Average length of scheduled or unscheduled lay offs, or if any

[Ken Taylor]

After I completed my recent black bear bow hunt I jumped right into our fishing season (no bowfishing available here), and some important family commitments.

To make a long story short, I am almost embarrassed to admit that I have taken over a month off from my regular practices. I was wondering how many of you have had that happen in recent times?

I guess that I am a little nervous because I have been asked to give a small demonstration and to coordinate/judge the archery competition at the Cree summer games here at the end of the month.

[Chris Shelton]

do you shoot a longbow or a recurve???

It normally takes me about a week to get back to normal with my recurve, no matter how long I've taken a break.

It takes me a bit longer with a longbow.  I dought that is standard but that is just for me!

[stevemfwills]

i can take a week and im ok..never took anything longer than that..when im not shooting well ill take a few days so ill not cause myself to create bad habits....

[Bjorn]

I went to Europe-Barcelona and Prague-for almost three weeks and immediately  upon return this week went to the Tuesday night league shoot and shot close to my personal best-felt great to jump right back in.

[Ken Taylor]

Chris, I mostly shoot a 75 # caribow longbow.

Thanks guys, Interesting points so far.

[Buckwheaties]

Don't worry about it.. If you could shoot a month ago you can shoot today. Heck, if it's the end of this month you've got plenty of time to tune up.

[Ken Taylor]

Buckwheaties, I'm sure that you are right since I have been shooting for many years and have taken breaks before but I'm always a little concerned when I have to shoot for people that expect a bit of a show... I admit that I am somewhat (to put it mildly) of a perfectionist (although probably only a decent shot).

I was also very interested to know what sort of breaks others took since traditional bowhunters are awfully scarce in these parts. This upcoming youth archery competition is new to the games. I will do my best to promote it.

[Curveman]

Despite my best intentions, I seem to take the winter off to go skiing most weekends. Every spring I kick myself because I'm terrible starting out so I then resolve not to do that again! Every spring!   :D   It seems to come back quickly enough though and the past couple of years I've been practicing for February pig hunts so maybe I'm breaking a pattern.