the day is the most important. I shoot at all angles and have a stand about 3 feet up a tree. I shoot down under it close. Like charlie said its not how far but the angle of the shot.RC

[crotch horn]

I kick basketball's around the yard & shoot them while they are rolling. Distance, direction and angle are differrent with every shot. This close to the season my form should be solid. I said should. Shooting the ball with rubber blunts seems to be closest to live hunting for me.

[Flingblade]

Can't remember who said this but they recommended finding a farmer that raises chickens and buy 5 or 6 from him and turn them loose in your yard.  Then you have live animal practice on moving targets and after the plucking and butchering a nice chicken dinner.  Haven't tried it yet.

[dave19113]

I shoot everyday in my basement.... Its only 15yds and i normally will only shoot maybe a dozen, When i go out side and shoot its only 25yds tops...I see by shooting limited times I focus on my form and picking a spot....

[Jake Diebolt]

I get out at least twice a week the whole summer. When hunting season got closer this year I switched to shooting broadheads one at a time. I have a poor-man's 3d target (a paper deer target taped to a broadhead block target). I set it up and then shoot at it from different angles, body positions, distances, and elevations (I shoot in a field with some hills about 6-10 feet higher than the target.) I try to never take the same shot twice.

I also try to practice drawing really slowly, like I would when taking a shot at a wary deer. It's much harder to make sure I fully expand when doing this, so I force myself to do it properly. My problem has always been shooting under the deer because of shortened draw. Not this season!