I have had long breaks from hunting, and at times have not even thought about it.

I shoot both a recurve and a compound. I love the compound for its speed and efficency but the recurve gives me something else that calms me and helps me focus. There is something about trying to get mind and body focussed on a perfect shot that I really love. I find the compound is a little distanced from that.

During my breaks from hunting I have had long periods of not even touching my bows despite the great feeling I get shooting them.

When I am not shooting or hunting though I have always had another pursuit that is all consuming, rowing (which is a similar effort to perfect a seemingly simple action with each stroke), motorcycle racing, or competitive kickboxing.
At the moment I am trying to balance a couple of these with hunting.

I guess for me at least there is always something that takes its place and that reminds me what it means to be alive.