RE: Would you shoot farther than normal IF….
After seeing the initial responses, I think the way one determines their “normal max range” has an impact on the answer.
I am more than capable of hitting the vitals of a deer at ranges a good bit farther than what I choose to shoot at. My shooting ability only plays a small role in this decision, along with tracking conditions, hunting conditions (thick woods, lots of twigs), general philosophy on bowhunting, and the possibility of the deer moving. I like to keep things as close to “guaranteed” as I can when it comes to bowhunting, so I limit myself to ranges well under what I have pins for. Given the scenario I proposed, with a known distance, yes I would shoot out to what I had pins for, because 1, I’m confident in my shooting ability, and 2, those conditions make for MUCH easier tracking should the shot not turn out ideal. If the shot is fatal, I will find the deer.