Beyond the Boring: Six Fun Things to Try When You Get Bored BowHunting

Being vigilant and on the lookout for an approaching game is crucial when bowhunting. Wild animals, such as deer, may show up at any time, and no bowhunter wants to ever miss out on such an opportunity or be unprepared when it presents itself. However, some days might seem to last forever while you're out in the woods.

Perhaps some individuals can be content with simply focusing on their thoughts and the scenery around them. Still, I'd assume that most of us need something extra to make such experience more pleasant.

When the hunt gets stale, there are plenty of activities you can engage in while you await your big game. Check out these fun activities below.

Related: Is Bowhunting Ethical?

Fun Ways To Tackle Boredom While Bowhunting

Below are six suggestions to keep you occupied while you wait for your big game to stroll in during a hunt:

•  Maximize Your Smartphone

Enjoy some light distraction while out in the woods by putting your smartphone to good use. Packing a power bank and USB cord before heading out on a hunt is a good idea. You can connect with your bowhunter friends and keep each other updated. Playing games is another great way to keep yourself entertained. Or you can plug in to watch videos or listen to some of your favorite music.

But before anything else, lower the volume of your mobile applications, so you don't get too distracted. Also, to avoid staring at the screen for extensively long periods, choose games with short levels so you can take a break while the next one loads.

•  Read Something

While packing for a trip, put a book, any book, in your backpack. When you find yourself becoming overly fatigued, take a break and focus on picking out the best section or chapter. You'll be more attentive, increasing your chances of seeing any passing deer. But be sure to have a space readily accessible to slip your book away quietly when you notice a game approach.

• Do Some Yoga/Stretching 

The serene atmosphere while bowhunting is ideal for re-establishing a connection with nature and finding some peace and quiet. Enjoy a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, even if it's just for a little while, and you'll be pleasantly pleased by how revitalized you feel. Extended periods spent seated in a ground blind or tree stand can lead to soreness and exhaustion. So get up and do some stretches or yoga to avoid the aches and pains that come from sitting still for too long.

Meditating is another great way to truly slow down and relax in the middle of a slow hunt. You can also take a quick nap to wipe off any exhaustion. You’ll wake up refreshed and much more alert than you could imagine. 

• Write

Writing is an engaging way to pass the time and effectively maintain focus while on the hunt. Long hours of hunting on your own may be a fantastic time for reflection and planning, so a pen and paper can be your perfect companions. Do some writing, such as descriptions of your surroundings, an account of your experiences in the woods, or a narrative of your invention. You can also make maps for yourself, marking all the hunting sites you come across and possibly attaching snap photos to the record.

• Take a Hunting Selfie

Take some photographs, be it a hunting selfie or a good view of your hunting site, and upload them to your social media platforms. You’ll be surprised how feedback from your friends and their encouraging words will greatly lift your mood. Looking back on the pictures during the off-season will also make you more eager and motivated to go on subsequent bowhunting trips.

• Reorganize Things

You should take this opportunity to sort through the contents of your vest or bag. Pack your used food wrappers, cans, old licenses, and any other trash items so you'll remember to dispose of them later, and wipe dust or dirt off your rangefinder and binoculars lenses. Also, check to ensure that your gear is still in great shape and good to go when it's time for some action.

Final Thoughts

Successful hunts can yield a lot of excitement and a sense of accomplishment. But if we are being totally candid, it can also become very boring when the hunt is slow, and for some reason, there are no games in sight.

Want to steer clear of boredom when on the hunt? Then, consider putting some of the ideas presented in this piece to good use to stay in high spirits, and you'll have a fantastic time bowhunting.

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