i have a window in my barn i practice shooting out of, just because of my work hours it is usually pretty low light, being elevated helps alot. i tried this at 30 yards coupla days in a row. first 2 shots were in thier with the next two consistantly being about 2" outta there. i am pleased, but still would have to be a perfect situation for me to shoot that far anymore. i just am not as confident in myself as i used to be
Here is what I use. Its got a bigger hole than 4" but its realistic. I shoot this in my yard from a tree, from the ground, standing, sitting, kneeling. I shoot it at varying distances. Over the past year I have destroyed about 1/2 dozen arrows from my compound and about a dozen from my longbow. Yardages will be kept to myself unless you ever come and shoot with me. Oh, its steel not plywood.
I hope you put a target in behind him and not just shoot him there. haha. That's a nice steel target. I like the idea of shooting at steel cause it gives you the nerves knowing that if you miss it can cost you $10-$20. Man I want it to warm up so I can go out and shoot. Shooting in my basement at 12 yards is getting boring. Good practice though as I'm trying to work on my form and my target panic.
I'm with Dubbs on this. It's a personal decision and very situational. I've killed things far beyond what I'd consider maximum for this "challenge".
Here are my results. I sighted in my 50 and 60 yard pins last night, well, I did my best before it got dark, anyway. I got home about 30mins ago and decided to throw 2 arrows at 60yards. I didnt cut any 4" holes out of wood or metal, but I use a square of duct tape when I begin to sight in my longer range pins. Here are my first 2 shots at 60yards. Here are 2 shot from my sighting in at 60, last night. Oooooook, photo not working.
Nice shooting but a huge difference then this being a live animal or a piece of wood or metal that Bruce asked to do that you know would ruin your arrow If you missed.
Txjourneyman, that's an awesome "target". Not sure I would have the nads or the money to shoot at something like that regularly. This thread hit home for me as I just shot a deer at long range and had a iffy hit. It turned out ok but it has me questioning my effective range. I do think it depends on the situation, setup and how you practice. Ultimately is there an "ethical" range or does it just depend on the hunter and the situation?
Thanks. There sure is a difference. I'm more than confident that I can sink every arrow I shoot through a hole in metal the same size as that duct tape...buuuuuuuuuut I dont have a piece of stock that large and a "flyer" would result in the loss of an arrow. I dont intend to shoot a whitetail at this range. I know I could, but, FOR ME, it's not ethical. Too many variables. I tell myself I would, but, I know I wont. Depending on the situation, I may stretch it out to 50yards(on a deer), in an open field, no wind, calm herd, etc, etc.. I'm more impressed by an 8 yard shot on a mature buck than a 48yard shot, as a bowhunter. Right now I'm averaging like 28yards on bucks killed..
Then, what was the point of posting those shots? The situation doesn't get any better than a calm day, in your back yard, standing, through a 4" hole in something that will explode your arrow if you miss (not tape).
Because I was able to place 2 arrows within the sized area to meet the criteria of the "challenge" at that range. I already knew I could do it at 40 and 50, so I figure might as well just go right for 60.
That fell far from meeting it, your target was not what was required. Something hard with a 4 inch hole, ply or metal.
You guys think my wife would be willing to make a 4" circle with her hands so I can try this? I don't have any metal that big.
This a interesting challenge for sure, but like some people have said before me this is not really a good test for evaluating your ethical range of killing a animal. I can go out and put a arrow in a 4 inch hole at 60 yards probably about 85 percent of my shots but this doesn't mean im going to do it on a real live animal. Imo it takes 75 percent shooting abilty and another 25 percent knowledge of i the animal you are hoping to take at a long range. You must know that the animal is 100% calm and won't move on the shot. Everyones free to have their own opionions and this is just my two cents.
I guess there is 2 ways to look at this "challenge". 1-(accuracy) the max range at which you can effectively and consistently put your first arrow(or first 2) in a 4" circle. 2- (huntability) the max range at which you WOULD put an arrow down range at an animal, feeling extremely confident with/in the shot. It's nice knowing you "could", though. I just enjoy pushing my personal range limitations. I just enjoy shooting my bow. I may not be a great archer, but, I'm confident with my bow.
It is not a test for evaluating your ethical range of killing an animal. It is chance to make good on your claims. It is not about 85% of your shots, it is about the first shot of each training session. No warmups beforehand, just the first shot, ice cold . So, make the 4" hole in some serious material and take your first shot each day at 60 yards. You should be able to make this 8.5 times out of 10.
Actually only one way to look at it. You can modify it any way you want for your own use but I explained the parameters for my challenge pretty clearly.
Just because I can consistently sink my "cold bore" shot at 60yards into a 4" circle, doesnt mean I'm going to hunt at that range, though....So yes, while, on paper, based on the criteria of this challenge, I could claim that 60yards in my "max range capability", that does not mean I'm going to shoot that far, on an animal. Looks like I'm going to have to break out the 4" hole saw....
