I've taken a few deer at40yds and 2 at 50yds, back in the day when all I did was shoot bow. One thing I've noticed, is that deer don't seem to jump the string on those long shots like the do at close range.

Its like this. if you are walking in the woods and someone says " Boo!" at 5yds, you are going to jump in reaction to that noise being so close.

If they say "Boo!" when they are 35yds from you, you won't jump, because the noise is farther away.

Its hard to explain but I hope you get my point.

I think deer will react to a noise that is really close more than a noise that is far away.


I sure that some of us have taken really far shots at deer and missed the shot. Usually the deer just stands there with no reaction after the long range miss.

Windwalker7, that is exactly what I have found as well under most circumstances. I missed a beautiful buck one day when I compensated for his drop because he was a bundle of nerves...he was 40 yards and I put my pin just under his chest and guess what, he never moved and I watched the arrow just miss him behind his leg and under his chest...perfect shot but I wasn't aiming at the deer....I'll never compensate again.

At least you missed him clean I guess.

ive killed deer with 2 blade b52's and expandables all were pass throughs. i only take broadside shots though.
i always say this in a prayer before i hunt that day
" Lord i rather have a clean miss than an unclean kill " if you think about it its so true, and everytime i pray before i hunt i either get a missed shot or a clean kill.

I too can hit the vitals on my 3d target at 35 or 40 yards most of the time - IF I have a rangefinder or know the EXACT distance.

At those ranges, you have to know the exact distance to within a yard or two. The arrow drops too fast beyond 30 yards. If you misjudge distance by 5 yards on a 40 yard shot your going to miss.

Like many others have said it is all a matter of effective range.In addition to that I would add that effective range on a non moving target when nothing is at stake is different than effective range on an animal when you are cold,tired or hyped up with excitement or have been holding for two minutes.In addition to that some days most of us are calmer and stronger than other days.I have had some situations where I have been dead calm and others where a deer has had me pinned and I have been afraid to breathe much less move and when the opportunity presented itself(if it did)I had all that tension coming to the surface.
I would say "to thy own self be true" if you know without a doubt you can kill it cleanly than have at it.If youhave any doubtdon't let the arrow go.

That was my point BobCo...I placed the arrow exactly where I was aiming and he didn't drop, had I placed my pin on his heart, guess what, perfect heart shot. I was refering to the animal not hearing the bow at 40 yards and are you judging me for taking a 40 yard shot....some can shoot, some can't.

Nah, I wasn't judging you. It was just an observation. And I agree with the second part of your statement (for the most part).

chiefks,

oh, I think I see now. I had a completely different picture in my head the 1st time around. I've seen arrows hit deer and take weird defelctions going thru them regardless of style of head, but I do think it makes sense if using a COC, to have it be a point.

you've never killed a deer, have you MO_Hoyt?????