Off Season practice

[Roverrich]

So, I'm planning on my first hunt in 20 years this year, YEAH!! Add to that I'm planning on trad only DOUBLE YEAH!!! I'm practicing as much as time allows working on form, consistency and judging distance.  What do you think is a reasonable accuracy to strive for to humanely harvest an animal?  5" consistency at 20yrs? 10" at 20? If some one can give me a idea to strive for, I''ll have a goal to work towards. Thanks.

[Shawn Leonard]

You should strive to shoot the smallest group you can, for some that maybe 3"s at 20 yardsand others it may be 10"s. If you can put 5 arrows all in a paper plate at 20 yards you are ready to hunt deer sized game. I know quite a few guys who can only shoot 10-12" groups at 20 yards yet kill plenty of deer each year. Work on getting close and becoming a real good hunter than you don't have to be a great shot to kill stuff! I have killed a lot of deer under 10 yards and some as close as a few feet. Shawn

[Blackhawk]

In my opinion, your best practice sessions would be those actually in the woods roving or stumpshooting.   Merely picking a small target at unknown and various distances will provide valuable training.  

Your second best training would be attending 3-D events and avoiding looking at the marked distances.  Use the same bow you are hunting with along with similarly weighted arrows...and good luck!

[joe skipp]

I'll second what Blackhawk stated. I only practice in the woods roving and stumping and in the back yard shooting at ANYTHING at UNKNOWN distances.

Also incorporate long range shooting out to 35-40 yds. Concentrating on your target at those distances will make you a better shot at those 20 and under shots.

[Cwilder]

Also shoot at different times of the day in the woods. Practice in different lighting situations

[Roverrich]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

DoradoWilder, great suggestion to practice at different times and lighting conditions, never thought about that.

[onewhohasfun]

I agree with Lon and Joe. Groups don't relate to killing stuff. Get out and stump shoot.

[Timberking]

Another vote for stump shooting. Get out and practice stalking stumps. Not only is it great practice it's great exercise too!

[LittleBen]

I agree with all these guys, especially Joe Skipp. I think shooting at 35-40 yards really helps perfect my form. Forces me to anchor, an dbe very steady, then release cleanly. That really makes the 20yard shot alot more simple. I wouldn't likely shoot a deer at 40yards, but because I practice 40yds, I know i can kill at 20.

[njloco]

Also shoot in different positions, and some times really try and make yourself uncomfortable to simulate real hunting situations.

[Knawbone]

About the only thing to add is practice from a tree stand if you intend to hunt from one.

[The Whittler]

Shooting 3,4, or 5 arrows at a time is good to build up your shooting. You should at times just shoot 1 arrow, go and retrieve it and shoot just the 1 arrow every time.

 This will help you to shoot that 1 arrow as good as you can. When you hunt  the first arrow is what counts. Good luck and remember to have fun and enjoy.