With the opening of Pennsylvania's statewide archery deer season one week from today, the time has come and gone to begin preparing for the season.

By now, stands should have been erected, blinds put in place and a practice routine underway to develop muscle memory when presented with a shot. Most bowhunters, however, are never satisfied that they are completely ready, so for those looking for a challenge the final week leading up to the season, try going the extra mile.OK, in reality, it is going those extra yards.All ethical bowhunters find a comfort zone for how far - or close - a deer has to be for taking a shot with confidence. If that distance is between 25-30 yards, between now and opening day practice shots at 35-40 yards.Chances are shooting at a target even at the increased distance will be done with confidence. It is doubtful, however, any bowhunter would want to extend themselves by 10 yards at a deer.A major side benefit of continuing this practice routine into the season is increasing the confidence to take a lethal shot if presented outside of one's previous limit. Keep in mind this can vary depending on strategy and degree of difficulty.Most experienced bowhunters consider the two keys to taking a deer are preparation and getting the opportunity to take a shot. That is why it is so important to know the limitations of the equipment being used and one's own limitations.Only practice, practice and more practice will teach a bowhunter their effective range and then increase that range. And to get the most out of that practice, nothing is better than using 3-D targets to maximize those skills.What gives 3-D targets the advantage over other types of targets is that they have an outline of the vital section of a life size animal. While hitting the center of a 3-inch circle will improve accuracy, it is difficult to visualize and focus where the vital area of a deer is located.This is especially so when practicing from an elevated platform or taking quartering shots from the ground. Seldom will a deer walk past a blind and present a broadside shot, which is why practicing different hunting scenarios is so important.With enough practice, drawing and focusing on the vital area becomes second nature, but just to make sure, never be satisfied when that first arrow hits the target area. Nothing builds confidence more than placing a second, third and fourth arrow into the vital area.This is why practicing from a variety of positions - included seated and kneeling - is an absolute necessity. Shot placement changes with changing angles, and keep moving farther from the target until reaching the absolute limit of having consistent shot placement.Using this practice routine to build confidence can pay dividends, but to get the most from the time and effort reverse the process. After building confidence by making 40-yard shots, move to within 35 yards, then 30 yards and finally 25 yards of the target.Most likely five-shot groups will be achieved that have the shafts touching. This practice routine will help the time pass a bit quicker until next Saturday's opening day of archery season.