What % of your "hunting time" is spent shooting/practicing?

I put 5-10%. I used to shoot a lot more, and scout less, but my focus now is on the deer and I don't have the same amount of time as I used to so I'd rather be in the woods than at the range. Since I've started this pattern I've been shooting more deer and getting on good deer with more regularity. I think this is a good balance, but I'm definitely not as good of a shot as I used to be. That's OK though because I'm still good enough to kill deer.

 

About 5-10% here,,,I just enjoy shooting!

 

I probably fall into the 5-10% range. I use to shoot a ton every year. I still makes sure everything is how it needs to be, but spend more time tracking down certain deer all year around.

 

The only reason I put 10% is that I spend a lot of time tinkering with other people's stuff for them and I had to count some of that since I do learn things from it that help me. Otherwise it'd probably be less than 5%.

 

Your post asked how much hunting time was spent shooting a bow and the poll asked how much outdoors time was spent shooting a bow. I really like to shoot and challenge myself, so I spend a fair amount of time in the off-season at the archery range trying to hit crazy distances or fun targets. If I'm not doing that, I'll probably be shooting skeet or sporting clays. I don't have a rifle or handgun yet, but when I do, I'll probably shoot those a bunch too.

When it comes time for hunting season though. The only reason I'll shoot at a target is to keep up my confidence or check and make sure equipment is operational.

I'd rather know my equipment is in good shape going into the season and have time to plan for failures or changes. I went to a newer bow this year and had to change my anchor point and how I held it. I wanted that to all be second nature by the time the season rolled around.

 

I spend about 1% at best shooting....just enough to know I can kill a deer if it offers a shot.

I'm not really into archery....but I love to bow hunt!!!

 

That's how it is with me too.

 

After doing the math and a few estimates. I had to estimate my food plot time for the fall planting. I only estimated schedule hunting days, Due to me being able to hunt some weekdays and hunt on a whim, I did not estimate these days due to not knowing when they will be. These numbers are pretty close to what they will be this year though. Mineral stations and food plots are together.

Scouting: 33%
Plots: 10%
Hunting: 27%
Shooting: 30%

 

Are we talking about practice?

 

Could not agree more!

 

I'll take it a step farther and say 0.1% at the very best. I have likely shot less than 75-100 shots in the prior 2-3 years being completely honest. I've taken 5 bucks in that time span as well.

I just don't enjoy shooting a bow in the yard. I only shoot 1-2 arrows to start the weekend and make sure my sights are still on.

 

No more than 5% for me. I spend alot of time in the woods.

 

A hundred practice shots a year would be about average for me. All shooting is done with broadheads. I cant even remember the last time I shot a field point. I dont like messing with the bow. Once its set and ready, I leave it alone. I dont claim to be a great archer, but I am proficient enough and particular enough on shot choice to get the job done.

 

This would apply to my thoughts too. Agree that more shooting will make you better. I think it makes a difference if you are only taking closer shots in the field. I wouldn't shoot outside of 30 yards right now because I haven't practiced enough to be comfortable. It isn't too hard to be good within 30 yards, IMO.

Although this could change if a 40 yard shot presented itself to me and I couldn't take it. A neighbor of mine will only hunt in spots where 25 yards is the longest shot. I've taken his advice although I feel real confident at 30 yards. So I hunt in spots that don't allow for that 40 yard shot.

 

I shoot 2-3 times a week and average probably 20 shots a practice. I like to shoot because I feel I need the practice as I'm not shooting as well as I'd like. On days I really don't plan on shooting a buddy usually stops by and wants to shoot so I fling a couple just cause he is. I really shoot hard before a hunt to make sure things are all working well (mainly my aim).