Can’t Get Away Hunting? Here’s What You Can Do Instead

Target Practice At The Range

Let’s be honest—sometimes getting away for a hunt just isn’t going to happen. Whether it’s work, family commitments, crook weather, or the season’s closed, we’ve all been there. But being stuck at home doesn’t mean you have to let go of the hunting mindset.

Here are a few ways to stay in the zone, sharpen your skills, and keep the fire lit until you can get back out in the bush.

1. Hit the Local Rifle Range

Keep Your Eye In and Your Rifle Dialled

If you’ve got a local shooting range nearby, make the most of it. Grab your rifle, check your zero, and punch a few groups at 100 or 200 metres. It’s a great way to keep your skills sharp and make sure your gear’s all doing what it should.

Try out some different ammo or play around with your scope settings—nothing beats having confidence in your setup when you're back out in the field.

2. Bust a Few Clays

Field & Game or Clay Target Clubs Are Great Fun

If you enjoy fast shooting, get along to a field and game or clay target club. Busting clays is not only a heap of fun—it helps with reflexes, timing, and hand-eye coordination. It’s great practice if you enjoy bird hunting or just want to keep your reactions sharp.

Plus, it’s a social day out with a few like-minded folks. Nothing wrong with a bit of friendly competition either.

3. Take Up Archery

Something Different and Seriously Rewarding

If you haven’t tried archery, give it a crack. Pick up a recurve or compound and head down to your local archery club. You’ll learn a new skill that takes patience, focus, and control—things that carry over into rifle hunting too.

Some clubs have 3D animal targets set up, which is great for simulated hunting practice. It’s quiet, satisfying, and a good way to change things up when the rifle’s in the safe.

Take Up A New Sport? Archery

4. Grab a Rod and Go Fishing

The Bush Might Be Off Limits, But the Water’s Always There

Fishing’s the next best thing when you can’t be out chasing game. Whether it’s the beach, a dam, a river or a little mountain stream—there’s always a chance to wet a line. Chase barra, flick lures for bass, or sit back and soak a bait for flathead.

It’s peaceful, it’s outdoors, and there’s always the chance of bringing home a feed.

5. Go Through Your Hunting & Camping Gear

Get Organised Now So You’re Ready Later

This is a good time to sort your gear out. Clean your rifle, oil the bolt, check your scope mounts, sharpen your knives. Go through your pack—replace anything worn or missing, repack it properly, and make sure your first aid kit’s topped up.

Check your boots, your camo, your cook gear. Doing this now saves stress later, and you’ll feel a whole lot more prepared when your next trip pops up.

Clean, Pack & Prepare Your Camping Gear

6. Rainy Day? Fire Up YouTube

Watch, Learn, Get Inspired

If it’s absolutely bucketing down and you’re stuck indoors, don’t just sit around—jump on YouTube. There’s a tonne of good hunting content on there. I’m always watching Cape buffalo hunts in Africa, or stalking Coues deer in the Arizona mountains.

There’s something about seeing different country and styles of hunting that keeps the passion alive. You’ll pick up tips, learn about gear, and keep the dream alive until you can get back out yourself.

Final Word

You might not be in the scrub right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected to the hunting lifestyle. Keep your gear in shape, work on your skills, or learn something new.

Because when the time comes—and it will—you’ll be ready to go. Boots on, rifle clean, and mindset dialled.