Let's just say the answer to this question (max distance), gets SHORTER, not longer.....as I learn more about whitetail deer hunting.

My max distance would be 40 yards. If the deer was relaxed and the wind was right.

Max for me is 25 yards....Most of my deer are killed from 15-20...

I won't shoot past 30yds myself.

Bless you for paying attention while you are out there.

I can kill one out to 50 I guess.

Since 1964 - furthest shot 37 yds (In reality I shouldn't have taken the shot)

I try and set up my shooting lanes and tree setups for 22-27 yds.

If one sets foot in that zone......

I've made my mistakes, leo.....which led me to this (recent) declaration.

Finding out you're not as good as you thought you were is humbling and necessary.

I practice out to 50 yds just to make my 30-35 yd shots easier. Wouldn'tshoot past 35 yds not at this point anyways.

I bow hunted for antelope for the first time this year, and tried several shots in the 60 to 80 yard range. I'm shooting in the 260 fps speed range. I missed a couple of them that, had I remembered to take the lazer rangefinder along on the stalk, would have been going home in the back of the truck. Shot at one that was looking right at me, about 75 yards - he jumped an entire body length before the arrow got there. Shot was perfect . . . . it almost looked like he spooked from the sound/sight of the arrow coming towards him rather than the sound of the bowstring.

Anyway, I'm thinking 50 yards as well here. Even though a paper plate at 80 yards is a high percentage shot, there is just too much that go wrong under field conditions.

My max is around 40 yards. I'll try everytime to allow the deer to get closer, if it seems reasonable to think it might.


GH

I can hold a 4 inch group at 65 yards unless I am having gusty conditions. I don't think I would take a shot at a deer that far though, too much can happen while you are waiting for the arrow to arrive. Even with range finder, 290 fps and a 400 grain arrow 45 yards is about all I feel comfortable with.
I want the animal calm and busy with his head down eating more than I want a close shot.
If Igot to pick a range to shoot at every time I like 30 yardsish. My bow is superquiet at that range and I know I can hit where I want. I don't like being right on top of the animal.