June might seem like a lull in the hunting calendar, but for dedicated bowhunters, it’s prime time to prep. The rut may be months away, but the work you put in now can mean the difference between punching your tag or going home empty-handed when bucks are chasing hard come November.
So instead of hanging up your bow for summer, double down on training with purpose-driven drills that replicate real-world hunting scenarios. These aren’t just backyard flings—they’re designed to fine-tune your muscle memory, build confidence under pressure, and get your mind and body in sync before the season gets serious.
Let’s dive into five effective bowhunting drills to sharpen your shot this June.
1. The Cold Shot Drill (Your First Shot Counts)
The first arrow of your hunt is the one that matters most—and yet, most practice sessions don’t reflect that reality.
How It Works:
- Every day, walk outside and shoot only one arrow cold—no warm-up.
- Aim at a small target or vital-sized kill zone at 20–30 yards.
- Record the results in a log.
Why It Matters:
This drill simulates the pressure and unpredictability of a real shot opportunity. You’re training your body and mind to perform under “cold” conditions, just like on a hunt. You’ll learn how your form holds up when it counts most.
Pro Tip: Mix it up—shoot from elevated stands or kneeling positions occasionally to simulate different field scenarios.
2. The 3D Walk-Back Challenge (Realistic Target Acquisition)
Let’s face it—paper targets don’t mimic deer. This drill adds realism and distance variation to your practice.
How It Works:
- Set up a 3D deer target or a realistic silhouette.
- Start at 10 yards, then take a shot.
- Walk back in 10-yard increments (out to 50+ yards if you’re confident).
- Only take one arrow per distance.
Why It Matters:
This drill forces you to range, draw, and aim at different distances just like you would in the woods. It also builds distance discipline—you’ll quickly learn your true max-effective range.
Bonus: Practice this drill at different times of day to mimic lighting changes in the field.
3. The Hold and Burn Drill (Build Your Hold Strength)
Buck fever’s real. You draw back, adrenaline surges, and that buck doesn’t take the step you need—so you hold. And hold. And hold…
How It Works:
- Draw your bow and hold at full draw for 30–60 seconds.
- Then release your shot with controlled form.
- Repeat 3–5 times per session, gradually increasing hold time.
Why It Matters:
This drill builds your draw endurance and mental toughness. You’ll learn how to stay steady, breathe properly, and control your shot even under muscle fatigue and pressure.
Pro Tip: Pair this with your “cold shot” to simulate a long hold on your first draw.
4. The Off-Angle Drill (Because Not All Shots Are Straight Ahead)
In the woods, shots rarely come head-on at a perfect 90-degree angle. Branches, terrain, and deer movement make angles unpredictable.
How It Works:
- Set up your target at a 45-degree angle, or place your stand so the target isn’t centered.
- Practice from awkward body positions—standing behind trees, leaning, sitting on a stool, or from an elevated platform.
- Emphasize form control and follow-through.
Why It Matters:
This helps train your core and shoulder stability, and teaches your body how to shoot cleanly even when you’re twisted up in a stand or seated in a saddle. These angles can be tough—but practicing them in June gives you the edge in October.
5. The Countdown Pressure Drill (Simulate the Moment of Truth)
In the heat of the moment, everything happens fast. This drill mimics the mental rush of a shot window closing.
How It Works:
- Have a partner count down from 5 to 1.
- You must draw, anchor, aim, and shoot before they hit “1”.
- Alternatively, set a 5-second timer and hit your release before it buzzes.
Why It Matters:
This drill develops fast decision-making, quick target acquisition, and composure under pressure. If a buck steps into a lane for only a few seconds, you’ll be ready.
Note: Never sacrifice safety or form. If your shot isn’t clean—don’t release. This builds real discipline.
Bonus Tip: Practice in Full Gear
June is hot—but come November, you’ll be layered in wool, gloves, and maybe even face paint. So once a week, practice in your hunting clothes, including your harness or saddle setup. Make sure your bow clears bulky sleeves, and your anchor point still feels familiar.
Nothing beats muscle memory built under real conditions.
Final Thoughts
Bowhunting isn’t a seasonal hobby—it’s a year-round pursuit. June might not have you sitting in a stand or stalking through leaves, but it’s the perfect time to build the physical and mental edge that’ll put tags on your wall this fall.
So grab your bow, pick your drills, and train like the rut depends on it—because it does.
