Phil from Maine

I like to keep it around 30 to 35 yards. I did read an article back in the early 90s that stated the hardest hitting of any bow ( back then ) was at the 35 yard mark. That was describing when the arrows were hitting maximum speed and todays bows are fast from the get go. I still use that idea as a go by however.

mladdict

Out to 40 just by eye ranging. If I could check the exact range I would shoot out to 60.

sdhunter11

I practice out to 60 at least 2 times a week, Longest shot ever taken was at 50, but as mentioned has to be perfect conditions. My 50 yard shot killed my biggest archery buck to date. But please for the sake of the animal, practice alot at that range and do not get over confident.

Armybowhunter28

I practice mainly out to 40 but i do have the 50 sighted in so if its a calm day i would take a shot at 50.

*twodogs*

35 yards is my maximum in the woods as it is hard to see those little limbs out any further. If I know I have a clear shooting lane (field) then I might push it to 45 yards under the right conditions for the right deer.

bronko22000

I practice out to 70 yds because that's all the pins I have. (30 - 70). I keep my first pin set at 30 yds because the difference at 15 an d 20 yds is minimal from my Martin Onza III Pro. The reason I practice at these ranges is that any errors in form will be greatly magnified and it also makes those 15 - 30 yd shots much easier because you are more confident. I'd have to sit and count all the deer I've taken with the bow. But what I can tell you is that all but 2 have been shot at 20 yds or less. The 2 that were taken at longer range were 35 and 43 yds. I feel confident out to 50 yds but the animial has to be totally calm and preoccupied (eating or other). Even with today's super fast bows, it takes enough time for an arrow to reach a whitetail at 50 yds out for it to react and duck or wheel before the arrow gets there.
People say that a deer ducks the arrow. But this isn't naturally true. If you've watch such an instance in slow motion, what the deer is actually doing is dropping its front shouders as its first motion to flee. Think about it. What do you do if you're going to jump? You flex your knees as the initial movement. Same thing with a deer. Most hunter know this but I just want to let you, the new guy, understand it. So even at 20 yds, don't shoot at an alarmed/alert deer. Just sit tight and let it calm down. The tail flicking side to side is a good indication the deer is becoming calmer.

GRIZZLYMAN

I practice out to 50 yards but in most places I hunt the longest shot I have is 35 yards. I really balk at anything over 30 yards unless it is in the open, i.e. not a lot of trees around. When there are a lot of trees around you may not see those little limbs out 20-30 yards that could deflect an arrow.

The longest shot I have ever taken with a bow on a deer was 32 yards, and the doe was facing me. She went about 20 yards and expired. I would never take a shot that far again with a deer facing me.

snapper1982

pratice alot at 80. am very proficient at 80 but have never taken an 80 yard shot... longest ever attempted on a deer was 64 yards. center punched her. 3 blade wasp jackhammer all the way through. she went 40 yards and piled up.

edgecam

I practice out to 70 yards every time I shoot. The last for arrows will be at 70 yards. My longest kill shot was 42 yards. I try to keep all my shots between 20 an 35 yards.

If you practice longer shots then you will take in the field it makes the shorter shots seem easier.

07superglide

I keep it at 35...i had to move my 20yrd pin to a 10!! I likem close!!!