Every situation depends on many things-All have been covered at one time or another in this thread. Let me BRAG. In my day of tourny shooting I posted perfect indoor 300 rounds, Perfect Field & Animal NFAA outdoor rounds & maybe a few others like Perfect outdoor PAA rounds. Now-these were shot from 20 through 80 yards (depending on the target). I "KNEW" I was going to spot out on those targets.
So, I guess I faired pretty well. I am ALSO starting my 51st year of Bowhunting & frankly, very successful if "YOU" measure success with KILLS.
In my STUPID "DAYS" Twenties-I killed a 6 point Buck at 55 yards the last day of the season on a "bet you can't hit that deer" with my 65# American Cheetah Recurve & a wood Arrow as we walked into our stands.
I also shot a Grouses head off at 25 yards once (Pure Ass Luck for sure).
Remember-MY "STUPID" days. With age "MOST of the TIME" comes a little "DON't be so STUPID" thoughts & we MATURE (some, not all).
I am willing to wager I can hold my own with the MAJORITY of Bowhunters in the woods now adays & on any 3-D range even though I am a senior & don't shoot everyday as I used to.
I have taken Elk 35 yds longest & 41 yards Buffalo (compounds). Whitetail, Mule Deer, Black Bears,Caribou, Wild Hogs & many others average under 25 yards & I am guessing my kills at around 200 total. Want to know something-I bet my "CLEAN" MISSES at 25 yds. & less is 300. Man, I have shot a lot of Arrows in my time at Biggame. Argue & tell us "HOW" you do it. It boils down to YOU will do whatever you think you can get away with when your out there on your own-if you think you can get em at 80 yds., your gonna shoot, if not, you will let em pass...
My shots are not any longer than when I used a recurve & sometimes "I still Miss"..Good Luck fellas & keep em in the 10 ring & everyone will be happy.....Old age makes you long winded.
Have I ever wounded an animal-unfortunatly, yes. Shouldered 2 Bull Elk, 2 Whitetail Bucks, 1 Mule Deer Buck, 1 Black Bear, 1 hog & 1 cow Elk. Yep, I remember those too & of allI honestly think only 2 died. The Black Bear was killed 1 week later by a rifle hunter, I saw one of the Whitetail Bucks about 2 weeks later. I think the Mule Deer Buck & Cow Elk didn't make it.
All these were at 25 yds. or less....
Please, don't start on me about not being ethical or a bad shot.
Oh, Washington Hunter-I "think" remember you saying (sometime) you wanted to start a BH video production-make sure your ethical in your productions. Good Luck.....