The long shot?

[Broken Arrow]

I'm just curious as to what is the longest bow shot folks have ever taken? What was the outcome and what aided in the decision? I have read so many post about the ethics of taking long shots vs short shots, etc....and was just curious as to what folks have felt comfortable with.

I will clarify that I have lost one animal with a bow on a down hill shot on an elk (30 yards) where i only hit one lung. Looked for this animal for 4 days with no success. This made me feel sick to my stomach as I knew it was human error that caused this animal to not be recovered as i did not subtract yardage on such a steep angle.

However with that said...I'm (going to be honest here) have also taken two elk with shots that folks will crucify me on. The first was a cow elk I shot at 82 yards ( i have pins to 80). I had no wind, ranged the elk, had a perfect broadside. I had 18 inches of penetration and the elk went maybe 30 yards and piled up. The second was a 53 yard shot on a great 5x5 bull, same circumstances...same result.

Many of the animals i have shot have been under 20. One was at 7 yards and i clearly prefer these shots over others.

So my question to all is this. If you practice everyday, know both you and your weapons limits, is it really unethical for longer shots?

Obviously this thread may start some debate over rights and wrongs and my intention is not to start a war of name calling and who's camp is correct.... I know i bear the burden for a quick and clean kill and like i said earlier, the results of a bad shot do not feel good and this weighs into any decision to release the arrow.

So with that said what is your range of an ethical shot and why?

[boneaddict]

I dropped my buck this year with my longbow and I figured 40 yards.  Little far for what I normally do, but he wasn't getting any closer.  Now most of you might laugh, but I think thats the longest shot I have ever taken on an animal.  Its usually under 20.  It was successful.   I shoot out to 70 for kicks and giggles.   

[Broken Arrow]

Actually Bone...that pretty impresive!. I tried the long bow route for 2 years. I practiced and practiced but felt only ok to 30 yards. The final year a  had shots a a great 5x5 whitetail and 2 elk at 40.....I was so mad....i didnt shoot as i didn't feel i could pull it off. Sold it that year and went back to a compound.

[MIKEXRAY]

For me its 40 yards from now on, I've taken longer but won't any more. I do have a 50 and 60 pin but only going to use it if i have an arrow in an animal and get a chance to put another in him. I have never wounded or lost an animal but have missed. Now that I'm older, I don't want to start wounding so I decided 40 was it and only good broadside angles. Last years kill was 20 yards on a deer and he went 25 yards and piled up, would like to keep the all like that. If a dude is confident on long shots, has the poundage, proper arrow and picks his moments then I don't care how far he shoots. Not my place to tell someone else their max yardage, just a better shot than me.

[WDFW-SUX]

If a dude is confident on long shots, has the poundage, proper arrow and picks his moments then I don't care how far he shoots. Not my place to tell someone else their max yardage, just a better shot than me.

 

[Ray]

I can't hit anything beyond 40.

[DeKuma]

I can't hit anything beyond 40.

That seems pretty good to me for a Traditional shot, Ray.

I would say 40-50 would be my limit, though I have yet to try that on an animal.  Just targets.  I am usually good for one shot in the vitals at that range.  Passed on a Turkey this year at 43 yards because I was not confident and the target area is so small.  Hopefully I will get the chance this year real close.  20-30 is a cake wal on a target, but an animal is a WHOLE different ball game!

[Timberstalker]

I killed my buck in the Desert Unit in 06' at 72 yards.  He was bedded and no wind.  Todays bows have no problem shooting extremely far.  In my mind its time behind the string. The buck never got up from his bed.

[Gobble]

I shot my first deer at 40 yrds. If its within 40 yrds its generally dead as long as its not moving. I have taken shots out to 60 yrds but that was only when I was practicing LOTS everyday, too many error factors and string jumping at that range. Generally I try to stay between 35-40 yrds max.

[Intruder]

I have somewhat mixed feelings on the subject.  I am someone who has argued in the past about it being OK to shoot a rifle at long ranges (over 500 yards) if the hunter is truly prepared.... lots of practice, knowledge of ballistics, proper bullet, proper cal, good gun, etc. 

Maybe I don't have the same depth of understanding of archery but I find it difficult to argue taking long shots with a bow and arrow.  I don't doubt that people have and can make them.  And, I totally agree that a person can become more proficient and increase their effective range.  However, based on the physics and all the variables surrounding archery it just seems that shots that start going out past 50 yards are wrought with peril.   

[bucklucky]

I practice out to 80 but wouldnt take a shot that far. My farthest kill shot was a 50 yard heart shot on a little bull. Had more confidance then. Passed up some dandy bulls at 45 yards the past 4 years waiting for the perfect shot, one of the bulls was a 296 roosie. I'm Haveing a hard time taking descent shots waiting for a perfect shot. Is there something wrong with me? Maybee I am getting soft. I did loose a bull because of a bad decision at close, close range. I think that has been playing mind games with me. Right now seems like no shots past 20 yards

[Intruder]

I practice out to 80 but wouldnt take a shot that far. My farthest kill shot was a 50 yard heart shot on a little bull. Had more confidance then. Passed up some dandy bulls at 45 yards the past 4 years waiting for the perfect shot, one of the bulls was a 296 roosie. I'm Haveing a hard time taking descent shots waiting for a perfect shot. Is there something wrong with me? Maybee I am getting soft. I did loose a bull because of a bad decision at close, close range. I think that has been playing mind games with me. Right now seems like no shots past 20 yards

I think that's exactly what you sign up for when you take the plunge w/ a bow and arrow. 

[Todd_ID]

I'd rather not say what my longest shot was with a bow.  I've seen the results of going down that road before.  Last year, though, I took a shot in an in-town hunt at a mule deer doe that many would have passed.  She was 100 yards from the closest house, but I put my arrow within an inch of where I wanted, and she died on the "good" side of the fence.  The shot was one that I practice in my yard all the time: stiff quartering toward wind, level, rangefinder used to find the shot to be 81.5 yards, calm animal, long, long distance.  I made it, and I would do it again if it presents itself.

[boneaddict]

Wow, I won't judge, but I sure wouldn't do it and I am pretty comfortable.  To each is own though. 

[saylean]

Longest shot I took was a three way with two blondes in Vegas...

I missed...

[Broken Arrow]

good responces from all...I appreciate folks honesty. Some of us feel comfrotable taking this shot from long distance and some don't...sounds like to me the long shots have had a quick kill. Just to preface again i don't condone going out ant getting a bow and think you can take these shots, however if you practice, practice, practice...its not much different then the guy who shoots the 400 yard rifle shot. Thanks all

[Broken Arrow]

saylean....way to funny...i have never bet on any thing 3:1 yet along 69:2. 

[Broken Arrow]

how ever ..on the 2:1 bet im 100%...another thread off this site for sure

[MIKEXRAY]

I will reiterate what I said at this posts beginning " that its not my place to tell another dude his max range" but I went out side and shot my bow @ 80 yards and it took a hell of a long time for my arrow to get there. Granted my bow isn't the fastest ( 5 yr old Hoyt ) but even the fastest bow out there is going to be awhile for the arrow to reach the target 80-100 yards away. My 80 yard shot has enough time lapse for an animal to take two full steps while calm, even if not spooked and he just decided to step while I shot. We could all practice and hit pie plate all day at 100 yards but it seems like a hell of a lot could go wrong while the arrow is in route. my 

[saylean]

saylean....way to funny...i have never bet on any thing 3:1 yet along 69:2. 

I aim to please.

My longest shot with a bow was about 55 yards and was the only kill i have made so far with a bow (2X3 blacktail). I was sure I would not be able to sneek any further...too much brush. I did hit the deer and when I went to get him, I jumped a 3X4 that was bedded down right where I had hit him from. HOwever, I have only hunted 2 seasons with a bow.

[Broken Arrow]

both of my long shots were taken with a bowtech black Knight...31 inch draw...My hunting rig shot at 338 crono. I now shoot a mathews which is WAY slower (270 if that)...i think my range now is 60 yards max. When i shot the 82...i couldn't even see my arrow it went so fast.

[MIKEXRAY]

Even at 338 fps an 80 yard shot is three quarters of a second.

[Broken Arrow]

This is an excellent point that you make and one that must be taken into consideration with a shot like that......your absolutely right, a lot can happen in that time.

I was thinking a lot of where you grew up and what areas you hunt, tents to come into play regarding shot length. I know for the first 12 years of my bow hunting experience, it was mostly wheat fields, sage and cheat grass. Long shots are/were the norm. Every day I shot, I would begin with 40 yards as this usually your beginning point. The last 6 years/current hunting scenarios are in the West side Jungles. Now I mostly work on 30 and in....i still practice out to 60 but but those shots are few and far between. 4 of the 5 elk our group took last year were any where from 10-18 yards. Had i grown up hunting these areas or even yet a East coast style tree stand hunter, i could definitely see where as someones perspective on long shots may be quite different.

[NoBark]

The only thing I ask of those who shoot any distance is "if you hit it hard but can't find it, eat your tag so there's more next year".

[MountainWalk]

practicing with my recurve, i shoot pretty well out to forty yards. when i shoot at critters i try no further than 30, but i guess the practice gives me a little room for error lest i misjudge range.

[DOUBLELUNG]

I can kill targets reliably to 60.  My self-imposed limit is 40.  My longest shot was 42 yards on a 6x6 bull, too open to range him, I thought he was at 40.  I prefer 20-40 yard shots over those that are less than 20.  The school of hard nocks (pun intended) has taught me to never shoot at any animal that is moving, alert, etc. 

Like others have said, it depends on your abilities.  The experienced archery killers on here know there is a world of difference between how a static target reacts to the shot, and how a deer or elk does.  I've had elk and deer both manage to travel forward as much as 4', or spin nearly 90 degrees, between the time the arrow is launched and arrives.   

[boneaddict]

A-men NoBark.

[MountainWalk]

besides, isnt archery, like all forms of big game hunting, about getting close as possible?

[WDFW-SUX]

55 yards and under an arrow is going to fly 98% of the time.  Over that it gets really dicey.  Even a fast shooting rig takes an eternity for the arrow to arrive at the longer distances even a shot that starts perfect can turn into a nightmare in the blink of an eye.........I suppose if a guy is willing to eat there tag if they dont recover there prey I dont have a problem with longer shots

[rosscrazyelk]

I would prefer to shoot short distances but i do practice at yards greater than 80. I shot my monster at 72 yards ,right thru the heart. I think before you shoot you really have to assess the situation. But to each his own,it is all what you are comfortable with and what you are able to do.

[Coasthunterjay]

Longest shot I took was a three way with two blondes in Vegas...

I missed...

hell yah!

[Mangy]

Practice, confidence in your equipment, know your abilities and limitations, and there are always those variables that you cannot control.

Sounds like Broken Arrow sleeps with his compound?  Maybe he should have spent more time with the traditional before quiting. 

Broken Arrow what is your longest snapshot?

[popeshawnpaul]

Back 15 years ago I shot a doe at close range.  She wasn't down so I stuck her again at 70 yards or so.  I wouldn't have taken that shot as a first shot.  These days I'm limited to about 50 -60 yards with my new bow and only if I range it first.

[PA BEN]

Killed two elk at 60 yds. I pratice to where I can hit the bullseye at 70 yds. Also killed white tail at 50 yds.

[crazymofo]

I agree that it all boils down to practice time.  Personally i probly had about 1000 hours of practice ( 20 -80 yds.) in before i had my first chance at a deer. Two shots at 70 and one at 50 and i had my first archery buck. ( 5 x6 blacktail ) Last year it only took one shot at 75yds to drop my second archery buck  (3 x 4 blacktail )  Some say thats unethical. But i say they need more practice. 

[EastWaViking]

I took off my 50 yard pin a few years ago.  Sure, you can shoot a nice group at 50, 60, 70 yards, but, it's
what the animal does while the arrow is in flight that matters.  40 yards and closer there is not a lot of time
for reaction, at 70 yards the animal has time to make a sandwich, check his watch and then duck, or step forward for a nice gut shot.  For me it's 40 yard or closer.  I love the 10 to 20 yard shot.

[General Disarray]

I have 5 pins on my sight, start at 30 and go out to 70.  I only shoot distances I feel confident with.  A 20 yard shot is a chip shot and with a 30 yard pin, you only have to hold slightly lower than you're aim point. 

I've killed animals at just over 80, to me distance isn't a factor nearly as much as shot placement.  Lost the biggest buck I've ever shot at when I chose to take a shot I felt good about but only hit one lung on a nearly straight on, 23 yard shot... Opening day of late season a few years ago.  hasn't been the same for me since then...

[mlgunkel]

I try not to shoot to far but I practice out to 110 yards.  Yesterday I took a shot at a muley I had been working for 3 hours at 82 yards.  I normally wouldn't shoot that far but he had me pegged & the conditions seemed right.  He was quartering away slightly but his nearside front leg was back.  It didn't slow my arrow down any.  The arrow went through both shoulder blades.  He took off running hard downhill after about 100 yards his front legs gave out.  He wheel barrowed for a bit then went to rolling about 100 yards down hill where he stopped stone cold dead.  The whole thing was over in around 10 seconds.

This was my second day hunting & my first kill with a used bow tech tribute I bought on ebay.  I've got it screwed down all the way & the scale says 69.5 lbs.  Shooting 400's with 125 grain Wac Em Broadheads - total arrow weight 438 grains.  They chrono at 282 fps.  Have a Ripcord fall away rest.  The best part of my setup is my sight.  I don't have a peep.  I'm using a hind sight and absolutely love it.  It shows bow torque right away and works great in low light.  The thing I love is something I'm doing with it that I have not seen anybody else do.

They recommend always aligning crosshairs on the top pin no matter what the distance & using the rest of the pins as normal.  The crosshairs are used for bow alignment only.  I do that then I have pins every 10 yards out to 60 yards.  I've found that if I align the cross hairs with a lower pin I can use the existing pins to shoot much further.  For example if I align the crosshairs with my 40 yard pin and aim with that pin it is dead on at 80 yards.  If I align with the 40 and sight with the 60 I'm 8" high at 90 yards.  Align & aim with the 50 yard pin & I'm dead on at 100 yards etc...  To shoot long distances before I'd have markers on my sight bracket.  This is much better and I can't get over how accurate you can be from around a 100 yards.  The target looks so small the pin covers it up.  I'm amazed that they group so tightly.

[wastickslinger]

Man I am confused, when did we start talking muzzleload range? I thought this was a long shot archery. 

Way too many things that can occure out at the long range for me no matter if you are the best shot in the world.

I agree with others, as long s your wiling to notch the tag when your arrow hits shoulder bone and only penetrated two inches and the buck hobbles off and becomes coyote bait, fine.

I prefer to sneak in and see how close I can get. Every one has a different way of thinking. AS long as we are ethical bout our decisions, the end result should be the same no matter how far you shoot. Only kill one deer/elk a year, recovered or not.

I did smack one at 50 yards right in the center of the heart 3 years ago. 50 is my longest pin. Majority of my kills have been about 30-40.

[Bscman]

50yds for me is the maximum shot I'd take on an animal...and there are a lot of factors for that. Beyond 50yds and my groups start opening up beyond 4-5".

Most of my animals have been taken around 30yds....the closest being 7yds, the furthest behing 46yds. No matter how impressive the animal, I'm not willing to take a chance and take a shot I'm not 100% comfortable with.

[300rum]

I try to tell my self all the time....It is about how close, not how far, that is why I am an archer, but, I know it is real hard when you are locked up at a range that I shoot all the time in the back yard.

One more thing.....I have a hard time convincing myself that 100 yards can be ethical, you can light a cigarette, smoke and have a cup of coffee by the time the arrow gets to the animal, not to many animals just wait for us that long.  I don't smoke, maybe that is why I can't make that shot.  

The biggest boast and envy in the world goes to you guys who get within 10 yards of an animal, I could care less about hearing how some of you smoked one at 110 yards.

[wastickslinger]

I watched my buddy miss a buck at 5 yards. No joke. He was on one side of the sagebrush and the buck was bedded on the other. I was across the canyon with a spotter watching the whole thing. It was the best spot and stalk I have ever witnessed. I saw him draw back and let go. Buck stood up trotted a few feet looked around and then bounded off. I was thinking no way. Well sure enough I met up with my buddy and he said that his string whacked a large part of the sage as he released(pretty bad, suprised it didnt pop the string from the cam). Sent his arrow flying. We have never let that one go, he always hears about it. 

Doesn't really relate to the topic but when 300rum talked about getting within 10 yards it made me remember the story.

[mlgunkel]

You guys are getting to me.  I passed up a 6 point bull on one side by spike on the other in a spike/cow only unit this morning.  It was 82 yards (almost the same distance I killed that buck at on Wednesday)
It just didn't feel right today. 

[wastickslinger]

Hey man dont let us get to ya. Most of us are full of crap

[robb92]

My longest shot was 55 yards, I do practice out to 50 yards, took the doe right in the bread basket and she ran 30 yards and piled up.

[archery288]

When I practice I will practice out to 130 yards consistently...  This not only builds a ton of confidence for the 30 or 40 yard shot but it will perfect your form to a - T!!  If you are doing the slightest thing wrong such as gripping the bow just ever so slightly, or jerking upon your release these errors will be critical at longer ranges and you probably wont hit the target... It adds a degree of difficulty practing that far out which makes it fun.  The first night in Caribou camp Cam and I were stackin them in there at 80 piece of cake and on the tundra longer shots are almost a given! 

Anyways, I have never shot anything over 50 yards with my bow infact almost all the animals I have taken have been under 30 yards.  But I still like to know that I am doing everything correctly and that if I can hit at 130 then a 50 yard shot is a chip shot!