Maximum Bow Range

[Viz]

I'm looking to start getting ready for next season, and I have a lot of options to choose from in terms of stand locations. I think I'm pretty comfortable up to 40 yards, but outside of that I'm sketchy. The location I want to choose has about a 60 yard draw.

Should I set up there anyways, even though the deer can move outside of range?

[Wivoda]

I think you nailed it, go with what you're comfortable with.

If you're hunting the rut, and you're pretty sure which direction the deer will approach, you should run some scent in a trail towards your side of the trail. Whatever it takes to get the deer a little closer.

[Guest]

I'm looking to start getting ready for next season, and I have a lot of options to choose from in terms of stand locations. I think I'm pretty comfortable up to 40 yards, but outside of that I'm sketchy. The location I want to choose has about a 60 yard draw.

Should I set up there anyways, even though the deer can move outside of range?

There is probably going to be trails out ahead of you that you just can't cover. Maybe look for a spot that naturally funnels deer towards you. One farm I have permission to hunt in southern Wis. has a big oak on the top of a necked-down section of one side of the valley. About 40 yds. out is a big deadfall, then drops down steep to open pasture strip. Almost any deer that passes by is between me and that big deadfall. You would love it!

[Rattlin']

I would look for a spot that will give you shots well under where you feel comfortable on the target range, when an animal is in the sights closer shots can seem difficult. I am confident out to 80 yards with my bow but wouldn't even think about taking a shot past 45 yards on a game (and even then it would have to be perfect). Simply put their are to many factors to account for when hunting and one must start out by limiting the TEMTATION to take a poor shot. As such I would try to pick spots that will give you the 20-30 yards opportunities to start. Ask many seasoned hunters the distances they average for harvesting deer year in year out with a bow, I think you'll find it is under 30 yards maybe even 20 or under. My longest shot has been on an antelope at 44 yards in the predawn stillness, they have mostly been 20-30 yards. I choose a setup that will almost give me a chip shot that should be made easily if the opportunity arises, this will build confidence. Unlike missing, not be able to shoot or wounding an animal with a poor shot

Give yourself a starting base, you can always expand from that...I see absolutely no need to start out at your max range on a target range & you haven't had the experience of a live target in your sights. Believe me these animals can be taken a lot closer than one may think with archery or any other tackle, hell that is half the fun

Best of luck

[deer_killer_05]

it all depends on how well your grouping and how confortable your are at that range. If your grouping tight....like 6-8" tight at 60 yards and you are sure you can hit a deer at that range, then go ahead and take the shot. But we all know how agrivating it is to hit a deer bad and never find it, then continue hunting knowing your merely injured a deer which might have been brought down by coyotes and died much more painfully.

I would never take a shot probably over 30 yards for the simple fact that if you wait long enough...the deer just might get closer and give you a better shot. Don't get to anxious to shoot. If you shoot at 60 yards and miss a big buck....hes gonna know that something in that area isnt right and you most likely wont be seeing anymore of him. And if only you had waited he might come back later that day or another day...and given you a much better shot at him.

The most important thing is just knowing how well you shoot. And the only way to know that acturately is practice...practice practice practice. I suggeset any hunter should shoot a good 200 arrows before getting in the woods.

[mountaineer]

I wouldn't take a shot beyond 30yds unless conditions were absolutely perfect. Having had that sick feeling before during a long track I try to avoid it at all costs. I'd rather just say I saw one and didn't have a shot than have to call friends for help because I wounded one and can't find it.

[WVoverdraw]

You can shoot your bow practice all you want and shoot from many different yards 10-90 and place arrows side by side touching each other on a target but theres one factor that is missing in practice that is very much present in a hunting situation and thats the rush of adrenaline that goes through out your body it makes your arms feel like jello and makes you breath heavy and when your breathing heavy you cant hardley aim steady,and at 40-50-60 yards if you pull off a little bit up, down, left,or right it could move your shot placement off by 1 foot or more wounding or missing a deer .Ive talked to hunters that say they dont get that way that they stay cool and calm i would stop hunting if that rush left. if my heart didnt skipp about 10 beats and the hair didnt stand up on the back of my neck when a deer comes into shooting range id hang it up because i could just shoot targets all day long,All im saying is you and only you know how far you can shoot , its you that lets that arrow fly and your responsable for where it hits wheather its a good heart lung hit or a messy gut shot or worse a wounded animal that takes days or weeks to die. i believe you will make the right decision because you were concerned enuff to ask other peoples opinon on the subject .

[CHRIS D]

I shoot my first deer at 55 yards but it all is in how well you shoot.
Stay in a range you no you can make a good shot.

[bambeklr]

I hunt alot of state land in delaware before the gun hunters come in and goof it up. I think you should stick with your gut instincts. Only shoot as far as you arte comfortable. I have three pins, #1 35yds,#2 45yds,#3 55yds. You owe it to your deer to stay where you can kill. He will be back. When i walk in I go in early and use a drag rag and scent bombs. I scout extensivly and know the deer trails. I cross them and come back to my stand. They smell that and turn on a dime mostly. Try it I have alot of luck that way.b Be sure to get in early.[/i] You have to use all of your tools as a bow hunter. You need it.