I don't think there can be a one size fits all definition for something that obviously varies so much. Up until last season, for me...I wouldn't shoot out past 30yds. That was my effective range. This year, I could extend it given the proper conditions, but I won't. There's simply to many variables in the woods that can affect me that I don't feel CONFIDENT about my shooting. I'm CONFIDENT I can shoot 2" groups at 40yds in my backyard 90% of the time. I'm NOT confident I can do the same in the woods. Not because I'm any less better of a shot in the woods than I am in the yard, but simply because there's other factors involved. Maybe it's even something in the back of my head letting my know the implications of the risk I'm taking by stretching my effective range. If I miss at 40yds in my backyard, all that results is some frustration. If I miss that same 40yd shot in the field, we're talking about a miss, or even worse, a wounded animal.