My first year with a recurve I said my max distance would be 15 yards. I killed a deer the last 10 min of the season from a hassty ground blind at 7 yards. So here I am 34 years later with dozens of kills. I have no problem taking a 40 yard shot in the right situations. It depends on variables that must be applied instantly with conviction in the heat of the moment. I say I have no problem with the right 40 or 45 yard shot.... and yet I may have to pass a shot at 20-25 sometimes.