While the regimented precision of target shooting holds its place in archery, there’s another approach that offers a unique set of benefits – stump shooting. This practice, also known as roving, involves navigating a natural environment and shooting at various, often uneven targets like stumps, logs, or rocks. While it may seem less structured, stump shooting unlocks valuable skills and experiences for archers of all levels.
Benefits of Stump Shooting
Sharpening Your Instincts: Unlike static targets, natural objects come in irregular shapes and sizes, challenging you to gauge distance and angle intuitively. This hones your instinctive aiming, a crucial skill in real-world hunting or field archery situations where time for precise calculations might be limited. In your mind, you might imagine that you are big game hunting in Africa or Alaska. A bush might become a deer, a kudu, or maybe an elk or a grizzly bear. When there are a lot of stumps to shoot you can let your imagination run wild and enjoy a bowhunting adventure.
Mastering the Terrain: Stump shooting takes you outdoors, forcing you to adapt to uneven ground, varying light conditions, and wind patterns. This translates to better bow control and stability, crucial for maintaining consistent form even in unpredictable shooting positions and environments.
Developing Situational Awareness: As you navigate a wooded area, you become more mindful of your surroundings. You’ll learn to identify potential hazards, practice safe archery techniques while moving, and develop a heightened awareness of your environment, all essential skills for responsible hunting and outdoor exploration.
Enhancing Distance Estimation: Unlike the consistent distances on a target range, stumps and logs offer diverse ranges. Estimating the distance to each target becomes an integral part of the experience, progressively refining your distance judgment and boosting confidence in your ability to take accurate shots in the field.
Boosting Confidence and Fun: The dynamic nature of stump shooting adds a layer of engagement and excitement that can be lacking in static target practice. Successfully hitting diverse natural targets fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts your confidence in your archery skills. It can also be a social activity, enjoyed with friends or family while promoting responsible outdoor recreation.
Beyond Practical Skills: Stump shooting offers a unique mind-body connection. Immersing yourself in nature, focusing on each shot, and navigating the terrain can be a meditative experience, promoting stress relief and mental clarity. It’s a fantastic way to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature in a mindful way.
Safety Considerations: While stump shooting offers numerous benefits, safety is paramount. Always practice responsible archery etiquette, including informing others of your presence in the area, wearing bright clothing, and ensuring a clear backstop behind your target. Additionally, use blunt or judo points on your arrows to minimize damage to the environment and prevent them from getting lodged deeply in hard surfaces.
Recommended Gear
While archery stump shooting doesn’t require extensive gear, having the right essentials is crucial for safety and enjoyment. Here’s a basic list:
- Bow: Any type of traditional longbow, recurve, or flatbow can be used for stump shooting. Choose one you’re comfortable and proficient with. You can use a lighter poundage bow for more enjoyment or a hunting weight bow for more realistic training.
- Arrows: Opt for durable arrows with blunt points or judo points to prevent deep penetration and ricocheting. Using arrows of the same design and point weight as your broadheads can also aid in practicing for hunting season.
- Quiver: A hip quiver or backpack quiver is ideal for carrying your arrows comfortably while navigating various terrains. However, some choose to use a bow quiver for practicing hunting scenarios.
- Arm guard: Protects your forearm from the string slap during the shot.
- Finger tabs or gloves: Protects your fingers from abrasions when drawing the bowstring.
Overall, stump shooting goes beyond mere target practice. It’s a valuable tool for developing essential archery skills, fostering a connection with nature, and enjoying the outdoors. So, the next time you grab your bow, consider venturing beyond the range and exploring the dynamic world of stump shooting.
“When we are out shooting bows like this, bows that are simple stick and strings, we are turning back the clock and shooting archery the way our forefathers did!” Ron LaClair
Check out the excellent video below to see real stump shooting in action.
