Average Shot Distance
 

Being a first time bowhunter, I am curious to see what you feel is the "average" distance for a good shot on a whitetail.

I've done most of my practice in the 20-25 yard range shooting 3 to 5inch groups. I have gone out as far as 35yds shooting 5 to 8inch groups. Here is a group, of 4, I shot this evening from 25yards. This group is about 2 to 3 inches. Each group of 2 is about an inch apart.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

If you are a new hunter...keep it under 20 yards! Practice is great, but shooting in hunting conditions is another story.....many many variables (a moving or possibly moving target, adreniline, wind, brush or leaves, elivation or not, hunting clothes, animal position, distance estimation,and on and on! Practice is great but remember....your first shot is your only group! You get one chance. I know lots of guys who can shoot 3" groups after a bunch of shots or warm-ups, but thats in a controlled atmosphere and there first couple shots are usually pretty inconsistant. If you have 3" or 4"groups in practice .....you maybe have a 8" group hunting. Practice is great but for a first time bowhunter, keep them under 20 for the first couple.

Best of luck!

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

Seldom have I had to take a shot over 25 yards. If you do your homework and preseason scouting you can close the distance with the correct stand or blind placement.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

Average over 15years is probably 15yds.

And remember, grouping is only good if the group is in the kill zone. A 2 inch group that is 8 inches from the bullseye means nothing, except you can consistently miss[8D]

I always limit myself to 10yds close that my exceptable target range. For instance, I can shoot good at 40yds with a compound, keeping all shots in the kill zone, but I limit shots on game to 30 yds. That helps to minimize the jitters you'll experience on stand.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

Like creek I shoot a lot at 40 but max 30 hunting .first sept. on first shot pratice I hold as long as possible diffrent days and yardage.you dont get practice in timber .one chance oneshot your done

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

I'm always looking for a shot that is less than 30 yards.

If you want to get a better idea of your range pickup a 3D deer target and take it into the woods with your tree stand. Practice shooting at an actual deer sized target from the tree stand.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

Very well said. I would tend to agree with the others. My average shot distance is probably about 12-15 yards with the closest being 6 and the farthest being 27.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

If your asking for an average I'd say between 10 and 15 yards. However, if you are asking how far I'd shoot, I'd say 20 yards.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

I vary all my distances between 10 yards to 60 yards. Most of my shooting is at 30 and 20. I live in an area that will give me good shots up to 60+ yards, so I practice out to 60 yards, but as for shot choice, I have taken a hog at 50+ but not much farther. I have taken deer out to 45 yards, but most of my shots are between 10 to 30 so that is what I practice the most.. Practice the distances you will get when you hunt.

Like mentioned; as a new hunter Id stick with noting longer than 30 until you get more practice in. I have been shooting for over 20 years and have worked my way up to the longer shots.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

My average is around 20. My closest being4 yards (on the ground), my farthest being 42 yards. I do practice out to 100 yards and felt completely comfortable taking the 42 yard shot. It is one I've made thousands of times into a 3d target, and the deer was relaxed and the wind was nearly non existant.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

Average shot has been 27. Longest 43. Shortest 0 (Dead bellow the stand) For whitetaillength of shot all depends on the animal and conditions. One day it would be stupid to take a 30 yards shot. The next day it might be fine to shoot one at 45.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

Just under 15 yards.
I like to get 'em close, and take them through openings in dense cover.

Although there are plenty of bowhunters in this forum, I would have posted this question in "Bowhunting". ;)

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

I think you're ready for 25yds.I read somewhere 23yds is the average shot distance at a deer.The guys are steering you in the right direction at 20yds,but incase of yardage error,according to your target you would get him.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

6 yards? You should have just clubbed it with your bow and saved the arrow! lol

Must have had your scent covered well. Impressive.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

The responses have been pretty much what I expected. 15 to 20 yards as an average. I've been doing about 90% of my practice now at 20 yards and am pretty much dead on shooting groups of 2 to 4 inches. My last couple of times out haven't been so good.....my right shoulder is a little sore. Probably a combination of shooting so often and some yard work last weekend catching up to me. I'm old now. (32)

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

15 to 20 yds. Lots of things can go wrong in the woods.Remember to pick a spot on the Deer and not just shoot at the whole animal.Hunters do miss at 15 yds. Closes shoot 6yds-Longest 36yds. average-15 to 20 yds

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

Please don't think I'm trying to discourage you or put you down, but you posted a pic and asked a question.
If you are aiming at the "O" in hole from 20 yards and obviously you think that is a good group. (possibly your best since you posted it) I wouldn't be comfortable with that shooting. Your Group of 2 is OK but it's not on target!
Myself and probably most on here would be afraid to shoot at the same spot twice. Because, more often than not we'd Robinhood or at least have arrow to arrow contact. Once you keep practicing you'll get ther too. Practice more and then go practice..shoot during the season..pratcice practice

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

I did't think that at all Badatta.....

What I failed to mention was that was the only group I shot that night after getting home from having my arrows trimmed down from 32½ as they were out of the box down to 27½. My first shot was one of the high hits....just above the "kill zone". I thought I must have "flinched" but my 2nd arrow hit in the same spot.

I realized that my arrows were probably 15% - 20% lighter after having them trimmed down and must of had a flatter trajectory. On my next 2 shots.....I aimed below the "kill zone" and those are the 2 in the ring. I have since adjusted the sight on my bow and rarely miss outside the circle. I have an occasional flinch......still only 2 weeks into

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

Mine average 15-20 yards also. The closer the better for me.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

i practice out to 40 yards, and have had success at it afield, so i'm confident at 40 but won't take any chances beyond it. closest was about 8 yards.

RE: Average Shot Distance
 

yeah id have to say for me 20-25 yards..anything over that im risking possibly wounding a deer and not finding itwhich i cant live with..:(