Since I'm still chewing through string loops I went to one of my two choices for "pro" shops a few days ago to pick up a couple feet of the best string loop material I could find. While we were talking I mentioned my Ohio hunt this past season. I talked about seeing one big buck chasing a doe through the bottom. I was asked if he was in bow range and I told them no, it was around 100 yards. I was pretty surprised when I was then told that 100 yards was within bow range. I kid you not. Would anyone on here actually take a 100 yard shot at a whitetail deer? Really?
I once saw in a show where a guy stalked a Kansas buck and took a bow shot at 105 yards. I think it is ridiculous. Who in their right mind would take that shot on a deer? It seems to me they have the trophy in mind more than a clean, ethical kill.
No. I think it shows how ethical they are. I've seen people take some really bad shots on game and not really care that they just wounded an animal because they took a total BS shot.
I can't imagine any circumstance where I'd even consider taking that shot. I had the biggest buck ever seen on stand walk by at about 70 yards last year and thought about it for about 5 seconds before I jus let him walk. But on the other hand I've seen worse shots taken at closer distances.
The guys who told me that are professional target shooters. I won't say who they shoot for since there are at least a couple of guys on here who would know who I was talking about if I did. You know, we (my hunting club) shoot just about every weekend. We shoot out to 80 yards. On targets I'm fairly decent at 80. At 70 yards I can consistently make a kill shot. At 60 I'm lethal. Fifty and under is a slam dunk as far as hitting the kill zone goes. In my limited experience (six years of bowhunting), a 40 yard shot on a live deer is equal to or more difficult than an 80 yard shot on the range. On the range there's no adrenalin coursing through your veins, your heart isn't about to beat it's way out of your chest and you're not fighting to control your breathing. At 100 yards, an arrow moving at 300 fps will take a little over a full second get there (factoring in air friction). That's a lot of time for that deer to move. Now factor in the adrenalin rush of the hunt. Does anyone on there think they could make that shot?
I wouldnt, thats a long wayy. I dont even practice out to that far but I know a lot of people do so I guess its what you are comfortable with.
Greg beat me to it. There are 300 ft in 100 yds. So about 1 second to get there. Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Good point, I think that is really a little over 1 second delay. As for me, a beginner, I think 15-20yards is all I would go.
I wouldn't take a shot that far, but who are any of us to say someone who practices and can consistently hit vitals at that distance is unethical? Yes, I know a lot can happen at that distance, but a deer can also duck at 40 yards. Even though I'm very very confident at that distance should I not shoot because of something out of my control happening? Sorry for the rant I just hate arm chair quarter backs.
The arrow only starts at 300 fps, air friction causes the arrow to slow down and therefore it would take longer than 1 second. I'm not saying 3 seconds is correct (I'm too lazy to do the math) but I know it would take longer than 1, that's simple physics.
It is hunting and anything can happen even at 20 yards but at 100 yards there are so many things that can decrease your odds of making a clean kill shot. IMO most hunters don't draw back enough weight to even make the perfect shot at that distance.
A deer (or anything) is 'in range' of most arrows with most adult poundage bows. But I get what you're saying. I have yet to shoot at a deer even 30 yards away, and I've had giant deer at the distance.... there's no way I'm taking a 100 yard pot-shot. I will be bumping up my shooting distance on elk and mulies. Maybe out to a ridiculously far 40 yards. :D
I might get flamed but I took a deer at 84 yards last year. I agree it does come down to ethics, but that being said I don't think I have poor ethics. I was 100% confident when I drew my bow. I live on my own property and I practice out to 100 yards on a black box all day long. It's a technique I practice on purpose. I would never take it at 100 yards on a deer. But I practice it like crazy. Because later when I walk up to 60 yards it feels like its point blank because my eye is so trained for 100. By no means am I a expert hunter, as a matter of fact I'm a 8 years of hunting newb. But I must brag a little of my marksmanship. But it's only because I practice non stop and am totally confident. If I saw a world record buck at 80 yards and had a shotgun and a bow in my stand. I would seriously shoot the bow, because for me I would be afraid of wounding him with a shotgun slug as I don't feel confident with that weapon. I have a stand that I will bow hunt rabbits. I've shot numerous rabbits at 40 yards off of it and a red fox at 62 yards. With modern technology bows are so fast and quite the "reaction" time guys are talking about is not realistic. At least I've never seen it. I would never have taken the 84 yard shot if the deer was already skittish because he would then be a little quicker on his feet and maybe I miss by a few inches which could be crucial. This deer was totally relaxed and oblivious and had his face in the dirt eating. He never moved a muscle when the arrow was flying. I apologize for the guys who don't agree, but I honestly say I would take that shot in the right circumstances any day.
One must factor in the Kohlerius effect whereby all projectiles in the Northern hemisphere pull right and are slowed as all toilets flush clockwise. The opposite is true in the southern hemisphere.
I would never take a first shot over 70 yards but have made a few followup shots @ 90-104. After the first hit, the Custer rule applies.
I definitely would never even think about a 100 yard shot with a bow. That's just absurd in my opinion. But every hunter has the right to make their own decisions in the field. Its not for me to judge someone else's skills or shot decisions. Its not something I would do. I like sleeping at night.
Yes, you're right. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I wrote that. It's one second, not three. I knew that too. Duh. Thanks for pointing that out. I should probably edit that post....
