First time archer

rumpletown · Jul 31, 2006

I am bowhunting for the first time this year. I have pins set at 20, 30, 40, and 60 yards. I have been told to not even worry about my 20 yard pin because you will very rarely get that close to a deer.

So tell me from your experience, how realistic is a 20 yard shot?

I know the better and quiter you are the better your chances are, but how realistic is it?

thanks

BOHNTR · Jul 31, 2006

For me......it's very realistic. I've arrowed quite a few at this distance and even less over the years. For me personally, I try to get as close as I can, even when I'm in my "lethal" range of 40 yards. JMO

BOHNTR )))---------->

BigPig · Jul 31, 2006

Heck yes you need a 20 pin. More animals are killed 10-30 yards than 40-60.

rumpletown · Jul 31, 2006

Even when I was muzzleloader hunting I got pretty close sometimes and I figured that if you had cover scent and camo you could get pretty close.

What has been your closest shot, and what did you do to get that close?

Wiszard · Jul 31, 2006

A few weeks ago here in Calif. (early bow season, I know) I had a buck come in to 8 yards. I was able to actually take a shot after he spooked and stopped at about 18 yard. I hit a post that was in between us but thats not the point. If I were you, Id get rid of that 60 yard pin and definitely have a 20 yard pin. I dont think I'd ever take a shot at an animal over 50 yards anyway. Theres too much that can happen to that arrow while in flight that long. Not too mention the animal may move or jump the string to make it a wounded animal instead of a dead animal. Just my two cents.

BOHNTR · Jul 31, 2006

My closest shot was a very large black bear.....arrowed at 5 yards! The closest deer was a whopping 7 yards! You can see their eyelashes at that distance!

BOHNTR )))---------->

NMHUNTNUTT1 · Jul 31, 2006

20 is very important period. I killed my first muley at 42 yards with my bow, but have killed the rest of my animals 28 yards and less . So for me, I'm shooting most of my arrows inside of 40 yards. I do have confidence in my ability to make a leathal shot beyond 40 yards , but inside that distance as long as I can lock onto my target , I will make the shot count.
By all means have a 20 yard pin and sight in solid.

NMHUNTNUTT1 · Jul 31, 2006

BOHNTR
I know exactly what your speaking of as in 2003 my dad arrowed his elk at 8 yards.The elk walked straight to him and he couldn't draw his bow until the bull side stepped the tree my dad was behind at around 4 yards , the bull caught the movement and jumped away only to stop 8 yards and check what ever it was that moved, TOO LATE. The elk actaully kicked up dirt and pine needles all over his day pack as it layed on the ground next to the tree the elk jumped from.I wished I had the video on then , but I remember it as if it happened yesterday. Most people would not believe such a story , but I've experianced the truely close encounters, not only once but a few times now. Thanks for rekindling the flame...

AZbowhntr · Jul 31, 2006

My first pin is at 25 yds. And my next is at 40 yds. That is because when I had a 20 and 30 yd pins they were so close together that it was hard to distinguish and it looked cluttered. My closest shot was a javelina at 3 yds and it was closing in. Needless to say I didn't use a pin. Instinct kind of took over.

ddy58 · Jul 31, 2006

15 yards at a Coues in AZ
I have my pins set at 20 30 40 50 60
The 20 and 30 are almost on top of each other but Id hate to miss a 20 or 15 yard shot because I thought I needed a 70 yard pin.