In Season Practice?

[Ethical Redneck]

I started on the "Traditional" journey last year but still used my compound during my multiple/ all day rut hunts.  I now have a really good spot in west central Illinois on my sales route and want to hunt with my longbows or recurve.  Question, how do you guys stay sharp during the season when hunting is the primary focus?  I don't have the room in my pickup for a bulky target nor do I have time for conventional practice when I'm 15' up a tree.  Of course, I shoot alot suring the offseason.  I'm guessing maybe judo points and a couple of arrows shot from the stand might work.  Any thoughts?

[bornagainbowhunter]

shoot one from the stand everytime you get in it.  Practice on days that you are not able to hunt.5-10 arrows in the evening a couple times a week will keep you sharp.

[notdodger]

I shoot a couple just before I leave the home.
I will shoot a couple on the walk out to my spots. May fire on from the treestand. But mostly on the way out or in. I shoot a few everyday during the week myself. But I enjoy letting the string go!!!!

[caleb7mm]

i always shoot a few from the stand.

[Crash]

One recommendation when shooting from your tree, shoot the arrow where it will be on your normal route out of the woods so you don't leave a lot of scent around the tree.  Shoot as much as you can, even very close shots to maintain strength and form are helpful.

[greg fields]

I never shoot from my stand, but if I did, Crash has the right idea.  I shoot every day of the season at home before going hunting, at night after I get home from hunting and always a few times on Sundays, we cannot hunt on Sunday in PA.  My biggest complaint with traditional shooting, if I can call it a complaint, is that I have to shoot all the time, or I lose my "aim" very quickly...

[xtrema312]

Great point Crash.

I shot from the stand and when walking in if light and I will not spook stuff.  I also shoot every morning and night I don't hunt.  Even some close shots with the porch light or truck lights by the shop helps a lot with form and warm up.  Form is the critical issues with me for shooting anyway.  I don’t find as much need to shoot distances everyday as I do keeping a good full draw, anchor, clean release, and follow-through.  Those don’t take a long shot so I could even do them in the garage or barn if need.  My shooting is always better after some close bale work than it is after distance shooting.

[greg fields]

I never shoot from my stand, but if I did, Crash has the right idea.  I shoot every day of the season at home before going hunting, at night after I get home from hunting and always a few times on Sundays, we cannot hunt on Sunday in PA.  My biggest complaint with traditional shooting, if I can call it a complaint, is that I have to shoot all the time, or I lose my "aim" very quickly...

[Cory Mattson]

20 to 30 shots each morning before work during the week.
If I get home in daylight - a few more.
Always shoot a judo before leaving my tree on a hunt. I'm not on board with shooting before deer show up.
Judo roving on the way in when you can get away with it and especially during midday on all day hunts.
Yes it is difficult - way easier to be in top shape the other 3 seasons.
<><
<------------------------<<<<<<<

[Flying Dogg]

I have been in battle with target panic for over 20 years now. This is what works for me. I practice every week all year at various distances to get the proper trajectory imprinted in my mind. During the hunting season I shoot into a pillow target in my cabin at 10 feet and concentrate on full draw and on shooting form for about 10 minutes each morning and afternoon before going out. This imprints the correct feel to automatically achieve without thought when shooting at an animal.

[Bowwild]

When I hunted with compounds (last year and all the way back to 1975) I rarely shot much once hunting season began. With the recurve however, I try to shoot at least every other day -- 15-30 arrows from my deck (about 15' high) at deer targets 7, 12, 20, and 30 yards. I shoot this often because I still need the work and because it is so fun to shoot the curve.

I rarely shoot an arrow from the stand. I used to do this until one year a deer got really bent out of shape when it came to the shot arrow (I forgot it was out there) and smelled my scent.

If I shoot an arrow from the stand it will be after a morning hunt so I can pick it up. If in the evening (if I just can't stand not shooting) it will be soon after I climb the tree and in an area I DON'T expect a deer to come to.

No matter how quiet my bow, I also fear a "twang" will spook a deer I didn't see.

[John Krause]

I usually shoot 3 or 4 arrows before gettng out of the stand. I don't think it hurts a thing and it def gives you realistic practice. I'll try to shoot where I plan to walk out but no big deal if not. It's not gonna stink it up any worse than walking in or out. I have shot several arrows out of a stand before and take one last look before I get down and here come some deer.

[Brian Halbleib]

Judo points and rubber blunts require you to carry no target. With those points, targets are everywhere...

-Brian

[mark land]

I always have a rubber blunt in my quiver and shoot going in and walking back out as well as some during mid day if I am not in the stand, just a little shooting here and there will keep my focused.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I prefer to not leave an arrow stuck in the ground while I hunt, it holds "stink" and I have seen the deer smell 'em in a bad way. I usually fire a few close range shots at the truck to stretch out and move on my way.

[GG]

You must have holes all in your truck by now!

[Crash]

Good one GG.

[PEARL DRUMS]

GG its a Dodge, Im all set. Those arrows take a hard left and run for the hills. They know better.

[Ethical Redneck]

The scent issue crossed my mind but i think that can be controlled by wearing a glove.  I was in a kmart yesterday and they had some knock off Morel target that were much smaller than a yellow jacket.  I think this could fit in g-ride when i'm headin down to Peoria.

[twitchstick]

Out west you can have some long walks to and from stands and hunting areas. Stump shooting is real easy and fun to do in the afternoon time. Lots of chucks,squirrils,grouse ect.. to keep a man tuned up too. I can shoot everyday from deck morning or night by light,same for the camptailer or cabin. A few arrows a day will go a long way.