I shoot year round, because I enjoy it. Target shooting is fun and keeps my shooting skills tuned. Is it necessary? Absolutely not!

I'm quite positive most archers can shoot better today, with one week of practice, than I could 30 years ago when I practiced with my recurve year around. Was I unethical hunting with my recurve? No way! I simply waited until the animal was within my effective range, which wasn't much beyond 10 yards. You can do the same. More practice, will simply extend your effective range. Ethics has nothing to do with your shooting ability. It has to do with shooting in situations that are within your effective abilities. A hunter can be the best shot and the most unethical of people, all at the same time. Conversely, a pathetic shooter can be very ethical. Don't worry about others who think you need to practice year around to ethical. It has nothing to do with it.