For a non-superhuman person, how accurate can one get with a traditional bow shooting wooden shafts? I'm talking about the better than average archer who has been doing it for a few years. I'm getting a nice bear recurve soon, and a goal of mine is to be able to put 3 arrows in a 1 inch circle at 20 yards. Long term goal btw
It can be done with lots and lots of practice. I think an average realistic goal is 3 arrows in a 3"-6" circle at 20 yards.
I was at the range last week and there was this Asian girl shooting a barebow trade recurve. Her groups where no more than 2 inch each time.
Like I said your aspirations can be achieved with lots of practice. As the saying goes "even a squirrel finds a nut in the forest now and then". When I was in my prime I could drive tacks and hit a business card on end. But I've been shooting for 50+ years. I can't do that anymore. Practice hard, shoot well, good luck.
Wooden arrows and selfbows can be quite finicky. Especially if sinewed backed. I feel good at 15-20 yards with a selfbow. That's a paper plate 3 arrows.