I'm curious how others practice just prior to and during deer hunting season?
The last couple years I've settled on shooting about 4 arrows per day. I don't warm up before the first shot, as I normally do, and each day I shoot from either a tree stand or on the ground at different distances (5 - 18 yards) and different positions (broadside to strongly quartering away). I also do push ups, pull ups and sets of drawing and holding my bow, so that I maintain strength throughout the season.
What's your approach?
Well... Some may find this silly, but.....!!
I practice as much as I can before the season. Back yard, 3-D, stumping, etc. Once the season starts, I don't draw my bow, unless I'm shooting at something! (Deer, Turkeys, Squirrels, Rabbits, Fox, Coyotes...)
Woodchucker is one "Heap Big Supersticious Indian" LOL!!! Ever had one of those bad practice days, when you couldn't hit dirt if you fell on the ground, and the best thing to do is just hang the bow up & try again tomorrow??? Well, I've had MANY over the years, and they honestly shook my confidence during the season!!! Once the season starts, my quiver is full of broadheads, and EVERYTHING gets one!!!
I personally shoot everyday practice tips and every now n then a bh just to make sure there hitting where they should
I'm bad for loosing my edge during season.
Make it a habit to shoot more during season.
Or even stump shoot while out and about in the woods.
I feel
Out of my game most times come
November. It's my own fault
Before season I shoot a lot and work out also.
Beginning about mid-July I start shooting my broadheads of choice for the coming year. I keep a couple handy to take a shot before I head out on a hunt. I shoot each and every one of my broadhead/arrow combinations to make sure they all shoot straight and true, but keep a couple aside just for a few warm-up shots before heading in to a stand.
I shoot a lot of 3D targets in the summer. When it gets closer to deer season I start walking around and shooting stumps. Once deer season starts, I'll shoot three arrows before I head to the woods, then nothing else.
I shoot almost everyday year round. Season or no season. Usually 15-25 arrows. I try to keep my muscles in tone and my accuracy. When I get to my stand in the afternoon as soon as I get settled in I shoot a clump of grass or a hedge apple, in the morning I shoot also but just before I get down
I shoot as usual but throw some broadheads in every now and then just to make sure I'm good. I also will shoot an arrow from my stand at a leaf or clump of grass before getting down in the morning.
I generally ramp up my practice as the season approaches. I try to shoot every day even if it's only a handful of arrows. I always shoot a blunt at something as I leave my blind or stand and if daylight allows I shoot again back at the truck if possible.
I shoot nearly every day to varying degrees all year long, hunting season doesn't change that cycle much. On average I probably shoot a little less during hunting season since I'm in the woods when I might otherwise be shooting around the property.
Last year Instead of hunting both days during the weekend I made sure to sleep late on Sundays and then go to my archery club's range and shoot a round of 3D targets and then head out for an afternoon hunt.
My hunting spot is an 1 1/2 drive away so getting up at 3:00am or 3:30am both days was killing me at work on Mondays anyway.
My shooting accuracy stayed at it's peak and I felt a lot more confident. I plan on doing the same thing this year.
Before season: back yard range, shoot broadheads again just to make sure - sharpen and put in quiver, rove with Judo.
During season: shoot Judo walking in and out, back yard range on Sunday's (no hunting in PA).
I just spend more time in the 0-20 yard ranges but at different spots in the yard to get used to distance estimation. Also more time shooting while seated on the ground.