50 yard shoot,new hunter.better pratice your tracking skills

I may be the "lone dissenter" maybe not. For me personally, if I'm not shooting a 4-5" group at that distance, whatever it may be, then I don't believe I have any business shooting at an animal at that distance, this pertains mostly to deer. If I use the Pie PLATE theory, then the animal better be an elk, caribou, or something bigger than a whitetail deer.

Stonewall,
As others said, you're off to a good start shooting now, back it up though, and ZERO your 1st pin at 18-20yds (not sure how fast your bow is or what you're shooting, etc) but most set-ups, even what I'm trying to set up for my wife can be set-up for 18-25yds, for the first pin and be okay. Back your shooting up, focus on good form, follow-through and trigger punch seem to be the biggest two issues a lot of NEWER archers run into. Make sure you're getting the "surprise" release, and you're holding that bow as if you're still aiming it until that arrow hits the target. NO PEEKING!!!! That leads to poor follow through, and sailing shots. There are a lot of things to learn/focus on, but there is a fair amount of time, and you don't have to be a "PRO" to close the deal and put some venison in the freezer, I'm living proof of that.

i have only been shooting a bow for about 7 years but i consider myself a proficiant archer, not to boast. i am extreamly critical of myself and am always trying to get theclose shots on game. that being said, i wouldnt go hunting without being able to put 3 shots into a 3 inch dimond at 30 yards and a 4 inch dimond at 40. not that i am training to take thoes shots, but i want to know that when i draw back at 28 yards i am going to hit exactly wear im aiming at. just a few sugestions that have helped me; when you realese, imagine that you are pulling your bow apart. what i mean is, keep your draw had moveing back. also joining your local archery club may help. when i started shooting leauge two years ago, my groups and range estimation improved by a lot. plus you can get a lot of pointers from other people that have been in the sport for longer than you have been alive. sorry for my long post, just my .02$.

I agree, just starting out your magic yardage should be "what I can group at 25 yrds" or less.

i have been bow hunting about 3 to 4 years, with an old bow. and i thought that i had it all down pack. i started making some bad shot and not able to find my deer. so i deside not to shoot at any thing until i bought a new bow and set it to my specks. now i have that new one and can not wait to go hunting with it. my advice to you is what i learnd, perfect practise makes perfect shots . howard, good luck. remember, once you send your arrow to a animal, there is stopping it.

I have to agree with what all the others are saying here... Practice, practice, practice, makes for the best shots.. I normally keep my shots out to 35 yards a maximum. I want the maximum penitration from my shooting to give me clear results and less tracking time. No matter what just keep practicing and also when you are ready practice with a broadhead on an arrow. They seem to fly different.. good Luck with what you decide..

I hate the pie plate thing! Would you be happy with pie plate groups at 10 yards? I sure wouldn't be so why should It be good enough at 50 yards? Biggest no no people do Is take too long of shots with their bows.

At 10 yards gravity has not (negligible) affected arrow flight yet. At 53yards you have a MAJORfactor (gravity)that you don't have to worry about at 10yards. Like others said, the only way to know is topractice shooting at various distances.