When do you know someone is ready to hunt?

In regards to accuracy with a compound bow...is it groupings at certain distances? If so, what are they?

 

well, its not just accuracy. its just about everything, really. my father in law and i agree that hunting isnt just something to do when it gets cold, it becomes a lifestyle really. but if youre asking strictly about accuracy and thats all you need to know, get them to put 5 arrows in the vitals(on a target) at about 15-20 yards. thats what the hunters ed instructors want the students to do. and after that, just keep refining it, make it 10 in the vitals at 20-30 later on, or whatever you deem necessary.

 

It's fairly cliche, but it's different for every individual. I would definitley start out with a 15 or 20 yard max just because the difficulty is exponentially higher the further you go. Personally, I would want every arrow in a 6" circle at 20 yards. A 6" group on a target is about the equivalent of a 24" group when your in the moment on a live deer.

 

My dad started me at a softball size group at 20 yards.

I am helping a friend get started this year, and told him the same before I would take him for a sit. He just started shooting a bow about 3 weeks ago, and is already shooting softballs at 30 yards.

 

I think it depends on how far they plan to take a shot. If they only plan to take a shot at 20 yrds, then I'm thinking 3-5" circle with 6 shots. 30 yards, need to be same, maybe even tighter. Because like someone said, it gets harder as you get further away. And the difference between standing on solid ground, inside a lighted area, without wind, shooting at a paper target, and being outside shooting at a deer definitely makes a difference.

It really comes down to when that person is confident that they can kill a deer should they see one.

 

I like the softball analogy Scott brought up.

 

I took your advice and spent the spring and summer practicing with my bow. I was rewarded with a 130lb doe my first time out with a compound bow. She was at 25 yards and gave me a very clear spine shot. She immediately dropped where I hit her. Thanks to all of you for replying to me a year ago.

 

I've read and heard that ones effective kill range is putting several arrows in an 6 inch paper plate,at any distance.Which becomes said kill range.
practice kneeling,sitting,in a tree,on a hill,side hills,every way u can think up.It will pay off some day.
Just my 2 cents....have fun,Be safe,God bless...

 

I always try to finish my practice shoots holding my bow at full draw for 60 seconds before I let that last arrow go. I feel this is very helpful in preparing for that buck fever and the unexpected waits for the shot. It also lets you know if you are in shape for bow season.

I have also found it helpful to be more accurate at longer distances by taping a paper plate to my block target. It makes it easier to focus.

 

No one really "grandfathered" me into bowhunting, i just picked one up when i was 14 and have hooked ever since. I bought my first bow half a year before season even started. I practiced until i could keep a grouping the size of a softball out to 30yds. no one would have stopped me from going out into the woods opener day, but i just didn't trust myself yet. took me a month and a half to feel confident enough to take a deer with my bow, and when it came down to it i got the job done. Not only is it an accuracy thing, but a confidence thing also IMO

 

Thats more important than anything. Also practice with hunting gear on. My son started bowhunting last year. I needed to see him put 5 arrows at a time consistently in a 3 inch circle. I also had him shoot at different circles. I think continue to shoot at same circle is easier. He'd draw back and I'd tell him what target to shoot. At 30 he wasn't as good. Not terrible, but not good enough so he was limited to 20 yards and in. I think its good to mix it up. Practice every angle and yardage you can. Don't just stand on level ground with shorts and a tee shirt shooting at the same circle at 20 yards.

 

so you are that accurate you can shoot a deer at 25 yards in the spine? Not my cup of tea and that deer looks to still be alive in the first picture. If so not sure why you would make it suffer that long? Not being a anti but it goes against my morals. If i spine a deer i do all i can to dispatch it as quickly as possible to stop the suffering.

 

Another thing I did with him... he'd get all his gear on and ready to go hunting. I'd tell him to grab an arrow with his practice head on it. Go out on the back deck (we have an elevated practice area setup). Told him he has one shot. This is about to be whats going to happen this afternoon when there is a deer in front of you make it count. The look on his face was priceless lol. It just changes your mindset. Suddenly you don't have 4 "backup arrows" in case you have one oops. Its the real deal make it count.

 

She was dead. I would never let an animal suffer, I always finish with a clean cut even when using a rifle. As for accuracy at 25 yards...it felt like an easy shot. I've been practicing hitting a softball size spot on a deer target for a year from all angles I can think of.

I've only shot recurve before this last year and am amazed at how much better a shooter I am with a compound bow.

 

So you purposely shot at the spine?

 

getting nice groupings at the range doesn't hurt....it gives you an idea of how accurate you can get....but the only difference is, are you able to shoot accurately when that deer fever hits you in your stand?....best way to find out is to experience it first hand...

 

Yeah, what he said
To assume he let the deer suffer is a bit much, better to ask if the deer suffered and then pass judgment than to accuse him of letting it.
We all have our own style of hunting, I am also a looooong range rifle hunter of small game mostly and will take a head/neck if possible when most shoot for center mass

 

Forcing my ethics? Nope asking questions. Never seen a dead deer with eyes stressed open like in first picture which is why I stated it looks to be still alive. This is a public forum correct so stating my opinion is my right? Anyways congratulations on being able to accuratly shoot an animal in a spot the size of a golfball.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

Yes. I was in a 12' tree stand with a very clear view with time to relax, focus, and release. Is this a bad thing? In my bow hunter safety class the instructor said to always take a spine shot if it is afforded to you. Beyond that, aim for vital organs.

Guys, I didn't mean to stir anything up here. Good luck with your hunts and be safe.