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