Bees

I got to thinking about this and near as I can remember my average range on the last 8 deer is 18.625 yards.

PABowhntr

This almost sounds like a rifle hunting versus bow hunting type of argument considering that most rifle shots are taken at longer distances and most bow shots are under 20 yards.

Personally I think either scenario requires practice, patience and the ability to be able to make the decision at the correct moment.

c903

Buck:

You can take it to the bank that a percentage of these claims are based on lucky "Hail Marys" or the actual distance extends by 5-yards or more each time the story is told.

Bird Hunt Dog

The farthest I've ever shot a deer was 35yds.

Most of the others were right around 20, a few 10 or less.
I try to set up my stands for a 20yd or less shot!
The only way I can see myself takeing a shot more than 35 is if I stalk one and can't get any closer. The only way I would shoot is if had time to range the deer!

silentassassin

Buck Magnet I agree that getting them closer is more challenging but does that mean you won't shoot at a booner because he is 35 yards instead of 10 yards? Sometimes deer don't show up where you expect and big bucks don't always follow trails. I try to get them as close as possible and I rarely shoot over 20 yards but I don't want be called 'lacking in ethics" because I choose to shoot at one that is 45 yards when I know that I am quite capable of making that shot. I would much prefer to not shoot at one over 30 yards but I am certainly not ruling out a 40 yard shot nor a 45 yard shot if the conditions are right and I know that I can hit it.

albertakid

I practice out to 80 yards and am working on 100, but have no intentions on shooting game passed 40 I just like what the long range practice does to my groups up close. I would rather have a big bull at ten yards than 40 a lot less can go wrong.

mrfritz44

I think it was Wenzel who came up with the 18-35 yard rule. The gist of it is that archery shots should be taken from between these two ranges to help prevent the deer from reacting to the string, yet maintain a relatively high percentage shot.

I've never shot at anything beyond 25 yards so I can't comment on long range shots, but I did give a six pointer a back shaving at 10 yards when he jumped the string. I wonder if he would have jumped had I given him a few steps.

jsasker

C903,
I agree--just like the bucks' rack keeps growing after he's been taken

rybohunter

I prefer them close. My average shot distance of the deer I've taken is some where in the 13-14 yds range. I've only taken 3-4 that were over 18 yds. with the farthest being 24 yds. In a lot of places I hunt I physically can't shoot any farther than 20 yds. It can be quite intense cause when they step out they are in range.
It doesn't matter what I can do on the range, I will shoot the deer under my terms, which is nice and close.

idahoelkinstructor

My last three elk kills added up to 36 yards 15, 3, and 18 yards. I agree with others that under 10 yards or so it makes it hard to draw a bow. I don't have much experience with whitetails but with elk as I draw I also cow call and that will usually hold them there for a few seconds befor they bolt. More than enough time to send a arrow accurately on it's way. With mule deer my average shot is between 20-30 yards. Antelope well? If anyone wants a bowhunting challenge it is fun and difficult to stalk antelope in open range, where the cover is only ankle high. I have yet to be successful in this hunting method. I will not shoot past 40 yards. And every time that I have crawled under 40 yards, when I raise up on my knees to shoot they run out to 60-90 yards and turn and look at me. I know that I can get close shots in ground blinds, But I want to harvest one buy stalking it. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks