I always have a book with me (bow or gun). It definitely helps pass time. It also helps me "hear" better - I tend to pick up noises better when not concentrating on looking around. Don't get me wrong, openeing day of gun season or early am bow hunting in the rut - I'm not reading, but after and hour or two on a "normal" day, i'll be reading. I get thru 2-4 books a year. Have I ever not seen a deer because of it - probably, if I missed it was it too far away - probably. Have I ever missed a shot - YES - during gun last year at the biggest buck I've ever seen. Heard him, looked up, huge horns, book down-gun up in one motion, deer absolutely disappeared. ughhhhhh, but oh well.