Best Practices for Practicing Shooting During the Offseason
A lot of hunters wait until a week before season to dust off the rifle, fire a few rounds from a bench, and call it good.
Then opening morning comes, the adrenaline hits, the angle is awkward, and suddenly that easy benchrest shot means absolutely nothing.
The offseason is where good hunters separate themselves from average ones. And the best practice isn’t just shooting tiny groups off a bench—it’s practicing shots that actually mimic real hunting situations.
Stop Shooting Only From a Bench
Bench shooting is useful for:
- Zeroing optics
- Testing ammo
- Confirming rifle accuracy
But animals are rarely harvested from a concrete bench with perfect posture and unlimited time.
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, practical shooting positions are critical for building real-world hunting accuracy.
Hunters should spend far more time practicing field positions than benchrest shooting once the rifle is zeroed.
Practice From the Prone Position
The prone position is one of the most stable field shooting positions available.
Lie flat behind the rifle with:
- Elbows planted firmly
- Rifle supported by a bipod or backpack
- Legs spread naturally for stability
This position closely mimics:
- Western hunting
- Open field shots
- Long-range opportunities
It also teaches shooters how to control breathing and recoil while staying steady under pressure.
Learn to Shoot While Kneeling
Kneeling shots happen constantly in hunting situations, especially in:
- Tall grass
- Brush country
- Rolling terrain
Many hunters discover quickly that kneeling is far less stable than it looks.
Practice:
- One-knee kneeling
- Supported kneeling using shooting sticks
- Transitioning into position quickly
The goal is learning how to stabilize the rifle while maintaining visibility over cover.
Sitting Against a Tree Mimics Real Hunting
One of the most realistic positions for deer hunters is sitting against a tree.
This position mirrors:
- Ground blind hunting
- Spot-and-stalk rests
- Timber hunting setups
Practice:
- Raising the rifle from your lap
- Acquiring targets quickly
- Shooting from awkward angles
Real hunting shots rarely happen with perfect body alignment.
Use Shooting Sticks and Field Supports
Many hunters carry shooting sticks or use backpacks, trees, or fence posts as improvised rests.
The offseason is the perfect time to learn:
- How high to set sticks quickly
- How to control wobble
- How your rifle balances under support
According to the Boone and Crockett Club, ethical shot placement depends heavily on stability and proper support in field conditions.
Practice Wearing Hunting Gear
This gets overlooked constantly.
A rifle may feel completely different when:
- Wearing heavy jackets
- Using gloves
- Carrying a backpack
- Sitting in bulky cold-weather gear
Practice the way you hunt.
That includes:
- Clothing
- Slings
- Packs
- Optics
Even small changes can affect shooting comfort and positioning.
Work on Quick Target Acquisition
Animals don’t stand still forever.
Practice:
- Bringing the rifle up smoothly
- Finding the target quickly through the scope
- Acquiring a clear sight picture without rushing
A fast, controlled shot is often more important than tiny groups on paper.
Dry Fire Training Matters
You don’t need live ammo every time you practice.
Dry fire drills help improve:
- Trigger control
- Rifle mounting
- Breathing
- Stability
According to the National Rifle Association, consistent dry-fire practice is one of the best ways to improve accuracy without spending money on ammunition.
Just make absolutely sure the rifle is unloaded before starting.
Practice Realistic Distances
Many hunters obsess over extreme long-range shooting while most real shots happen much closer.
Practice at distances you’re actually likely to encounter:
- 50 yards
- 100 yards
- 200 yards
- Maybe farther depending on terrain
Confidence at realistic hunting distances matters far more than internet bragging rights.
Focus on One Cold Shot
One of the best offseason drills is simple:
- Walk out
- Set up once
- Fire one cold shot
That first shot is the one that matters in hunting.
Not your fifth group after settling in at the bench.
The Bottom Line
The best offseason shooting practice is the kind that mirrors real hunting—not perfect range conditions.
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Boone and Crockett Club, and National Rifle Association, practical field shooting, positional practice, and repetition are what build confident, ethical hunters.
Because when the moment finally comes during hunting season, your body will fall back on how you practiced.
And that matters a whole lot more than benchrest bragging groups.