Ron-

Using back tension to shoot a bow is really the proper way to get the most accuracy and consistency, so it cannot be called a waste of time for hunting. Anything you can do to improve your shooting will help your hunting shots as well.

The least expensive way to learn is to buy a pure back tension release, lots of used ones around for fairly cheap, and learn how to use it in the off-season. It is NOT an overnight thing and will take a while to learn. The best time is during the off-season where you have pleny of time to work on it, and are not rushed to meet a deadline. Some people get discouraged because they want an instant fix (no such thing) and go right back to being "Punchy The Clown". [8D]

When first learning to use your BT release, stand right up near the bale with no target on the bale. Do that for a week or two every night of JUST getting the feel of the release, how to adjust it for your form and anchor, the feel of how it works, and the feel of how your back muscles are supposed to be executing the shot. Don't worry about aiming at a target at ALL. Once you feel what a surprise release is all about on a consistent basis, you're more than halfway there.

And after you learn what using BT is all about, you can use a trigger release properly- index or thumb trigger. I prefer a thumb trigger release for hunting which very closely matches my BT release. I can simply hook my thumb trigger release on my d-loop and let it hang there at the ready for the shot.

BT is not a waste of time for anyone- it is the road to better accuracy and consistency, it is a way to keep target panic out of your life, and a way to help out with nerves at that "moment of truth".