The countdown to hunting season is one of the most exciting times of the year. But while many hunters spend hours checking gear, hanging stands, or scouting, one of the most overlooked steps is personal practice. A clean, ethical shot doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of consistent preseason drills.
Whether you hunt with a rifle, shotgun, or bow, sharpening your skills before opening day pays dividends in the field. Here are the must-do preseason drills every hunter should practice to boost confidence, accuracy, and consistency.
1. Range Time: Repetition Builds Accuracy
The first and most obvious drill is simple—shoot regularly at the range. But it’s not just about firing rounds downrange; it’s about practicing with intention.
- Sight-in your weapon: Make sure your rifle, shotgun, or bow is dialed in at typical hunting distances.
- Vary distances: Don’t just shoot at one range—practice short, mid, and long shots.
- Small target practice: Place smaller targets (like paper plates or balloons) to mimic a deer’s vital zone.
- Consistency drill: Shoot three-shot groups and focus on keeping them tight.
Repetition now builds the muscle memory that will carry you through when adrenaline is pumping.
2. Realistic Field Positions
Very few hunting shots happen from a bench rest. That’s why practicing real-life shooting positions is critical.
- Kneeling or squatting: Great for quick setups in tall grass or brush.
- Prone shooting: Essential for open country and longer distances.
- Sitting with shooting sticks: Mimics setups you’ll use in a blind.
- Tree stand practice (for bowhunters): Shoot from an elevated position at different angles.
The goal is to get comfortable shooting from the same stances you’ll use in the field.
3. Quick-Draw and Target Acquisition
Game rarely stands still for long. Hunters need to practice mounting the gun or drawing the bow quickly and acquiring the target without hesitation.
- For rifle or shotgun hunters: Practice shouldering your firearm smoothly and settling the sights fast.
- For bowhunters: Draw, anchor, and release in one fluid motion while keeping accuracy.
- Add a timer: Challenge yourself to acquire and hit a target within 3–5 seconds.
Speed drills prepare you for those fleeting shot opportunities.
4. Breathing and Trigger Control
It doesn’t matter how steady your aim looks—poor trigger control can ruin a shot. Preseason is the time to master this fundamental.
- Breath discipline: Inhale, exhale halfway, then squeeze the trigger.
- Slow squeeze: Don’t “jerk” the trigger; let the shot surprise you.
- Dry fire drills: Practice without ammo to engrain good form.
Bowhunters can adapt this with release aid practice to ensure smooth, consistent shots.
5. Follow-Through
Hunters often relax too soon after the shot, but follow-through is critical.
- Rifle/Shotgun: Keep eyes on the target, maintain trigger pressure briefly, and watch for reaction.
- Archery: Hold your anchor point and bow arm steady until the arrow hits.
Practicing follow-through improves consistency and accuracy in high-pressure moments.
6. Low-Light Practice
Most hunting action happens at dawn and dusk. Practicing only in bright daylight leaves you unprepared.
- Practice shooting at the range during the last light of evening.
- Use targets with high-contrast outlines to train your eyes.
- For bowhunters: Work on drawing smoothly in dim conditions without spooking game.
Training your eyes and instincts for low light gives you a real-world edge.
7. Physical Conditioning Drills
Hunting isn’t just about shooting—it’s about endurance and control under stress. Add conditioning drills to your preseason routine:
- Shooting after exertion: Jog 50 yards, then shoot—simulates adrenaline and heavy breathing.
- Holding drills (for bowhunters): Draw and hold for 30–45 seconds before releasing.
- Pack-weight practice: Hike with your hunting pack to get used to carrying gear.
Being fit and calm under strain means steadier shots in real conditions.
8. Gear Familiarization
The offseason is the time to get completely comfortable with your setup.
- Practice reloading quickly without fumbling.
- Work on nocking arrows or loading shells quietly.
- Train yourself to handle your weapon with gloves on—since you’ll likely be wearing them in the field.
Confidence with gear eliminates costly mistakes when game is in sight.
Final Thoughts
Preseason drills may not be as exciting as opening day, but they make the difference between a clean harvest and a missed opportunity. By practicing accuracy, field positions, quick shots, breathing control, and conditioning, you’ll walk into hunting season prepared for whatever scenario unfolds.
Remember: the more you sweat in preseason, the less you’ll bleed in mistakes come fall. A little extra time at the range and in the woods now sets you up for a safe, ethical, and successful hunting season.
