Max hunting distance?
 

What is the maximum distance I should shoot? I have about 40 lbs of KE and can groups 2" out to 40 yards now. I have practiced my butt off and worked those 30 yard groups down to 2". I realized that 20 yards and 40 yards is the same shot but with different pins which made it easier. What distance would you recommend I shoot at? What is the maximum distance anyone should ethically shoot at a deer? Thanks

RE: Max hunting distance?
 

I can't remember if this is your first year or not, but if it is I'd reccomend 20 yards and less shots only. Shooting animals isn't at all the same as your target shooting, especally at 40 yards. You must also remember if your KE is 40, at 40 yards its way, way less! I know you've been practicing alot and thats great! But controlling yourself and showing discipline in the woods pays off everytime!!

Good Luck!.....You'll get one!

RE: Max hunting distance?
 

Zak,
I'm generally not going to extend my personal shooting ability and limits to anyone else........what might be a chip shot for me is someone elses maximum range. It's up to the ability and confidence of the person behind the string.
Just remember though, shooting at a live animal in the heat of the moment,up a tree, with full hunting gear on is A LOT different than punching holes in paper.

I will say this about your equipment though........and you already know this. You are on the light side with respect to your set-ups power, and an arrows energy deteriorates pretty quickly, especially when you are starting as light as you already are. The KE level you stated is at the bow, not 30 or 40 yards away.
I'm going to bend my rule of not forcing my own will on someone else since you asked for help so I will recommend that you save the 30 yard+ stuff for a time when you are bigger and stronger and you have a bit more experience under your belt.
Keep your shots 20 yards and under and you'll save yourself some potential heartbreak and boost your confidence after you get a few under your belt up close.

Just draw yourself a 20 yard circle in your head when you are in your stand and tell yourself that an animal must enter that area for you to shoot.
Keep the shots at broadside or slightly quartering away angles.
By the way don't feel like you are handicapping yourself by imposing a 20 yard limit.......my average bowkill distance is about 15 yards.
I think in 18 years of bowhunting I have taken 3 shots over 30 yards.

RE: Max hunting distance?
 

This is my first year. I was planning on shooting at 20 yards but was just curious at what distance my setup would be able to take a deer.

Edit: Didn't see your post Matt.

I can see how the arrow loses speed as it traveles. Besides, the most yards I can shoot in my stand is about 22.

RE: Max hunting distance?
 

personnally, i am comfortable at anything within 40 yards. i have practiced my arms off up to 40, even a few times at 50 just for the heck of it. not to brag or anything, but i surprised myself at how well i did. but the 40 yard shot is pretty much limited to the open field shot, with nothing between the deer and i. it seems much further in the thick of the woods with too many potential obstructions.
the bottom line is to hunt within your skill level. practice in the type of setting you will be hunting from, and determine your sure-shot range. anything outside of that range is not ethical. missing, or worse yet, only wounding an animal is far worse than letting him go and getting to hunt another day. i'd be more proud to be a succesfull 20 yard or less hunter, than to be a fester stick slinger.

RE: Max hunting distance?
 

i have practiced (for years) up to 50yrds. but still prefer a 10yrd. shot and a bloody arrow in the ground, btw practicing at longer yardages will improve your close shots and shooting a 20-30 yrd shot will be no big deal, but i still like it straight down when possible. to me getting close is the biggest part of the game, and if i think its a marginal shot i'll pass.

good luck

RE: Max hunting distance?
 

I can hit a paper plate at 100 yds with field points, but I would not attempt a shot at a deer over 40 yds.

RE: Max hunting distance?
 

buddy, that is one long shot! sounds like fun though. it's been a long time since i've lost an arrow while practicing, and i'd hate to get back in to the 'arrow searching' thing, but now you've stirred my curiosity. i might have to give it a try sometime.

RE: Max hunting distance?
 

10 bales of straw and a clear field, at 100 yds the arc is pretty good and if you miss it usually sticks up.

RE: Max hunting distance?
 

I would have to agree with everyone here. Keep your shots 20 and under with that kind of draw weight. And try not to hunt field edges. If your new to bowhunting thats the worst place to hunt, it makes you want to take shots at deer too far out of range;)