How did you know when you were "ready"?

Rabbits and squirrels, learn how to shoot them, skin them and cook them.  They will teach you how to shoot a deer with that recurve.

[Friends call me Pac]

Sounds to me like you are shooting well.  I don't see anything that would cause me to say better wait awhile yet.

You've been shooting trad longer than I did before I started hunting with mine.  I started trad in Jul 2 years ago.  That Oct 12th I believe it was I killed my 1st trad deer.  I didn't think about I have a recurve, instead I though about the spot behind her shoulder that I wanted to hit.  The practice and muscle memory paid off and my confidence got a real boost.  

About two weeks later I got a second deer.  That deer left no doubt in my mind that the first was not luck.  Go on out there Oct 1 and get you one.

[VTer]

In 1975 at 15 years of age was my first year bowhunting and I can say I wasn't ready. I struggled with a 40# Black Bear bow. My Dad didn't hunt so I had no one to tell me I wasn't ready. Everything I knew came from the Archer's Bible and the Bowhunter's Digest. Luckily the deer were safe from me because I had never hunted before either. I've learned quite a bit since then and enjoyed every second of it, even my compound days.

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

....... just take it slow... don't be hung up on that first trad kill...enjoy this ride !!! You'll do good !!!

[sticbow]

it won't go away untill your first one..but i promise you this....you will never forget it take alot of pictures when your tired take some more you will look  back on them many times with a big smile  

[chad graham]

sounds like your ready shooting that much and that well like its been said pick a spot!the first time i hunted with my longbow oct.1 1993 i missed the same doe 3 times i wanted to get my wheels out for the next day but thankfully i stuck with the longbow and shot her the next morning,what a feeling been hooked ever since!dont get hung up on missing,it happens just try to focus on a spot!

[Over&Under]

Sure ya don't want to trade back Scott??    

Like others have said, get your confidence through successes at shorter distances...the definition of fun!

[yekrut]

This will be my first season going trad to , I think I am ready hitting good out to 20 ,, so I am excited!!

[SkottyBoy]

Thanks for all the input guys. And Jake I am lovin the river runner, tippit ended up with the toelke.

[Over&Under]

Glad doc got it, he was wanting it pretty bad, could not have gone to a better guy, and glad you like the RR.

Good luck this season!

[Bill Tell]

I really believe that there are hunters in this world that when that moment comes it just happens.  You hear things like, "I didn't even remember the shot."  or "Then right where I was looking I saw my fletching disappear."

From what you tell us you have experience.  It will all come together for you.  Just pick a spot and focus on your breathing and when it feels right let it fly.