I have never shot an uninjured deer over 35 yards but I did put an arrow in one I already shot when it stopped at 52 yards and I was anxious for it to go down. I was unsure of my 12 yard shot since it was my first buck with a bow. I like to have them about 15-23 yards for perfect shots. Closer is tough to get drawn and shoot at that angle and farther starts letting Murphy hunt with you.