Long range shots? true? ethical?

[Ray]

Another incalculated response which is mostly off topic.

Please reference where I state that bowhunting with a compound is not bowhunting. You won't find that. You've created a fabrication. Some people call that a lie or misconception if they want to be friendly. You can do so in a private message so that we can stick back to the topic of opinions on long shots instead of long range computer attacks against credibility.

Most of your discussion is a personal approach to hunting tools and not related to my part of the response here and it is evident you want to perpetuate some other topic about compound bows and me being against them or somethig similar on this discussion. You've muddied the topic.

It's comical that you openly said lets not get started there and then later on in the same paragraph you bring it up again.

[lostcat]

Please keep taking those long distant shots I enjoy opening a dear and finding broadheads in em its GREAT. Archery hunting is about getting close not shooting far, fine practice out to 100 yards but don't go to the woods and try that shot on a animal. or if you do at least put your name on that broadhead so people that kill that animal or find it dead weeks later can return that broadhead back to ya. Why archery hunt if your not doing it for the sheer enjoyment of getting close to the animal and testing your skills. It is like the new fad out there taking 1000 yard shot elk hunting its pathetic.

That's My

O and what do I think is to far 50 is to far and that is even stretching it.

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

Thats your stance, I have NEVER lost any of the game I have shot at 50+ so none of those were mine, however I would bet that some of those are from guys shooting much closer then 50yrds.... its not about the distance as much as it is about the shooter.... some people have a hard time holding a 4 in gr at 20yrds... personally I dont know how thats even possible... but most people do not shoot as much as myself or the people I hunt with......if the person has the skills to be able to take a 50+ yrd shot then do it, I hunt to get close.... and sometimes 50-60 is Close for the areas I hunt..... 150ft is still close.. I dont get hwo people think its not, again the people that think 50+is to far dont have a the skills to be able to take such shots..... all the hunters/staff shooters I know have no qualms about it.. they also shoot year round and put arrows in a baseball at 80 yrds

[Machias]

"they also shoot year round and put arrows in a baseball at 80 yrds"  Would that be a moving baseball?  You long range shot advocates just don't get it.  It's NOT about your shooting abilities.  I have no doubt you can shoot the hell out of a dot, out whatever range you want, but under hunting conditions with live animals it is UNETHICAL, IMNSHO.  Makes NO difference if you haven't YET wounded an animal.  The animals deserve better.  How about at least do me a favor and keep your long range shots to yourself, because your right 98% of bowhunters cannot make those shots in the field and you going on a public forum and advocating those shots just make some guys think it's ok to shoot past their hunting abilities.

[ELKBURGER]

Please remember who started this thread. A new bowhunter. Someone wondering whats right and whats wrong. As a new bowhunter he needs to understand that it takes years of practice, lots of close encounters and time in the field to gain the neccessary confidence needed to know when to draw and when to release. I know many guys have the experience to shoot long range but our fellow bowhunter shouldnt be encouraged this early. I know its fun to brag about our accomplishments but we need to give him the advice he needs.

[mossback91]

Please remember who started this thread. A new bowhunter. Someone wondering whats right and whats wrong. As a new bowhunter he needs to understand that it takes years of practice, lots of close encounters and time in the field to gain the neccessary confidence needed to know when to draw and when to release. I know many guys have the experience to shoot long range but our fellow bowhunter shouldnt be encouraged this early. I know its fun to brag about our accomplishments but we need to give him the advice he needs.

I think thats the best post on this thread

[lostcat]

Few tips for ya do not eat chili or anything that is gonna make you fart to much before going out on your bow hunt. Also practice practice that is the most important thing, and remember the first time an elk bugles at your face from 15 yards away that is the reason you chose to archery hunt (well unless you think its a better season and you get more time to hunt). long range shooting is not fun for some of us. I personally practice to 60 yards do to the fact when the animal is in closer then 30 it LOOKS so close and my confidence goes through the roof that i can make that shot. To each his own.

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

"they also shoot year round and put arrows in a baseball at 80 yrds"  Would that be a moving baseball?  You long range shot advocates just don't get it.  It's NOT about your shooting abilities.  I have no doubt you can shoot the hell out of a dot, out whatever range you want, but under hunting conditions with live animals it is UNETHICAL, IMNSHO.  Makes NO difference if you haven't YET wounded an animal.  The animals deserve better.  How about at least do me a favor and keep your long range shots to yourself, because your right 98% of bowhunters cannot make those shots in the field and you going on a public forum and advocating those shots just make some guys think it's ok to shoot past their hunting abilities.

I have said numerous times on these types of forums.. YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR ABILITY and stay within it.. that is as sound advice as one can give IMO.. and this moving animal thing... I really cant see your point.. the what ifs are ALWAYS there..... the animal could move just as easily at 20 yrds but that is a easy and great shot for anyone right? as fast as the arrows can get there this is a mute point IMO, could it happen? sure, it can also happen at 25yrds just as easy.. where do you draw the "what if" line... you have every right to your beliefs as I do to mine, Ill keep harvesting deer and elk when I get a shot I know I can make and that is within my 100% distance at that time of the shot.. whether that is 5 yrds or 85..... for a begineer my best advice would be go to a PRO shop, not sportsmens, get a instructor to go over basic form and how to shoot, then practice your ass off.. some people get serious buck fever, from shooting comps my nerves are pretty calm, even when I had a 300 in idaho bull scream in my face at 20 yrds last sep.. so work on everything, be the best you can be and make sure you are 100% sure you will kill the animal ethically before you ever draw your bow.....

[robb92]

55 yards is my limit, and the condition have to be perfect no wind, good quarting away shot.

[bowtech721]

WOW! I never thought I would start this deal.... didnt mean to get anyone too fired up but thanks for everyones opinion and input... Im definatly gonna wait for a close shot for now.... i was shaking like crazy when i shot at a doe at like 20 yrd this year yet alone a bull ill prolly end up passing out so it prolly wont matter 

[matlockmike]

You have to know your own limits. 

With that being said, I have seen a handful of elk killed at 60 to 70yds. My dad seem to have the knack for making crack shots.  His bow was a Pearson and he bought it new in 1987.  He hunted with it up to 1999 when he took his last elk at 60yds. It had plenty of power to have a pass through shot.

I took an elk at 60 this year but I wish I wouldn't have taken the shot.  It hit a limb I couldn't see and a good shot went bad.  Tracked her for 3 miles in the snow and recovered her, if not for the snow I would have lost her.

At 60yds in the wood you really can't see all the varables.  Wide open county it might be ok, but where I've been hunting it isn't a shot I will take.  40yds will be stretching it for me.

My 

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

That happens to everyone, I had a shot  at a doe at 30yrds once, I swear nothing was in the way.. I shot and about 10ft before her it hit a limb and went in the ground at her feet. The length of the shot should be determined by the area as well... deep timber and westside elk country, unless your in a clearcut your not getting a 60yd+ shot, east side however, that is a diff story... My shots of that distance have all been in open terrain with no twigs or branches to hit... thats safe IMO.....

[Ironhead]

That happens to everyone, I had a shot  at a doe at 30yrds once, I swear nothing was in the way.. I shot and about 10ft before her it hit a limb and went in the ground at her feet. The length of the shot should be determined by the area as well... deep timber and westside elk country, unless your in a clearcut your not getting a 60yd+ shot, east side however, that is a diff story... My shots of that distance have all been in open terrain with no twigs or branches to hit... thats safe IMO.....

Unless you are 80 yards away and can't see the branch.
Nobody is doubting your ability, archery is seeing how accurate you are at shooting dots to long distances. Archery hunting is seeing how close you can get before you take the shot.