Switching up practice routines

[Squirrel Master]

I shoot groups in the backyard just like everyone else. But I like to switch it up sometimes too. The last few weeks I've been setting up 3 different targets in the backyard and just shooting one arrow at a time at different targets from different angles, distances, etc. I can only shoot about 25 yards or so but I still feel like it helps me. What are some things you guys do to break the monotony of just shooting groups in the off season, that you feel like helps you in hunting situations? I'm looking for new practice ideas for the summer.

 

[Rob5589]

I prefer shooting one spot/one arrow to shooting groups. When I shoot groups I find myself preoccupied with the group vs the shot.

I now also include blind bailing and draw holds. 10 blind, 10 holds, then targets.

I picked up an inexpensive 3d buck yesterday. Going out today to shoot it. Figured it would give me some better reference for my gaps vs a big square target with marks on it.

 

[bisblue]

Tom Clum mentioned shooting one arrow as he walks back 5 yards or so each arrow

 

[bjfoxhoven]

Stumping is probably my favorite… I make it competitive with a good friend. Hard to beat it for a fun afternoon. Shoot weird angles, through small holes in brush, different yardage (with and without rangefinder), turn at the waist etc…make it real and fun.

 

[oldgoat]

I don't shoot groups just to shoot groups very often, pretty much when I do I'm tuning or checking my tune! I belong to a 3d club that has a full course set up year round and try to constantly change my shooting distance.

 

[Wrench]

Ive been on the hunt for a nerf soccer ball for a while now. I figured I could boot it and shoot it where it lands.

 

[Rob5589]

Ive been on the hunt for a nerf soccer ball for a while now. I figured I could boot it and shoot it where it lands.

Rinehart has a round model. Not sure it's something you'd want to kick, however.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I have a few 3d targets in the yard, a black bear and a deer. I walk around and shoot at them from different distances and angles.

 

[mrolen]

For archery and rifles I like to do dot drills one shot per dot to focus’s on the spot not the group. But I think the best practice is stumping or 3d course.

 

[PHo]

As someone has mentioned stump shooting is an excellent way to practice. I do it with no rangefinder and I feel it really gives me a better feel for what would happen in a real-life hunting situation.

 

[oldgoat]

Ive been on the hunt for a nerf soccer ball for a while now. I figured I could boot it and shoot it where it lands.

Get a whiffle ball

 

[Wrench]

Get a whiffle ball

I did the tennis ball....but if you dont hit it dead center....it will bust your favorite cedar shafts. Ask me how I learned

 

[oldgoat]

I did the tennis ball....but if you dont hit it dead center....it will bust your favorite cedar shafts. Ask me how I learned

Yeah, don't think you want a whiffle ball then either

 

[Kdf22]

I do mostly stump shooting while scouting and checking out new areas. Shoot leaves, stumps and a lot of uphill/downhill shots. Never gets old

 

[Squints08]

I have numerous blocks and 3D targets set up in different spots. My 4 year old son picks a spot for me to shoot from and which target to shoot at. It’s more fun outside but during the winter it still works in my basement but range is limited to 13 yards or so. Quality time together and he shoots his bow between my strings.

 

[Wrench]

I do mostly stump shooting while scouting and checking out new areas. Shoot leaves, stumps and a lot of uphill/downhill shots. Never gets old

I fire at least 10 stump shots every day when I am hunting. Keeps me in tune and sometimes shows how something trivial like a out of position zipper could affect a shot.

 

[mgmicky]

I don’t think there’s a better way to practice for hunting than random stump shooting. it’s worth breaking and losing some arrrows to me…

 

[thinhorn_AK]

What is stump shooting? Is it literally shooting at stumps? I’ve done that and lost field points/inserts and broken arrows.

 

[Kdf22]

What is stump shooting? Is it literally shooting at stumps? I’ve done that and lost field points/inserts and broken arrows.

Stumps and leaves, branches. Whatever gets your attention. The stumps have to be old dead wood otherwise you will break arrows. Judo points work the best and most traditional archers carry one or two in their quiver.

 

[Kdf22]

Judo points won’t snake under grass as much as a field tip and they come in glue on and screw in. Get Zwickey points and stay away from the China made junk. https://lancasterarchery.com/products/zwickey-judo-unloseable-miracle-point-glue-on-135gr