NYorange, you miss the point (no pun intended). All the tests mean is you can hit a target at a given distance. I haven't shot a compound in umpteen years, but given an hour's practice I have no doubt I could pass the test with one. Does that mean I know what I'm doing with that bow? Of course not.

Someone who has never shot a bow, or even hunted, could do basically the same thing with good instruction. Being able to hit a target doesn't make someone a hunter. Proficiency tests don't have a thing to do with being able to get on the animal, track a wounded animal, get it out, or even make a good shot (targets don't move, and I'm assuming they aren't shot at from a stand, at different angles, etc.).

I agree it could keep a few complete idiots out of the woods, but someone that bad off isn't likely to get a shot in the first place.

As far as getting the job done, I'd put my money on the experienced hunter that won't shoot further than 10-15-20 (whatever)yds. over the wannabe that can hit targets at 40 yds. but has very little to no hunting experience. The proficiency test is much more likely to put the wannabe in the woods and turn down the hunter.

Chad