I personally feel that no one should be telling you at what exact distance you can and can not shoot at. I will tell you that this is a VERY individual thing that varies per archer. Granted, with todays modern archery equipment it generally becomes relativly easy to shoot out to 25 yards or so. You will have to let your practice time and personal limitations guide you. I will add that I STRONGLY believe that at whatever distance you can place an arrow nomore than 3 inched from your exact point of aim is you MAX. This way, by the time you add in the nervous jitters, actual field conditions, the cold, wind, etc, you should still be able to make a perfectly placed double lung shot. I will also STRESS that you ALWAYS wait for a broadside shot at an unalarmed animal. Use good ol' common sense and you should do well. Best of luck to ya this fall.