I am new to bow hunting. I live in Northern Illinois and have access to the Chain of Lakes State park where they have a free archery range. I get out there and practice when I can (since I don't have the space in the backyard). My question is, when do you know when you are consistent to enough (at the range) to go hunting for deer? Do I need to get consistent grouping on the bulls eye? Do I need to be 75% consistent on the bulls eye? I think you know what I am asking? Thanks for your help. (great site here!)
you really need to have you arrows grouping well at the distance your planning on shooting from. 20 yards your arrow should be either touching or very close to each other.
i think you only really have to be within 2 inches of the bulls eye because the bulls eye is so little compared to the lungs of a deer so that's all gotta say
I've heard it said, as long as you can put every arrow into a 6" pie plate, you're ready. I don't buy that. I'd like to see your/my groups much tighter than that... PLUS, if you're hunting from a treestand, I'd say it's a must that your practice from a treestand so YOU know exactly where your arrows are hitting. Practice at very long ranges every chance you get but cut your proficient maximum shooting range to your ethical standards... clean, quick "ethical" kills... IMO
