Just how good...??

[kennym]

I guess I do ok:)
 

Looks like the fire extinguisher took a few on your off days...

[Roy from Pa]

Nope, that's from my buddy Kenny in Missouri shooting here too:)

 

[kennym]

Dropping yer bow arm is a bad habit. You need to work on that like I told ya... 

[Roy from Pa]

Ok this more realistic for ya son?

[Bowwild]

I played a game on the outdoor range my freshman year of college. I was shooting a Bear B-Mag (1970). I'd start at 10 yards with 5 arrows. My target was a 9" paper plate. When I hit the plate I'd move back 5 yards. My goal was to make it back to 30 yards and hit the plate. Most of the time I could get to 25 yards and sometimes complete the shot at 30. I determined my effective range was 20 yards, but I preferred 15 yards.

I've only shot recurves for 15 of the 52 years I've bowhunted; the first 5 and 10 of the last 12.  In those 15 years of recurve hunting I've taken only one shot past 21 yards. It was ill-advised and thank goodness a complete miss above a small buck.

Our season starts next Saturday. I'll be setting up for 15 yard shots.

[George Tsoukalas]

That is really good shooting. I used to be ok but I got old (74 y/o). I just do what I can and thank God that I got a chance to get old. Jawge

[the rifleman]

Some nice groups shown here.  I've made some changes in my shooting this year that are paying off.  I walked out to the hayfield last night and shot my first two arrows at 18 yds.  Both went into a practice golf ball.  I called it a night as that's good shooting for me.  Now add a bit of pressure and I'm afraid my consistency needs work, but that's why I go to every 3d shoot I can get to.

[GCook]

That's dang good shooting.

[Lonster]

Occasionally I hit close to where I’m looking.

I am pretty proficient at 17 yards.

[Lonster]

[Greenstyk]

I stepped off the distance to this log to be around 36-37 yds. but I shot these after I was warmed up and loose. I determine my accuracy by the first arrow I shoot which is a cold shot usually from 15-20 yds. If it is close enough to be through a deer’s lungs then I am happy.

[Kirkll]

Just how good of a shot, do you think you are...??

This question could be answered with “Pretty Good” for a lot of folks at 15-20 yards with various actual results from day to day. But what you personally consider good, or the dreaded term “good enough” may seem poor to others.

Hand eye coordination, and consistency with a stick bow, a compound bow, or even a smoke pole, requires practice and refinement of consistent form. Once you get to the point where “You think” you are getting good, move back 10 yards, then 20 or 30 yards.
This is where you start seeing how important your form refinement is, and how much your back tension, alignment,  and getting off the string clean really make a difference. Every little thing amplifies at 40- 50 yards. Your 4- 6” size groups at 20 yards you were so proud of won’t even hit your target at 50 yards sometimes.
 
What I found out was practicing at 40-50 yards will humble you big time, and have you reassess your form technique and alignment issues you didn’t even think you had….. but if you stick with it until things come together, your groups at 15-20 yards will result in much tighter groups, and even pin point accuracy.

My definition of “good enough” is when you have to quit shooting groups and need to pick 5 different spots at 20 yards or you often blow the knocks of your arrows, or cut the fletching off your hunting arrows with the broad head’s. Practice at longer distance can help you achieve that kind of accuracy if you are so inclined.

Another exercise in a “how good are you” reality check is cold shooting.  Instead of going out and  shooting two dozen arrows a day, or more.  Shoot one arrow at sunrise, and one at sunset for 5 days at different yardage . Then go look at your group….. You may change your perspective on what’s good enough. Shooting 3D is good practice too.

Btw…. I’m never good enough personally….but I do OK come crunch time.

Kirk