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" circle in it. Now, the first arrow 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. I'll start: My max hunting range is approx 25 yds. I cut the hole and put the board in front of my target and shot my first arrow. It nicked the edge but entered the target. I consider that a good shot. If you really want to show something do this same thing at the range where you get your 4" groups and do it with the first group of the day .
I will be honest with you, my max range with my recurve given the parameters of this test is about 12 yards...lol. With my compound, maybe 19-20yds. I suck.
I think i have shot one deer past 30 yards. I really like that whole 20 yard range. I ppractice at 40 but its pretty much a decoratve pin anymore lol
To make it as realistic as possible, run around the house a couple times to get that heart rate up just like when a deer walks out and the adrenaline gets going good. I do this during the summer, I place my bow on the back deck, when I get home from my runs I immediatly go around and fire off a shot at random yardages. I can tell you this, my accuracy suffers even more than that first cold shot of the day.
I am not really talking about random yardages or even multiple shots. Just the first arrow and a 4" circle at the person's maximum range for shooting deer. Post how it goes here. I made 3 more "first" shots, after my initial post, at my max range of 25 yds. No wood.
I shoot at a conservation dept shooting range that was just vandalized and destroyed (they said $20k worth of damage), so I can only shoot at the "3d" range now which is basically two full deer targets and usually you're sharing with others. So I cannot do this test right now, but I hit the kill zone on the coyote target at 30 yards comfortably. I'm guessing that's somewhere in the 4" range. I'll actually record my "test" when I get a chance to take it. This guy probably feels comfortable with 100 yards? 150? lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9zOxfWBkQ
Can we use a field point or the ACTUAL hunting set-up ? I'm going to try this tomorrow. Just so I know, is this a contest going right for a given yardage, or start with a 20yard shot....Take a break, then move out to 30 and so on ? Or can we start at say 50 or 60yards ?
This isn't a contest. It's more so to prove to yourself or/and others that you are capable at your suggested hunting range
Got it. I generally start my practice sessions at longer ranges. I think it makes shooting 40 and under a lot easier. I'm more than confident I'll drop my first arrow in the 4" circle at 50 or 60, tomorrow...but, we shall see. I'll try and get my bro to video it, too.
First arrow of session at your max range. What you do after that is up to you. Keep in mind this is in a calm "training" setting with you standing on the ground, relaxed and shooting at an exact yardage. Not even close to a hunting situation .
I'm thinking Bruce most won't try this. Last night when I got home from work I tried this In my shop where I park my milk truck. I don't follow the 4 Inch thing though, I like my arrows to be with In a couple Inches no matter the distance. My max range hunting Is usually 20 to 25 yards, sometimes even shorter. Last night I placed a very beat up block target at 25 yards. I then took 2x4's and taped them to the target and made a 2 Inch opening on the block target surrounded by 2x4's. I hit the bottom 2x4 and split It In 2 with my Outback Supreme Single bevel BH. I missed my spot by about 2.5 inches or so. I was happy with the shot for the most part but the pressure was on no doubt as I really made It feel like a hunting scene and treated It like that when I drew and shot. I took pics with my phone last night but found out this morning they turned out like crap. It was a long day yesterday working, 16 hours long.
Thanks for doing this, Steve, and posting the result . I agree that most, more than most actually, won't do this but thought I would give them an opportunity anyway LOL. I like to "aim small and miss small" myself but figured a shot inside a 4 inch circle is going to be a "no doubt" kill shot when you take the actual kill zone size into consideration. The next challenge will consist of a target that moves 6-8 inches at random times and you still need to put the first arrow into the 4 inch kill zone at your max hunting range. That should certainly cut down on the posts we'll have to wade through.
Or you could just avoid the thread rather than replacing the batteries in your BS meter. I think we will all get by just fine without it.
I am looking forward to trying this test. I won't be able to for a little while as it is way to cold outside and I live in a city so I can't just go ib my backyard and shoot. I'll post my results when I get them.
I really like this thread and the idea behind it. I too get fed up with guys stating they can consistently shoot tight groups at 40 plus yards. I practice out to 70 yards on a regular basis, but I would never shoot at an animal that far. I practice out there for the simple fact that it makes 20, 30, and 40 that much easier. My max range right now is 40 yards under perfect conditions. Only one stand allows for this. I can't stand guys who say they have or will shoot at deer at very far yardages. I tell them up front I don't like it either. Way too much can go wrong and it just isn't fair to the animal. It makes me even more mad when they say, "its just a doe". Anyways this is a great post and even better idea to test your skills. I would emphasize to anyone doing it to make sure you do everything possible to replicate a real hunting situation. It will help that much more. I cant wait to try this!!!
I really want to try this as well...I am new to bow hunting and shooting a bow, been about 3 months worth of shooting now...I am good enough to kill at 20 yards, no furthur, I don't even know how you guys can see something like a 4 inch circle at 40-60 yards...I have glasses and even past 20 yards things seem to blur.
