The question is in two parts,
Experenced Archer - Depending on how much different from the curent set-up - Nearly teh same -only as long as it took to get it tuned and set-up correctly
Completely different - Again time to get it set-up correctly, Correct arrows chosen and time to practice and get used to the arrow flight and how that affects the sight picture when under hunting conditions. For me I shoot with pins and also instinctive with my recurve so most of what I look for is the flight of the arrow in relation to what I am accustomed to.
Novice Archer(talking about Big Game -Antelope/Deer or larger) - Very simple At least 3 to 4 months of practice. You must learn proper form in order to be a sucessful and consistant shooter. You must be a consistant shooter before going into the woods hunting - We owe the game this much! And when you have the opportunity to take a shot, you must make the best of it. Spending the money for a bow (even an inexpensive kit) plus a small amount of accessories and arrows is not cheap. Take the time to invest in practicing can be the best time/money spent. Next year will be here soon enough and there are always small game and varmits to test your skill between now and then.


My 2 cents worth!


Greg

"Getting close to the game is the joy of Bowhunting for me, the harvest is a bonus."

Live 15 ft Python after eating a small Antelope!