yards??????

[ELKOHUNTER]

What is the most yards you want to take a shot at a mule deer with a bow?

 

[AZtrophyhunter]

Depends on the capability of the hunter & the conditions at the time of the shot. I would say the furthest on average for most western mule deer hunters would be 50-60 yrds max but a few go beyond that.

 

[Bowtecher]

I shot a buck at 62yards
I practice yardages out to 80 so I'm comfortable with the shot.
The buck ran about 30 yards and tipped.

 

[Lien2]

>Depends on the capability of the
>hunter & the conditions at
>the time of the shot.
>I would say the furthest
>on average for most western
>mule deer hunters would be
>50-60 yrds max but a
>few go beyond that.


I would agree with this. It really is up to the hunter to know his capabilities and the conditions the situation presents.

Lien2

 

[a3dhunter]

I agree, it is up to the hunter to know his practical yardage for both known distances (rangefinder) and unknown distances.

 

[elkaddiction]

I practice to 80 all the time. Don't think I would shoot an unwounded animal at this range, but I know I could hit it every time. I routinely shoot 4"-5" groups at 60yds--a range I'm comfortable with. Groups seem to open up at 70 and beyond. Just because you can shoot good groups at 60+ yds doesn't mean you should shoot game at this range. Case in point, my buck this last year was shot at 56 yds. At the shot, he started to turn and as a result I caught 1 lung and liver rather than double lung. My allegiance shoots fast, but not fast enough for a deer not to move in the short time it takes for the arrow to arrive. Deer moving at or after the shot is what concerns me about long range hunting. I've passed on several 65yds shots on Trophy Mule deer the last few years that I knew I could kill--if they stood still as I shot. If I was on an animal that was completely oblivious to my presence and there was no wind, I'd consider a 65 yd shot--but I'd have to talk myself into it. If it was a split second decision, I'd probably pass.

 

[slider]

I'm with Elkaddiction!!! I also shoot 4-5 inch groups at 60 yards but I would prefer to shoot 50 yards or less!!!To many things can go wrong at longer ranges!!!Wind,form, the animal moves? For me 40 or less on Deer is Ideal!!! Good Luck

 

[GHOSTINTHEWOODS]

I agree with you all 100%. but here's some food for thought. I hunted some feilds near town these deer seemed to be very coutious. Been watching a decent buck One evening he came out and I staked down the edge of the feild to him. He kept feeding toward me and didn't know I was there. Now you probably going to call B.S. but at 35 yards he jumped my string and I hit him very high. Very little blood, watched the buck for an hour or so, didn't seem hurt. A week later I spotted the buck again I stalked him again and could see the wound, didn't look very good, could tell it was bothering him. He spooked and ran out to 70 yards. I had already decided to take the shot due to the wound. he knew I was there watched me range him and draw. The shot was perfect. The deer didn't move a muscle at 70 but jumped the string at 35??? Maybe because they can't hear the bow noise at farther ranges, or just aren't as startled when they hear it from farther away..
P.S. the wound was covered with moggots from the top of his shoulders to the back of his head, made me sick...

 

[Outdoordan]

I agree with elkaddiction as well. Deer can always move when shot at long distances. Sometimes its not the obvious reason, alarm, but because they are feeding or scratching themselves or whatever. Additionally, the speed of sound is at 800 fps, and that is still 3 times the speed of a bow. If alarmed a deer can easily move and you don't hit a vital. Ghostinthewoods point is interesting, and I guess if there was wind, or farm noises maybe a closer shot tips them off sooner. But still an arrow at 35 yards gets there alot faster than an arrow at 70 yards, so the movement want be as exagerated.

 

[jasn]

I agree with the point being made, the shot depends on the conditions and your own comfort through experience/practice. I shoot very tight groups up to 70 yards, and practice much further but I'm hesitant to shoot much over 70 at game. I'm meticulous about my tuning, setup, each arrow, but even the best archer can only control so many of the variables, and even at that everything still has to go just right.

I had a buck and antelope jump the string in the same year, both within 40 yards. Each made me and knew I was there, which I think was the main reason for the quick movement, anticipation. On the other hand this buck was at 70 yards, but only his does had seen me, so he was still curious and waiting to see if I was another buck coming to challenge! I made a near perfect shot due to YEARS of practice and knowing my capabilities, and yes some luck that he didn't decide to jump the string. However, I'd never recommend to a beginner to try anything that he/she hasn't already PROVEN through tons of practice, especially longer distances.

 

[ELKOHUNTER]

Nice buck

 

[300WSM]

I'm a begginer bowhunter (1.5 years) and I agree with pretty much everything said above. I can hardly imagine taking a shot at 70 yards! Though it is sometimes very hard to do, I have to set my limit at about 45 yards on deer sized game. I just don't feel comfortable with my bow and my abilities enough to take a longer shot. I've practiced once at 70 yards and I don't think the 20 inch group will cut it in the field.