What's your hunting standard group?

[JasonG]

Everyone has there own ideas of when they are ready for the season. What is your standard group or shot distances when you feel ready. I'm not here to judge . I'm a new hunter and looking to others input. Thanks Jason

[boneaddict]

When I can only shoot one arrow at a time at a spot on the target at 30 yards without the fear of robinhooding another expensive arrow.

[Magnum_Willys]

Hit a clay bird consistently at max range. 

[Cab]

For me I shoot both compound and recurve so these are my guidelines:

Compound out to 40yards 1-2in group
Recurve out to 25 yards 2-3in group (softball size or less)

Deer:
Max distance using a compound is 40 yards if everything is ideal but I like them under 35yards in general
Max distance using a recurve is 25 yards prefer them to be around 20 or less

Elk:
Max distance with compound is 40 yards
Max Distance with a recurve 30 but prefer them to be 25 or less.

I can group well out to 50-55 with my compound and have shot ok out to 35 with my recurve but I prefer to keep things closer knowing that I'm going to be excited and conditions are rarely as perfect as when I'm at the range.

When you're new to bow hunting I would try to keep shots under 30 knowing that there will be a lot of nerves/excitement to deal with. Try doing some quick sprints then shooting, it will show you how effective you are with your heart pumping. To me guys that kill animals under 20 yards are far more impressive then guys killing animals out past 50. That's my 

[kselkhunter]

For me I shoot both compound and recurve so these are my guidelines:

Compound out to 40yards 1-2in group
Recurve out to 25 yards 2-3in group (softball size or less)

Deer:
Max distance using a compound is 40 yards if everything is ideal but I like them under 35yards in general
Max distance using a recurve is 25 yards prefer them to be around 20 or less

Elk:
Max distance with compound is 40 yards
Max Distance with a recurve 30 but prefer them to be 25 or less.

I can group well out to 50-55 with my compound and have shot ok out to 35 with my recurve but I prefer to keep things closer knowing that I'm going to be excited and conditions are really as perfect as when I'm at the range.

When you're new to bow hunting I would try to keep shots under 30 knowing that there will be a lot of nerves/excitement to deal with. Try doing some quick sprints then shooting, it will show you how effective you are with your heart pumping. To me guys that kill animals under 20 yards are far more impressive then guys killing animals out past 50. That's my 

 
Great advice. 

[JDHasty]

For me I shoot both compound and recurve so these are my guidelines:

Compound out to 40yards 1-2in group
Recurve out to 25 yards 2-3in group (softball size or less)

Deer:
Max distance using a compound is 40 yards if everything is ideal but I like them under 35yards in general
Max distance using a recurve is 25 yards prefer them to be around 20 or less

Elk:
Max distance with compound is 40 yards
Max Distance with a recurve 30 but prefer them to be 25 or less.

I can group well out to 50-55 with my compound and have shot ok out to 35 with my recurve but I prefer to keep things closer knowing that I'm going to be excited and conditions are really as perfect as when I'm at the range.

When you're new to bow hunting I would try to keep shots under 30 knowing that there will be a lot of nerves/excitement to deal with. Try doing some quick sprints then shooting, it will show you how effective you are with your heart pumping. To me guys that kill animals under 20 yards are far more impressive then guys killing animals out past 50. That's my 

 
Great advice.

I thought so too

[JasonG]

For me I shoot both compound and recurve so these are my guidelines:

Compound out to 40yards 1-2in group
Recurve out to 25 yards 2-3in group (softball size or less)

Deer:
Max distance using a compound is 40 yards if everything is ideal but I like them under 35yards in general
Max distance using a recurve is 25 yards prefer them to be around 20 or less

Elk:
Max distance with compound is 40 yards
Max Distance with a recurve 30 but prefer them to be 25 or less.

I can group well out to 50-55 with my compound and have shot ok out to 35 with my recurve but I prefer to keep things closer knowing that I'm going to be excited and conditions are really as perfect as when I'm at the range.

When you're new to bow hunting I would try to keep shots under 30 knowing that there will be a lot of nerves/excitement to deal with. Try doing some quick sprints then shooting, it will show you how effective you are with your heart pumping. To me guys that kill animals under 20 yards are far more impressive then guys killing animals out past 50. That's my 

 
Great advice.

I thought so too

I will take that to heart. Thank you

[coachcw]

Every guy is different if you can hit a softball with three shots consistently I'd say that's you effective  range . A relaxed animal is very different  from alerted for sure. One mistake I often see is guys aim to close to the shoulder hold back three or four inches back that way three inches  left or right still hit vitals.

[Cab]

Every guy is different if you can hit a softball with three shots consistently I'd say that's you effective  range . A relaxed animal is very different  from alerted for sure. One mistake I often see is guys aim to close to the shoulder hold back three or four inches back that way three inches  left or right still hit vitals.

Yup! Shot placement is key, I reccomend Steven Rinellas book "complete guide to hunting, butchering and cooking big game" It has a whole section showing you the proper shot placement based on the angle of the animal and their biology. It covers every weapon and how to use, tune, and dial in that weapon to be affective. Best $17 you can buy if you are new to hunting.

[branches]

I remember when I first started bow hunting I thought I knew it all. My wife and I took the Washington state bowhunter education course in 1986. Glen St.Charles told us that getting close and working on your hunting skills and woodsmanship skills will kill more animals than anything else. Getting close as possible was key in harvesting an animal with a bow.

[JasonG]

Every guy is different if you can hit a softball with three shots consistently I'd say that's you effective  range . A relaxed animal is very different  from alerted for sure. One mistake I often see is guys aim to close to the shoulder hold back three or four inches back that way three inches  left or right still hit vitals.

Yup! Shot placement is key, I reccomend Steven Rinellas book "complete guide to hunting, butchering and cooking big game" It has a whole section showing you the proper shot placement based on the angle of the animal and their biology. It covers every weapon and how to use, tune, and dial in that weapon to be affective. Best $17 you can buy if you are new to hunting.

Its a awesome book bought it a few months ago!

[Fullabull]

It may sound strange but I know I'm ready when I'm shooting with conference. You know when you are and when your not.

[elkboy]

I highly recommend Lon Lauber's "Bowhunter's guide to accurate shooting". It is a tremendous book with some insights that have really helped me. He discusses effective range in one of the chapters.
I personally think that consistent six inch groups at a given distance are a reasonable guide to effective range on big game animals.  Best of luck to you!

[Magnum_Willys]

It may sound strange but I know I'm ready when I'm shooting with conference. You know when you are and when your not.

We know what you mean !  But more guys is always better.  Hehe

[PolarBear]

When I can only shoot one arrow at a time at a spot on the target at 30 yards without the fear of robinhooding another expensive arrow.

Or 2" groups at 60

[PolarBear]

Waiting for the " If I can get 3 shots on a paper plate at 20 yards I'm good too go" post. 

[Magnum_Willys]

Waiting for the " If I can get 3 shots on a paper plate at 20 1000 yards I'm good too go" post. 

Done !

[PolarBear]

 

[JDHasty]

Waiting for the " If I can get 3 shots on a paper plate at 20 yards I'm good too go" post. 

I used to know a guy who said exactly that.  I don't think he ever took a shot past twenty yards, hunted from a self climbing stand and he killed a lot of elk.   

[throttlejocky20]

Know your limits. Just because you can shoot a distance at the range does not mean you can do it at an animal in a hunting situation. I shoot out to 80+ yards consistently but i wouldnt take that shot on an animal. Just keep in mind when archery hunting sometimes the best shot is taking no shot at all.

[bracer40]

Know your limits. Just because you can shoot a distance at the range does not mean you can do it at an animal in a hunting situation. I shoot out to 80+ yards consistently but i wouldnt take that shot on an animal. Just keep in mind when archery hunting sometimes the best shot is taking no shot at all.

Yeah, I learned that painful lesson a few years ago. Was a real motivator to improve my skills

[Seahawk12]

I don't actually group my arrows. Those things are expensive.
I take 30-50 shots a day.
My practice block has 5 targets on it and my quiver holds 5 arrows.  Easy math.
I believe in the 6" pie plate rule. That keeps your shots within 3" of bullseye.
I am most concerned with one shot in particular each day. The first shot. That is the one that will count on the hunt. The rest are just for building/ maintaining strength and form.
Good luck this year.

[JDHasty]

I don't actually group my arrows. Those things are expensive.
I take 30-50 shots a day.
My practice block has 5 targets on it and my quiver holds 5 arrows.  Easy math.
I believe in the 6" pie plate rule. That keeps your shots within 3" of bullseye.
I am most concerned with one shot in particular each day. The first shot. That is the one that will count on the hunt. The rest are just for building/ maintaining strength and form.
Good luck this year.

I have 2413 XX75s that have dents all over them, I used to shoot my arrows into groups of a dozen or so thirty years ago when I was shooting XX75s and I had my practice arrows and my hunting arrows.  The aluminum arrows had a taper that the nock glued onto and I had to replace nocks all the time, but only Robin Hooded them about once a week.  The carbon arrows are another matter altogether.  It seems that I cannot shoot five at the same bullseye w/o losing a couple arrows every time.   

[JimmyHoffa]

I do groups for adjusting my sight, and look for a group that is fist size or smaller.
Not really liking to shoot for groups, like others have mentioned.  I still use aluminum 31" 2219s and trying to find any replacements is a real challenge in itself.

[highside74]

Take your worst practice group and multiply that by 2.5 and that will give you a good idea of your hunting accuracy taking into consideration nerves, live animal, terrain, weather, and fatigue. I can shoot 6 inch groups at 80 and missed at 57 last year.

[Stalkin Prey]

Aim small miss small. Shoot a lot at varying distances. My block has 6 spots on one side. I don't shoot groups anymore as others have said it gets expensive. If you're going to wear a bino harness start shooting with it on as well. Simulate hunting scenarios the best you can. Range the target before shooting. I'm currently shooting and tuning to my practice broadheads. Not a lot of time left to get yourself and equipment dialed in. I also practice out to longer distances but won't take those shots on an animal. Too many variables to take into account at those distances. Some guys do, I prefer not to. I run a 5 pin set up out to 60 yrds and shoot 60+ frequently and am on target consistently but when it comes time for that one shot I won't push past 40 yrds.


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[Hot Lunch]

I've heard Aron Snydor talk in depth about this. Some guys can shoot targets and not animals, some guys can shoot animals and not targets. I subscribe to the 1st shot of the day theory, when that's going good every day for a week I'm ready. I usually practice my cold barrel shot at 50 yards.

[Bigshooter]

I've heard Aron Snydor talk in depth about this. Some guys can shoot targets and not animals, some guys can shoot animals and not targets. I subscribe to the 1st shot of the day theory, when that's going good every day for a week I'm ready. I usually practice my cold barrel shot at 50 yards.

Nate Simmons talks about this all the time on Western Hunter.

[JDHasty]

I've heard Aron Snydor talk in depth about this. Some guys can shoot targets and not animals, some guys can shoot animals and not targets. I subscribe to the 1st shot of the day theory, when that's going good every day for a week I'm ready. I usually practice my cold barrel shot at 50 yards.

Ha!

I was an AA class trap shooter and heard that too.  Most trap shooters have heard it.  It is garbage.  The difference is that wile they claim to "not shoot that well on targets, never miss on birds," there isn't an impartial score keeper keeping track. 

I have been in the field with the best, guys who shot international on the US Air Force team, and when shooting flushed covey birds ave seen triple after triple and it wasn't much even talked about.  You shoot in the field next an AA class shooter and you are going to get schooled.  Most of the talk was about the quality of the dogs.

When I was shooting a thousand targets a week I would shoot triples on rising covey birds and it was so fast that I never remembered pulling the trigger.  Once you are shooting at that level pointing a gun is like pointing your finger at something.  Your muscle memory is tuned to a razor's edge and your eye hand coordination is  crazy good and your reflexes are fast.  That is how it is with other shooting disciplines, particularly archery.   

I have been in the field with all else from novices to those who:  Don't shoot targets well, but never miss in the field and if a guy scored a single triple it was all he talked about for weeks on end. 

[AKBowman]

When my first shot (out cold) hits my spot and feels good. Then I'm ready. I used to care about grouping. Now I could NOT CARE LESS about tight groups. If the first shot goes where I want at 20 then Ive found it will go where I want at 50 (given all my pins are set correctly).

I max myself out at 50 on an animal. Even an elk with a HUGE kill zone. Never shot at a deer over 30 but I deer hunt almost exclusively from stands. I have a 60 pin just for the necessity of a second arrow.

[grundy53]

I've heard Aron Snydor talk in depth about this. Some guys can shoot targets and not animals, some guys can shoot animals and not targets. I subscribe to the 1st shot of the day theory, when that's going good every day for a week I'm ready. I usually practice my cold barrel shot at 50 yards.

Ha!

I was an AA class trap shooter and heard that too.  Most trap shooters have heard it.  It is garbage.  The difference is that wile they claim to "not shoot that well on targets, never miss on birds," there isn't an impartial score keeper keeping track. 

I have been in the field with the best, guys who shot international on the US Air Force team, and when shooting flushed covey birds ave seen triple after triple and it wasn't much even talked about.  You shoot in the field next an AA class shooter and you are going to get schooled.  Most of the talk was about the quality of the dogs.

When I was shooting a thousand targets a week I would shoot triples on rising covey birds and it was so fast that I never remembered pulling the trigger.  Once you are shooting at that level pointing a gun is like pointing your finger at something.  Your muscle memory is tuned to a razor's edge and your eye hand coordination is  crazy good and your reflexes are fast.  That is how it is with other shooting disciplines, particularly archery.   

I have been in the field with all else from novices to those who:  Don't shoot targets well, but never miss in the field and if a guy scored a single triple it was all he talked about for weeks on end.

I'll take Aron Snyder's word for it when it  comes to archery.

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[The scout]

  to me shooting at a covey of birds and shooting at a elk screaming in your face that you have been calling in for a half an hour is two very different things

[JDHasty]

to me shooting at a covey of birds and shooting at a elk screaming in your face that you have been calling in for a half an hour is two very different things

Whatever. 

[bracer40]

to me shooting at a covey of birds and shooting at a elk screaming in your face that you have been calling in for a half an hour is two very different things
[/quote

I'm looking forward to reporting on this idea in just a few weeks! 
September's Getting closer!!