Great question. There are lots of variables that come into play.

On a calm day with no wind I can put every arrow I shoot in a 6 inch circle at 30 yards. Past that, I begin to lose both accuracy and confidence. Therefore, with all conditions being perfect, I limit myself to 30 yard shots.

If there is a strong wind it will play havoc on a flying arrow and I limit myself to 20 yard shots. Especially if the wind is in the 20-40 MPH range.

I have friends who are deadly accurate out to 60 yards and regularly kill deer at 40-50 yards. I have no problem with them taking these long shots as long as they are accurate.The deer deserve a quick, humane death. My abilities and selected treestand sites, make 30 yards my limit.

The last 4 bucks that I have killed with my bow were taken at 12,14,15, and 18 yards (ranged). In fact, I have only taken 2 deer at 30 yards which is my limit. 90% of the deer I have harvested were within 20 yards.

BIG DONNIE BRASCO i agree with your posts.. everything changes when that deer is 20 yards away. even more so at 30 and 40 yards. its hard to duplicate that with practice. buck fever sets in and epinephrine pumps through your body those fist size groups will be hubcap size. at 20-30 yards a fist size grouping should be a little smaller. most of my 3 shot groups are touching at 20 yards. but i practice out to 60 yards so a 30 yard shots become chip shots. theres so many variables in bowhunting and a leaf or a unseen twig at 30 yards will cripple animals. i think as a hunter you owe it to your prey for a humane kill and bowhunting is about getting as close as you can. in woods and cover i limit my shots to under 30 and if you look out west in the plains with pronghorns people take 50 yards shots or more. circumstances and your individual ability should ultimately decide on the shot