In defense of the 20 yard plate

[Aaron Proffitt 2]

Years ago , the measure of bow hunting proficiency was arrows in a paper plate at 20 yards .

Too easy.

However , funny how things evolve .

Eventually, I wasn't just shooting the plate but pieces . An arrow hole here, an edge there . So on.

At some point , the paper plate became so shot up that it had to be folded over so a paper plate became a half and then a quarter of a plate. And then there's that satisfying ' tick'  sound when you hit the paper.

Not a bad way to dial in.

[The Whittler]

For hunting first shot is the only one that counts the other arrows are to verify if the first was a fluke:-)

[Trenton G.]

Nothing better than the snap when an arrow hits the plate! My goal was always to be able to make one look like a donut by shooting out just the center, but it hasn't happened yet.

[Wudstix]

Need to get out and throw some arrows at my foam piggies, javies, and deer.
 

[Sam McMichael]

When I was younger it was commonly accepted that a paper plate approximated the kill zone of a deer. I still think it is a good place to start. Once an archer can group consistently within this area, it is easy  to transfer this ability to more realistic targets such as 3D or any other medium that a hunter uses to transition into the hunting mode. Besides, they are cheap.

[evgb127]

Paper plates are severely underrated. I “pin” a paper plate to my target with a golf tee in the center.  It adds an additional level of fun when you split the tee (which is a rare event for me). 


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[J-dog]

i been getting in some string time here lately, I seem to have come around today?? Got out to thirty yards. Took a break left the bow, walked out near dark and made a good shot at 30. Feels good to end a session well.

Past few days though I been trad flagging something horrible. Maybe just got to trying too hard? Or frustrated? I'd have tore the plate up today but past few days it had been safe almost.

Maybe coming out the slump? I hope --

J

[Bvas]

I still use the plate to measure proficiency and establish hunting shot distance with my kids. They must be able to put 9 outa 10 arrows routinely on the plate to “qualify” at any given distance.

[GCook]

Cake plate maybe . . .

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[goingoldskool]

I use playing cards.... keeps things interesting!

[Aaron Proffitt 2]

Today's paper product aiming point was a pack of Marlboro Smooth's my brother-in-law left out back. 3/4's full . Judo point reduced them to snuff. Lol

[mj seratt]

For me, a giant pizza box.

[pavan]

I had a used paper, I shot it a bunch with a recurve until it was shredded, I don't get it.  I had a lot more fun shooting a swinging Grizzly chew can with a longbow.  My wife can't shoot with me yet, but she is pretty good at swing the taped chew can.  she swings it just right so it hits the arrow as it goes by. 

[Pat B]

Aim small, miss small! The smaller your target the closer you are to the center. I agree a paper plate is a good starting point but aiming at a previously shot hole will tighten your shooting.

[Aaron Proffitt 2]

I had a used paper, I shot it a bunch with a recurve until it was shredded, I don't get it.  I had a lot more fun shooting a swinging Grizzly chew can with a longbow.  My wife can't shoot with me yet, but she is pretty good at swing the taped chew can.  she swings it just right so it hits the arrow as it goes by.

I think her effective swing might be a Freud thing , bro. It's an unspoken act that shows her hatred for it.

[supernaut]

Paper plate with a magic marker bullseye brings back a lot of good memories for sure.

[GCook]

I still use a plate target.  But I believe it is a bad though process to think an arrow in the plate is in the deer kill zone. 
True it may be size representative but any experienced deer hunter knows that a marginal hit on that plate can mean a slower death when placed on a deer.  Blood trails can be a lot different from a lung shot high and back vs low and forward.
A lot less room for error using a cake plate.

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[Aaron Proffitt 2]

I still use a plate target.  But I believe it is a bad though process to think an arrow in the plate is in the deer kill zone. 
True it may be size representative but any experienced deer hunter knows that a marginal hit on that plate can mean a slower death when placed on a deer.  Blood trails can be a lot different from a lung shot high and back vs low and forward.
A lot less room for error using a cake plate.

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I agree . I just remember that being kind of an accuracy benchmark years ago. I also remember that , in time , the goal became less about hitting the plate and more about picking and hitting a spot ON the plate.

[Friend]

Had used the paper plate criteria for competency up to the mid 70's.