deer hunting

[dru88]

what is the average range you shoot a deer?
Also wondering whats the longest kill shot anyone has had and with what kind of bow?:confused:

[Big Lew]

Average shot for me, as I only "spot and stalk", is 30 yards +or-. Closest was less than 5 yards. Longest was 47 yards (on a broadside,stationary and relaxed, 4-point mulie)

[Bowzone_Mikey]

closest has been 2 yards ... furthest ... is a bit past 60 ....

[Ddog]

5yards (treestand), 45yards. average shot for me is 30 yards, that seems to be the magic number so i almost always wait until the target is at that range.

[rattling_junkie]

Average is 15 yards, longest 40 yards.

[mikeboehm]

i started last year and go a 4 point blacktail at 22 yards. only animal i got with a bow

[Bow Walker]

Closest was at less than 7 yards. Longest was approx 40 yards. I like to keep it in and around the 25 - 30 yard range if possibe.

[The Hermit]

Up close and personal is the way to go. Too many variables for me to take a shot over 20 yards with my longbow and that is stretching it.
Most important thing is to NEVER shoot at a deer (applies to elk too) that is aware of my presence and looking at me... learned that lesson the hard way - TWICE!

[Bow Walker]

It's a confidence thing. Confidence is a direct result of practice - lots of practice. Then experience. Experience can only be had by actually doing something. The more you shoot at animals the more you get to know how they react to different scenarios.

Here's my take on the optimum shooting distance(s)...
Trad bows - 0 yards to a maximum of 25 yards. Some may go as far as 30 yards, but not many.
Compound bows of <290 fps - 0 yards to a maximum of 35 yards. Some might go as far as 40 yards. 40 yards is stretching it.
Compound bows of >320 fps - 0 yards to a maximum of 45 yards. Some might go as far as 50 - 55 yards, but that is stretching it.
Crossbows of >350 fps - 0 yards to a maximum of 50 yards (because they're noisier than compound bows).

Unfortunately we all stretch the distances when confronted with an animal that we "want". Myself included in one instance. It is very hard to have the presence of mind to limit yourself in shooting distance when out hunting and a 'possible' shot presents itself. Very hard.

[Lil Bow Pete]

With my home made bows I generally set up for a 12 -15 yard shot but I will shoot out to 25. Average, 12 - 15 yards. Back when I was young and dumb I killed a doe at 70 yards with a compound bow. Stupid shot and incredibly lucky not to turn out badly.