What kind of arrow groups are considered ethical. For instance, would a five inch group of four arrows at 40 yards be considered ethical?? What do you all think(50,40,30,20yds etc.)

Do you think that group could ethically kill a deer with out any excess pain? I would say for elk that would be a somewhat exceptable group...but if you plan to shoot at deer at 40 yards then they should be half that size.

Never shot a group on a deer, so danged if I know what an eithical group size is.[&:]

If your group is centered around the dot, no arrows more than 2 1/2" away from your aim point, I'd say your accuracy level is good enough. On the other hand, I assume you are standing flat footed, on the ground, using your very best shooting form, in weather and lighting conditions you picked, relaxed, comfortable and without the slightest hint of adrenaline pumping through your system.

So, how is your first shot accuracy in actual hunting conditions? That is what you really need to know when it comes to determining your ethical, effective range.

Arthur - Great answer.

1st shot counts.

yea, i have not seen many deer or elk that would wait around for you to shoot a group so the question is a moot one.

That's a great point about the first shot. I have developed a practice routine that has helped me a ton during hunting season.
Every morning at work, before I get going I get up in my practice stand with one arrow. Put on my full hunting clothes. Make everything as close to the real thing as possible. Sometimes I'll even hang my bow and sit and wait for 10 minutes or so. Then simulate the moment of a deer coming into range. Go through everything like it was the real deal. Stand up, clip on the release, draw back and shoot at the 3D. It's about as close as you can get. 1 arrow .........1 shot!! Mix up the location and yardage of your target everyday too. Then I get down and go to work.
This routine puts you in a mental state of having one crack at it. No more arrows in your quiver to correct the first shot. I also practice like everyone else where I shoot multiple arrows trying to improve my shooting skills and making adjustments. But that little thing I do in the morning I think has really helped prepare me for the moment of truth.
I think it's more of a mindset issue. You know you better make that arrow count. Nothing to fall back onto.
Same as in golf. For anyone that golfs, how many times have you or have you heard about how great you were hitting it on the driving range? Then they get to the golf course and are all over the lot. Reason being, it's too easy of a mental state of mind to sit there and whack 100 balls. Too repetitive with no pressure. Most people will just flare away and swing without even aiming and think they are hitting it great. Put a target in front of them on the course and narrow their vision and the brain takes on a whole new agenda.

Go up in your tree stand with all of your hunting clothes on and shoot at your target that you placed 40 yds out. If you can hit it withing a couple inches of where your aiming than you are probably accurate enough. However I would never chance this because a lot can go wrong at 40 yds.

Good answer. But I'll add that you should also use the broadheads you intend to hunt with and if you don't have a rangefinder, then you need to shoot at unknown yardages. Throw in a 4" group + 3-4 yards mis-judged and you have a wounded animal you may never recover.

Hey NY Bowhunter, do you think that would work from the 11th floor of a national accounting firm? Not to sure what all the ties and white collars would think if I showed up in full camo, bow, arrows, and stand. They probably wouldn't recognize me!