Archery is generally limited by the accuracy of the shooter, so that's what I'd tell him. Take him out, see how well he shoots. If he naturally is able to stack sticks at 40yrds, I wouldn't worry about him. If, as you'd expect, he has trouble consistently delivering shots on target past 15yrds, then he obviously needs more practice.

My wife and I, both what I'd call accomplished/skilled archers, usually shoot 25-50pins per night during season, more during preseason, 7days a week. Most weekends before the season will be 100-150 pins per day on both days. But both of us are capable of grouping under 3" at 50yrds CONSISTENTLY, so we're prone to think that so much dedication is worth it.

The "punishment" that I'd recommend, if he doesn't practice, is to go ahead and take him hunting. If something walks past at a range further than his accurate range, make him pass on the shot. 1) Passing on a deer at 20yrds sucks, and it would force him to admit that he's not accurate enough to ethically take that shot. 2) If he does get a shot and range, and places it poorly, then tracking long distance, or worse, losing game is a brutal learning experience.