ORIGINAL: bigcountry
People like to quote ethical posts or say this or that is ethical, but what I have figured out is most set those ethical standards off thier own limitations. For example, it blows my mind to think a 35 yard shot with a longbow could be ethical. Why? I can't do it. I can't consistently hit the vitals of a deer at 35 yards. In fact, 18yards is my limit. But several famous traditional bowhunters can and have.
I know people that can shoot 50 yard shots over and over with a compound. I would bet they could hit a deer more consistently at 50 yards than most at 30.
Bottom line is, you should know your limitations, and not force your limitations on others. Hunting is a personal thing, and does not have to be a competition.
IMO: Bigcountry has the answer: To me; what defines an "ethical shot" is any shot you
know you will make 99 of 100 times, and and only YOU can define that shot. If you're good enough to make a 60 yd. shoton a deerrunning through heavy cover on a foggy day every time, well then fire away. For me, I feel comfortable out to about35yds.under normal conditions. Anything different only means I have to shorten my range.