Summer Archery Drills Every Bowhunter Should Do

This past summer, after diving into the saddle-hunting craze, I found myself perched fifteen feet up in one of our backyard trees. The best way to get comfortable with a new elevated hunting setup was to practice in the yard. As I sat in the saddle, it occurred to me that I should also shoot my bow from this position. Before long, I had a target set up and used a rope to pull my bow up to my small saddle platform. Over the next few weeks, I spent my summer evenings in the saddle, honing my archery skills.

By incorporating simulated hunting scenarios, such as practicing with my saddle in the backyard, engaging in long-distance shooting, and including physical exertion in practice sessions, bowhunters can enhance their skills and better prepare for real-world hunting situations.

Simulate Hunting Scenarios

Practicing in realistic conditions helps bowhunters build muscle memory and confidence. When I first hunted from my new tree saddle, I better understood what to expect when a shot opportunity arose. Even so, there were certain positions and movements I needed to experience firsthand to become entirely comfortable.

Without prior practice shooting from the saddle, I would have felt awkward and unprepared, increasing the risk of missing or wounding a deer simply due to discomfort with the setup. Instead of shooting from level ground at a stationary target during summer practice sessions, it's essential to replicate the unpredictable nature of real hunting scenarios.

• Tree Stand, Saddle & Ground Blind Practice - If you hunt from a tree stand or a tree saddle, set up in your yard or practice at an elevated range. This will change angles and arrow trajectory, so getting comfortable with these shots is essential. Likewise, if you hunt from a ground blind, practice drawing and shooting from a seated position while managing potential obstructions like blind walls or shooting windows.
• Shoot with Hunting Gear - Most hunters practice their archery shooting regimens during the summer when it is often warm. However, it is vital to wear the same clothing and use the exact gear you will have during hunting season. Include gloves, arm guards, backpacks, and camouflage clothing in your summer practice. This ensures that nothing interferes with your shot execution when the moment presents itself.
• Shoot at 3D Targets - Using a block or bag-style target is the most popular choice among hunters for summer practice. However, instead of always aiming for bullseyes, try shooting at life-sized 3D deer targets occasionally. Focus on vital areas from different angles to simulate actual shot placements in the field.

Shoot Long-Distance for Increased Accuracy

When practicing at long distances, I often think of a good friend who gave me some valuable advice. He explained that when a baseball slugger steps into the on-deck circle before their at-bat, they use an added weight or another bat to increase the load during practice swings. After swinging the heavier weight multiple times, they approach the plate with a regular bat, which feels much lighter, leading to a faster swing.

He explained he similarly practices backyard archery: “I start my first shot at fifty or sixty yards, then by the time I get to twenty yards or closer, the bullseye appears much larger, providing me with tighter accuracy.” Shooting beyond typical hunting distances (e.g., 50, 60, or even 80 yards) forces archers to refine their form and focus on every aspect of their shot.

• Confidence at Close Range - After dialing in long-distance shots, shooting at 20 or 30 yards feels effortless. This builds confidence for those critical close-range opportunities.
• Refining Form and Release - Shooting at extended distances magnifies form, grip, and release flaws. Working on these elements at long range translates to better accuracy when it matters most.

Incorporate Physical Exertion

Hunting often demands quick shots after hiking through rough terrain or climbing into a stand. Practicing under physical stress helps bowhunters maintain accuracy, even when their heart rate is elevated. This training can also benefit high-adrenaline situations, such as when a mature buck suddenly steps into bow range. Despite the scenario, practicing shots while out of breath or with an increased heart rate is an excellent way to prepare for actual hunting conditions.

During the summer, I often spend many of my early mornings on a three to five-mile run to avoid the much higher heat later in the day. One of the most beneficial times for practicing with my bow comes just minutes after my morning run. Immediately after returning home, I grab my bow and shoot five or six arrows while still feeling the effects of the run. This routine has boosted my confidence, and shooting a bow has become a sick addition to my morning workout.

• Cardio & Shooting Drills - If you don’t want to run before shooting, perform a set of jumping jacks, push-ups, or quick sprints before taking a shot to simulate the adrenaline rush of a hunting scenario.
• Hold at Full Draw - Strengthen your shooting muscles by drawing your bow and holding at full draw for 30 to 60 seconds before releasing. This drill improves endurance and steadiness when waiting for the perfect shot.

Shoot from Unconventional Positions

Most veteran bowhunters agree that real hunting scenarios rarely allow for the perfect shooting stance typically used during practice. When hunting, the animal may approach from an unexpected angle, behind an obstruction, or directly behind an object that blocks the ideal shot. To account for this, improvise and position yourself awkwardly to take these shots so you’re better prepared for challenging situations.

• Kneeling & Sitting Shots - Bowhunters often need to shoot from a kneeling or seated position, especially when hunting from the ground. Practicing these shots ensures you can execute them smoothly in the field.
• Twisting & Angled Shots - Sometimes, the game doesn’t present a shot straight ahead. Practicing shots that are slightly twisted or at different angles improves flexibility and adaptability.

Randomized Shot Execution

Many bowhunters develop predictable shooting routines, but hunting is inherently unpredictable. In addition to practicing where you’re shooting from, varying shot timing and distances forces you to react as you would in the field.

Shooting my bow after a vigorous morning run helps simulate shooting while excited or nervous. Additionally, this unique practice can alleviate the monotony of shooting in the same way each time. Shooting in random locations, positions, and distances is vital to improve yourself for an upcoming hunt.

• Random Distance Practice - Rather than setting up at a known yardage, have a friend call out distances or use rangefinders to simulate real hunting scenarios. Another option, when shooting solo, is to use a smaller round target with a rope attached. The shooter can throw the target in any direction, waiting for it to land at an unknown location and distance before taking the shot.
• One-Shot Drills - In hunting, you often have just one opportunity. Step back from the target instead of shooting multiple arrows in succession, reset, and then take one deliberate shot. This drill mimics real-world conditions and helps build focus.

By incorporating these summer archery drills, bowhunters can fine-tune their skills and build the confidence needed for a successful season. Simulated hunting scenarios, long-distance shooting, physical exertion, and unconventional shooting positions contribute to becoming a more proficient archer. When the moment of truth arrives, those extra hours of practice will pay off with a well-placed shot and a successful hunt.

Looking for more ways to fine-tune your archery skills? Check out these articles: Develop a Shooter’s Foundation Before Leveling Up Your Archery Practice, Practice Like a Deer Hunter, Not a Target Shooter, and How Self-Awareness Can Make You A Better Bow Shot on Whitetails.