How far would you shoot?
#14

As many have mentioned, being an excellent shot out to 60, 70, 80 yards really doesn't have much to do with shooting a real flesh and blood animal. As someone mentioned, the target animal can easily take a step or two that could prove disasterous. I feel confident in shooting at a relaxed animal out to 50 but after that, quaility shots become a LOT more difficult!
However, regardless, bowhunting for me has ALWAYS been and will ALWAYS continue to be a close-range, in-your-face, sport!
However, regardless, bowhunting for me has ALWAYS been and will ALWAYS continue to be a close-range, in-your-face, sport!
#17

I can shoot 60 yards but have never even came close to shooting at one at that distance. My longest shot on a deer is 32 yards. I feel completely confident to take a shot out to 40 yards. Where I hunt it is so thick 40 yard shots are almost unheard of. I like to practice at 40 to 50 yards that way 20 yard shots are like chip shots. Also gives me the oppurtunity to take a shot at that range if it would present itself.
I 100% agree with everyone else though, condition need to be right to take that shot. Worst thing any hunter can do is take unethical shots. Long shots are always under scrutiny of being unethical. I feel that every hunter has their own limitation and need to stay with in those limitations. I know a few guys that shouldn't shot past 15 yards but they think they can shot 50 yards. I am sure there are many other guys on here that have experienced or witnessed the same nieve thinking.
Sorry for the rant!! To many watch hunting programs and hear them talking about taking 50 or 60 yard shots in 30 mph winds. They make it sound like it was no big deal. Don't get me wrong I enjoy watching these "TV shows" to. I can tell you that my hunting is allot different than what I watch on those shows. I can only dream of having hunting that good!!
I 100% agree with everyone else though, condition need to be right to take that shot. Worst thing any hunter can do is take unethical shots. Long shots are always under scrutiny of being unethical. I feel that every hunter has their own limitation and need to stay with in those limitations. I know a few guys that shouldn't shot past 15 yards but they think they can shot 50 yards. I am sure there are many other guys on here that have experienced or witnessed the same nieve thinking.
Sorry for the rant!! To many watch hunting programs and hear them talking about taking 50 or 60 yard shots in 30 mph winds. They make it sound like it was no big deal. Don't get me wrong I enjoy watching these "TV shows" to. I can tell you that my hunting is allot different than what I watch on those shows. I can only dream of having hunting that good!!
#19

My only deer with a bow so far was at 12 yards.
Last season I had the biggest deer I've ever seen walk in within 20 yards, but he wouldn't turn broadside. Then he spotted me and bounded off, turned broadside at about 45 yards. I just eyeballed it and said it was way way too far. After he walked off I ranged the spot where he had stood broadside and it was 46. I couldn't imagine taking a shot that far with your blood pumping.
Last season I had the biggest deer I've ever seen walk in within 20 yards, but he wouldn't turn broadside. Then he spotted me and bounded off, turned broadside at about 45 yards. I just eyeballed it and said it was way way too far. After he walked off I ranged the spot where he had stood broadside and it was 46. I couldn't imagine taking a shot that far with your blood pumping.
Last edited by Stonewall308; 09-01-2011 at 06:36 PM.
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,131

I would say my max distance would be 40yds. I have 3 pins but have never sighted in the 3rd pin. Top pin is 25, 2nd pin is 40. The 3rd pin is spaced about the same so I assume it's probably close to 50 but would not use it until I sighted it in.