Those guys did a lot of what I call "hoke and hope" I grew up in the recurve days and once did the same thing. I have sailed lots of arrows I haven't a clue whether they hit or not. I didn't find evidence but now, looking back, it was not responsible. That was a different day though. It wasn't a matter of if you would get a shot....it was just if you aimed high enough and allowed for the wind. My longest kill was 107 yds. later measured with a laser range finder. It was on an opposite hill and there was no way to "step it off" It was a whitetail and it was looking directly at me. I hit the base of the neck and penetrated downward due to the angle of arrows arc and drilled the heart. Luck, well, I had practiced daily at 100yds. I could keep all my shafts in an 18 circle if there was no wind.

Now back to this shot....I would guess it more like 100 to 120. Ever notice video of the doc. He had a short stride and I am betting he used "steps". A 28" stride would cut a consider amount off that distance. I have guessed animals at 100yds back in the day and they were lucky to be 65. How did those great pioneers measure distance??? It was in THIER yards. If I guess 65 at 100 consistently...then that is MY 100. His 100 in all honesty was likely close to 50 than 100. I can tellyou also as one that has used a great deal of my time in working on yardage estimation as a former pro 3d shooter.....I couldn't begin to "guesstimate" 155yds even today with the aid of laser toys that verify every guess, NO WAY. Please don't think I am taking away from this beloved pioneer of our great sport. Nor am I saying he was fibbing a little. I have no doubt whatsoever that he was honest in his telling of the story, I just think we have to accept it as "his" 155yds.