As summer unfolds, the excitement of the upcoming hunting season starts to build. This is the perfect time to fine-tune your archery skills, condition your body, and ensure your equipment is in top shape. Mastering summer archery practices can make a significant difference when the hunting season arrives.
Last summer, I followed a strict fitness regimen that included healthy eating, running, exercising, and training. As I began reaching my fitness goals, I added a new challenge: shooting my bow immediately after increasing my heart rate from a run or workout. This helped me simulate the adrenaline rush of having a mature buck within archery range while at full draw.Â
Additionally, I incorporated a hunt-specific exercise where I strapped on my backpack, loaded with gear or weighted discs, and walked one to two miles. By the time fall hunting season arrived, I felt more prepared and energized than I had in years.Â
My hunts were successful and enjoyable throughout the season. This summer, I aim to repeat this preparation to prepare my mind and body for the hunt.
Off-Season Practice Routines
To begin preparing for the upcoming hunting seasons, maintaining and improving your shooting skills during the summer is crucial for your success in the fall.
Consistency is key. Aim to practice at least three times a week. Constant practice helps build muscle memory and improves accuracy. In recent years, I have tried to consciously shoot at least one arrow daily throughout the summer.
Summer Shooting Drill / 1 Shot A Day
Step 1—Shoot one arrow at 20 yards, repeating for a week. Shoot one arrow before you leave for work, or when you get home.
 Step 2—Begin shooting at a different yardage each day. For example, shoot Monday at 20 yards, Tuesday at 30, Wednesday at 35, Thursday back to 15 yards, and Friday out to 40 yards.
 Step 3- Shoot a shot one day from a sitting position, the next day from a standing position, and on the third day shoot from an elevated stand or platform.
One arrow a day trains your mind to make the shot count, knowing you only have one opportunity. Practice shooting from 10 to 50 yards or more at various distances and angles, including left to right, seated, and in a saddle or treestand. This helps you adapt to different hunting scenarios.
As the season nears, your shooting mechanics and equipment setups should be polished and near expectations.
Summer Shooting Drill / Hunt Scenarios
Try to simulate hunting conditions. Practice shooting from different positions, such as kneeling and sitting, as when hunting in a ground blind.Â
In my opinion, one of the most effective summer practice methods involves shooting from elevated stands or getting in my saddle in the backyard to simulate the positions I most likely will be in when hunting.
The key is to eliminate any surprises in shot opportunities or positions. You do not want to wait until you have a deer approaching to figure out whether or not you can pull off a shot from a particular position. Practice any and all potential shot positions by going through hunt scenarios in your off-season practice.Â
This is particularly important for those getting started with saddle hunting. It’s not as easy as it looks. It will take practice to overcome the awkwardness of shooting from a variety of positions, particularly on your weak side.Â
Hunt Condition Routines
Step 1—Shoot for an entire week at 3D deer targets to become familiar with the size of the animal you will be hunting. Take three shots from 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 yards. Each time, shoot at a different angle instead of straight on each time.
Step 2—Shoot a week in a treestand or saddle. Shoot 10 to 15 arrows each night for at least five days.
Step 3—Dress in camouflage gear, including a jacket, pants, safety harness, boots, etc. Shoot 10 to 15 arrows each night at different yardages and angles.
Step 4—Run or sprint a hundred yards, then immediately pick up your bow and shoot one shot. You shoot only one arrow at different angles and yardages for five days straight. If you don’t want to run, do thirty jumping jacks, then shoot. This helps stimulate the heart pounding and adrenaline when a big buck walks into bow range.
When mimicking hunting scenarios, it is still essential to focus on form. Concentrate on your shooting form, including stance, grip, anchor point, and follow-through, the same as when shooting a target. Proper form enhances accuracy and reduces the risk of wounding an animal or missing.
Where you shoot from when practicing is vital, yet what you shoot at can be equally important. To simulate hunting scenarios, incorporate 3D targets into your practice to mimic shooting at live animals. This helps improve your target acquisition and shot placement skills.
Busy Schedule Routines
Many hunters have full-time jobs throughout the year and often do not have the time to practice as much as they would like, yet there is still a routine to improve your odds before hunting season arrives.Â
I work a full-time, fifty-two-hour-a-week job, so I know what it is like to be limited on time. The one shot a day, each morning early, before I leave for work, is ideal for me to get my practice in and prepare for that one-shot moment of truth when a buck is standing under my stand this fall.
Step 1—Shoot one shot per day throughout the week. Shoot before or after work each day. It takes one minute to grab your bow and take a shot.
 Step 2—Become a weekend warrior. Take advantage of the weekends and get your reps in. Shoot 25-30 arrows a day for two days.
 Step 3—Resistance band simulations are great ways to prepare your body for shooting, even when you don’t have time. While at the office or at your job, use a resistance band multiple times per day and simulate drawing your bow in proper form. Do five to ten reps each time.
Whatever your desired method of practice may involve, it is critical to practice routine development. Develop a pre-shot routine to help you stay focused and consistent, then continue all summer.Â
Exercising a different practice routine each week makes the practice fun and keeps preparing you for specific factors instead of trying to do everything at once.
Physical Conditioning For Your Bowhunt
Bowhunting demands physical strength, endurance, and flexibility. As with my fitness regime last year, physical conditioning and incorporating these exercises into your summer routine can also help you become a better hunter.
Strength Training
Lift weights or other strength training at least two times a week.
Focus on exercises that build upper body strength, such as pull-ups, push-ups, and dumbbell rows. Strong shoulders, arms, and back muscles are essential for drawing and holding a bow steady.
Cardio Workouts
Run or do a high-interval workout three times a week.
Engage in cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, or swimming to improve stamina. Bowhunting often involves long hikes and physical exertion, so good cardiovascular health is crucial.
Core Strengthening
Do core exercises every other day.
Strengthen your core muscles with exercises like planks, Russian twists, leg raises, and resistance bands. A strong core enhances stability and balance while shooting.
Flexibility Exercises
Stretch Daily: Before you start your day, stretch!
Incorporate stretching routines and yoga to improve flexibility. Flexibility helps you achieve and maintain proper shooting form.
Equipment Check
One of the last steps towards the end of the summer is ensuring your equipment is in top condition, which is essential for successful hunting. Bowhunters should pay attention to the maintenance of their bows, arrows, and other gear before the first day of the season.
Check your bow for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed strings or loose components that may have occurred throughout the summer. If anything is discovered, replace damaged parts immediately to ensure safety and performance.Â
Typically, a few weeks before the start of the season, I visit my local archery pro shop for one last tune-up. To maintain optimal performance, regularly tune your bow. This includes adjusting the draw weight, cam timing, and arrow rest alignment.Â
Also, check your accessories. Ensure your sight, stabilizer, quiver, and release aid work well. Tighten any loose screws and replace worn-out parts. To ensure smooth operation throughout the hunting season, apply lubricant to the moving parts of your bow, such as the cams and axles.
When your bow has passed the last inspection, the next step is to ensure your arrows are ready. Arrow maintenance can include looking for damage, such as bent shafts or cracked fletching from those friendly summer competitions in the backyard.Â
Again, replace damaged arrows to maintain accuracy if any discoveries are made. To ensure smooth operation, apply lubricant to the moving parts of your bow, such as the cams and axles.
Summer archery prep involves consistent practice, physical conditioning, equipment maintenance, effective target practice, and mental preparation. By dedicating time and effort to these areas, you’ll be well-prepared for the upcoming hunting season.
