With bow season quickly approaching, it is never too early to start practicing/preparing for the start of the season. Every hunter knows somebody, or is the one, who has hurt his shoulder as a result of archery. That is why this is such an important time of year to start training to hunt.
First, I would weaken the pounds of your bow when you finally pull it out of the closet. Think of shooting a bow like an exercise with heavy weights at the gym. Anyone who has been to the gym and lifted weights all their life, would not take nine months off and return to lifting the same weight nine months later. It takes time to get up to pulling back 70 pounds, like you did last season. Someone with no running experience does not start with a marathon. There is no reason to ruin your season before it even begins by totaling your shoulder.
Second, take your time shooting. Do not expect to shoot 100 times the first time back. If it is only ten times, this is better then no practice or over practicing. Don't blow your shoulder the first day back. It is hard to resist not continuing to shoot, but some times you just need to walk away.
Next, try some simple exercises during the summer to help strengthen your body. Simple rotator cuff exercises can go a long way. I found this video from Youtube that might is worth your time to watch. The trainer mentions it early, but do not attempt to do heavy weights. A light weight will go a long way. Rotator Cuffs are very fragile.
Finally, get your bow tuned ASAP. This is a great time to get anything you want done to your bow, before all archery shops get packed a week before season opens. If you want the best help, this is the time to go get it. Otherwise, the person doing the work might speed through the check up instead of being thorough. With as many things that can go wrong with a bow, this is the last thing any archer's equipment should receive.
With this said, get out there and enjoy letting your arrows fly. Check out Peach State Outfitters to get some motivation for hunts available when the season opens. Remember to always check them before you shoot. Nobody wants a broken carbon shaft impaled in their hand. With a hot summer on the way, practicing with your bow can be a fun excuse to get some sun for a while.
