Gave long distance a try

[tradshooter]

I haven't shot much over 40 yards and then only on occasion but that's going to change. The furthest I have ever killed a big game animal was right at 30 yards and everything was in my favor. I am going to stretch it out for fun, but I doubt I'd ever shoot at an animal past 30 unless I had a bad hit and was trying to make a follow up shot because of unfavorable conditions ie. weather and predators. I like the idea of backing into the yardage. Sounds like fun and of value in checking your form.

[ckanous]

Hey Kenneth you need to come down to Statesville then, a buddy of mine just opened an indoor 3D range to the public this week. I don't think anything is set past 45 yds, PM me and we'll go!

[Hopewell Tom]

I read that article and can't argue with it so more long range it will be. I had done some of it but reasoned that this was not "good practice" as this wasn't hunting range. But it IS fun and when it starts to work, it'll REALLY be fun. We're having an old timey winter up here, so outside work isn't happening, but I have a really good setup for it and will get right to it in the spring. But at first it's about watching arrows fly and missing.
 A real love/hate relationship!

[bigbadjon]

I started practicing at long range awhile before the article to test the accuracy of my gap and point-of-aim shooting. It makes any flaws in your form painfully obvious for sure. I find maintaining your form to be the true challenge rather than the distance itself.

[GRINCH]

I have a 40 yard set up in my yard,always seem to have better form,hold a little longer and concentrate a little more.

[oldbohntr]

boog21: that's a problem and I haven't figured out a solution.  The old secondary aiming point method can work when you or your subconscious mind is picking out a spot on the ground between you and the target, but it's not so effective when you're beyond point-on distance and have to focus on a piece of blue sky! Long downhill shots do offer a background that works for secondary aiming, though.  

It's fun to take extra long shots and watch the arrow's trajectory, but I don't think that's constructive practice.  I don't think constructive practice can happen much beyond your point-on distance(Unless you use a sight and which of us would do that?)  My best performing bows, with the typical arrows I use will have a point-on at 55-60 yards.  But, usually it's less than that.  With both eyes open, the target is not blocked by your bow hand until you are a bit beyond this range, so whatever range that is becomes the limit.  

These are only my thoughts on it.  I don't consciously use secondary aiming during any normal shot, but if I'm going to get any benefit from it at all, the old brain has to have something consistent to go on.  If you're gonna just pull back and fling 'em, it's gonna take a really long time to get any consistency!

Beginning to see the range where I can be totally instinctive stretch, though.  Training the subconscious mind, I guess.  Doesn't mean long hunting shots are necessarily in my future.  Howard Hill supposedly shot hundreds of shots every day.....if we believe the stories, he was awfully good at long range!

[Friends call me Pac]

After shooting at 40 I moved up to 25 yards to see how I would do.  My form stayed solid and I was hitting good.  From my limited results I  believe this long range practice works for me. I really enjoy watching the arc of the arrow too.  
I guess time will tell if this is really helping.

[Carbonkiller]

my point on is about 40 yards. i shoot that at the beginning of each practice. it really helps with your form. all flaws are magnified 10x!

[joe skipp]

I've been an advocate of long range shooting for years.
A) You want to know what your bow/arrow setup will do at the longer distances especially if your planning on chasing mulies around the prairies.

B) You tend to concentrate more on your aiming and form.

C) I find it improves my close range shooting, 25 yds and under.

[sawtoothscream]

im just working on getting good at 30 yds.  will be interresting taking 40 d shots on some 3d target this summer at denton hill

[bowkevin]

Myself I noticed even shooting at 25 yds makes the 12 yard shots much easier.

[ron w]

I hate long shots.......There that's out of the way.I do notice when I go stump'n with my regular shooting buds, that once I get dialed in I shoot some of them long shots well. I'm talking 35 to 50 yards. At first it is intimidating but as the afternoon goes by it becomes almost second nature to take a poke and do pretty well. I still hate the long ones...lol!

[sagebrush]

I shoot in my hayfield by my house. I can shoot up to 150 yards. For targets,I save old milk cartons(plastic one gallon) and fill them half full of dirt so they don't blow away. It can be a lot of fun. Especially when you get about 40 or 50 jugs out there. It really helps when I go in the hills to stump shoot or hunting. Gary

[Mint]

For me i like taking some shots out to 60 yards. Like said before, if so far out all you see is the back of your hand i would rather not practice this way.