As stated at the end of my post "Thats just my opinion" Based on the people I know who bow hunt. Its my opinion not fact. Of course most of the guys I know that bo hunt are not as serious about it as most everyoneon here. Probably why I do not know anyone personally that is a member of this site nor do I hunt with or allow them to hunt on my property. As far as unethical, no I do not think it is unethical to take this shot, if it is in a hunters abilities thats how I took his statement. I could more than likely pull off a shot like this but, more than likely doesn't cut it for me. What I was trying to say is MOST (meanng a majority) hunters out there under normal hunting stresses could not make this shot. Some would try it anyways. As far as deer being predictable go, I feel that in my woods they are very predictable. Yes there are times when they will wonder but, for the most part I feel they are. I would not have made this statement last season as I didn't do any scoutinng and had no idea where they were traveling until well into the season. Now I know where they are traveling most of the time. If I have a stand set that is farther out than my range, I will move it closer. Do I think it is easy, no. I think it is a natural ability and some of us have it and some of us don't. Those of us that don't have to try harder. I also know that changing food souces cause changes in travle patterns. I feel a hunter can change his hunting style and location for these changes. These are my opinions and theories based on where I hunt and others I know who hunt. I may have a different outlook on this as I grow as a hunter.
Edit: Changed my mind. Just went out and shot 3 arrows at 50 and 2 at 60, all were within a 3 inches of the bull except for 1 that was like 5 inches away. I'm killing that 150 at 50 yards and telling everyone it was at 75 yards.
This statement may change as the season goes on but, as of right now I know where they are pretty much day in and day out, bedding on my property. Out of the nearly 40 acres I am focusing on this season (between ours and other family there is close to 200 I will be expanding onto as the years go on) 6-7 is heavily used bedding area. Now that being said most of it is doe bedding area. There is food sources on my neighbors property on both sides and water and bedding on mine. My property holds deer very well. I hunt and live on my property which is a huge advantage over most hunters so I am able to scout when ever I please. I have scouted many, many hours and have worked hard to improve my property so it will hold deer. I also have an area that is about 1-1/2 acres that is a big buck bedding area. They are much less predictable than doe as far as times but, I do know where they come in and out on all four sides. The trails in and out are heavily thraveled and are rutted out so this tells me These are main trails in and out. I do agree they can and will roam and I also know rut makes a huge difference among other things. These are just the reasons I say they are predictable. Now put a hunter in the woods and the wind blowing, thats when the variable comes in to play in my opinion. The buck in the right place and the hunter in the wrong place at the right time, he will not be seen and will change his pattern.
"If you have a buck at 50 and you are sure enough that he's not coming closer, than I'm sure enough to tell you that you are sitting in the wrong spot" Mighty fine words Ben !!!! Congrats on the Post Of The Week Award !!!!.........LOL
Wow, I'm shocked that this debate rages on. IMO, effective range is a culmination of many things, as pointed out by some others here. For instance, I can shoot broadheads all day long, accurately at 50 yards. I actually shoot them at 60 yards during my practice sessions. However, here in PA, I would never take that shot. My maximum comfort range in the woods is 40 yards, and even then, the shot has to be darn near perfect before I'd take it. Yes, I can shoot well out to 60, but FOR ME, I just don't like my odds at anything past 40. However, if you hunt the mountains out west, particularly for mulies, you better be prepared for longer shots. Its just part of the game out there from what I understand and have witnessed myself. It's not unusual to take 50 yarders out there. I feel for bowhunters just getting into the sport, they should really concentrate on taking shots of 30 or less for a while. Dont' over extend your range for a while. Take a couple deer close and get your confidence in yourself and equipment up, then, over time, start working on shooting longer distances accurately. You'll soon be extending your maximum comfort range. Oh, btw, it also makes your short range game all the better. I would never judge someone for taking a long shot, 50+ yards. If you are comfortable with it and have taken game at those distances; awesome! Would love to see vid! There is nothing unethical about it. I think where the ethics debate might rise up is when you get these "armchair" archers who don't put the time needed into shooting those distances and go out and continuously either miss or wound animals because of it.
Muz88, exactly, longer shots mean lesser odds. Anyone that tells you they are just as lethal at 50 as they are at 20, is lying to you
