Posted this last year. Got a couple of takers. Thought I would see if more than a couple would respond this year. I will be the first to say that we do not all have the same ability and that there is no "one size fits all" answer to many, many bowhunting questions. I often read, though, about a person's maximum range and they inevitably say,"I shoot 4" groups at "60 to whatever" yards so my max range is 40 yds "in the woods" and 60+ yds if hunting deer out west. These same folks are usually the ones shooting a rage BH because fixed BH's don't seem to fly with their field points but, I digress. So, here is my challenge: Get a piece of wood (or metal if you are a badass ) and cut a 4" diameter circle in it. Now, the first arrow, with broadhead, of any training session has to go through that circle at your maximum hunting range. The reason for the first arrow is obvious, that is the arrow you would be actually shooting at a deer. The rest of the challenge is to post your results in this thread. Very simple challenge and chance to start cashing the "checks" written with your claims . I got this idea from Greg (txjourneyman) when he mentioned they did something similar when training to be a IBEP instructor a while back. I thought of it again when reading some of the more "fantastical" claims about groups and ranges I have been reading lately.
As soon as I can shoot again I will definetly try this Challenge. However is'nt the kill area on most big a bit larger then a 4" cirlce ? Let's be real here and say an 8" circle from a standing, sitting, and and elevated postion.
It's funny how many last said they would try this challenge and then changed the parameters to make it easier LOL. If the deer moves just a bit you are likely out of an 8" circle too. If a person can't nail a 4" stationary target, while relaxed and refreshed (not sitting in stand for 2-3 hours), standing on level ground with no pressure then perhaps a person should rethink their maximum range, especially when you consider normal hunting conditions.
Sound like fun, I may have to try this. Although I don't claim to shoot all that well. My max hunting range is 40 yards right now, but it would still be fun to try it at 50 or 60 yards.
Are you talking an 4" circumference or length ? A coffee cup has a 10" circ. So if you can hit a 4" circ. at 20 yards you need to go on top shot! lmao If it is 4" across the cirle I stand corrected and will still try it. But again it should be shot from a realistic situation. relaxed no pressure at home as you know is nothing like sitting in your stand, blind, or stalking up on your prey and trying to make that shot. good or bad if I am able to shoot soon I will post my results and pics.
I don't disagree but my reasoning is that if you can't hit the circle when conditions are perfect then, really, the person should reconsider their max range, especially when you consider the difficulties of actual hunting conditions, as you suggest.
Why don't you try it a 40 yards first. If you don't shoot all that well perhaps you should reconsider your max hunting range.
I agree. First I'll shoot it the way you stated then if all goes well I will try it from a more difficult position.
To no one in particular: I didn't issue this "challenge" as a "fun" test. It should be used to do one of two things: Reaffirm what your max hunting range is or cause you to reconsider your max hunting range to something more realistic within your skill set. Too often on these forums I read about max hunting ranges at 40+ yards from people that have never even arrowed a deer or, as evidenced by their posts, don't even understand how their bow and arrow work together. Deer are not going to just stand there waiting for you to shoot and hold completely still while the arrow is on the way. Add in a little wind, a tree stand, 4 hrs of waiting in the heat or cold and that slam dunk shot in your back yard at 40 yards becomes mighty iffy and the prospects for a wounded and lost deer go way up. This challenge is to try and get people to think about their max hunting range in a realistic fashion. There is a reason that not too many people take this challenge or post their results. That should give evryone pause for thought.
I told myself I would be shooting at a max range of 16-18 yards this year. Well Bruce I got cocky and stepped out to 20 yards for your challenge. I shot 2 inches high and 1 inch to the left on my first shot. BUT, I am clamining a hostile testing environment as the culprit. I went to my deer target and walked back 20 yards. On the 21st step I turned around and set up to shoot. Only problem is something moved in the grass. I looked down and I was darn near standing on two snakes! One was a huge black snake and the other looked like a smaller black snake or a gardner snake. They were all tied up in either some sexual stuff or one was killing the other. I shot and got the heck out of Dodge! What are the chances of that crud happening.
Dang, I wish I had thought of that . A most excellent change and it should be incorporated in the challenge. I am going to change the original post.
Putting a broadhead on and heading back out into the 110 degree snake humping hell pit outside! Just for you and your darn challenge Bruce.
Good stuff Bruce and I will give this challenge a go later this afternoon. Farthest ive ever killed a deer is 33 yards but im going with 30 yards since all I hunt is whitetails. T
I stepped out to 18 yards this time with a COC broadhead. I was 1/4 inch low and 1/4 inch left of about the 240 degree mark on the outer circle. Fail.
Have not shot my bow in about 3 weeks. I am going to get it, put on an Outback Supreme and take my shot at the wood circle. I'll be back shortly.
I braved the heat, snakes, and potential embrassment for your challenge Bruce. Now you want to me to blow up an arrow? You are cruel. hahaha.
