being honest with your self

[valleysniper]

Over the last 8 years I have really enjoyed Traditional archery and bowhunting. But, I need to be honest with myself After numerous injuries and setbacks I've found that after these issues I am not as proficient as I need to be. Bowhunting is a rush and very fun, I cannot hunt with Trad equipment if I don't have the time to put in the proper effort to be proficient. Now, the question, what is proficient ? I am very deadly to about 15 yds, then things get iffy. I believe that because of my 3 shoulder surgeries That I cannot maintain good form with my draw arm. I am thinking that the draw arm issue  is the main culprit as to why things get crazy at 20 yds or so. So my question is, before I throw in the towel and go back to a wheelie.....I know, I know. How far do you guys think is an average shot distance for bear and whitetail while stand hunting ?

[Alexander Traditional]

I've had a lot of deer within 15 yards.

The thing I'm thinking about is that it might be in your head. If you are good at 15 it shouldn't be a shoulder issue to shoot at 20. Are you drawing and holding the same at 20?

I know for me it's a mental thing when the shots get further. It's also out eyesight.

[Pat B]

Over the years of my hunting career, mostly in the Southeastern US, the majority of my hunting shots(guns included) were under 50 yards and most of my archery shots were between 8' and 20 yards. I like getting close and in tight areas. If you are proficient at 15 yards, stick to 15 yards and under. I'd almost be willing to bet most archery kill shots  are less than 20 yards anyway.   

[Wudstix]

17-18 yards has been my longest shot.  The close ones measured in feet are tough to stay focused.
 

[TIM B]

Rarely do I shoot past 15.  And I like 10 better....
I’d say keep on huntin
Tim B

[valleysniper]

Thanks for all the reassuring posts. Think I will keep at it for awhile. Getting bummed I wasn't going to do something I really enjoy

[Pine]

Where I setup to hunt, the furthest shot would be 15 yards.
I shot a deer one time at about 5 feet.
That's part of traditional archery, getting up close and personal. 

[Yooper-traveler]

Three whitetail and a bear last year.....all under 16 yards.  I don't remember my last 20+ yard shot on a deer/bear.

[valleysniper]

Thanks for the reassuring words guys, now if I could get that trade for a widow worked out !

[Steelhead]

I usually try and set up under 18 yards if feasible and a tree is available that I can use under 18 yards or so.

If your not hunting from a tree or one is not available thats usable.Setting up on the ground is the option and you can very close on the ground.15 yards or less is no problem with good cover and picking the right moment to draw.

Most my animals have been taken at less than 20 yards for sure.

Its pretty common for trad archers to shoot game at 15 yards or less.So I think your good to go in many situations.

Just have to blow off the longer shots.No big deal.

[John Cholin]

I figure I'll get a share of negative reaction from this but, I set my recurve up with a single sight pin mounted to the back surface of the riser.  A lot of folks use the "gap shooting" method and I don't think a single sight pin is all that sinful.  It allows me to take 20 yard shots with confidence and 25 yard shots when everything is right.  I have tried time and again to shoot bare bow but I have never been able to meet my accuracy criteria for hunting.  The sight pin changed all that.  I can hit 4 inch groups at 20 yards consistently with a 64# bow.  That's what I need to take the caliber buck I hunt.  Where there is a will there is a way.

JMC

[Cool Springer]

When I'm scouting, if I can't find a viable stand location, i.e. climbable tree within 15 yards of where I think a game animal will be, I look at other options. While I feel I'm very proficient on inanimate targets at 20+ yards, a live animal at more than 15 yards seems like a long shot to me. I don't really keep track of the distance to every kill shot, but I think my average is easily under 15 yards.  I think the "sweet spot" for me is about 12 yards

[hawkeye n pa]

I'm enjoying closer the better as a challenge nowadays.  Was a time I didn't like shooting under 20 yards now I'm good with 20 feet! 

[Sam McMichael]

You say that you are deadly out to 15 yards. You also say you are good for 20 shots or so. If you have enough self discipline to limit your shot distance you are good to go. There is a very well respected and successful hunter on this forum who has stated that most of his kills are at 10 - 15 yards. Maybe you are not out of the game after all.

[Bowguy67]

Without saying anything to make it seem anything braggart. I’ve shot some bears (All close) but hundreds of Whitetails I’d guess. Been at it over 40 years, as a kid I’d shoot over 10 a year most years.
Almost none were over 20, most were prob 15 or less I’d not be lying.
As a kid on my first successful hunt, I had no real mentor as my dad didn’t hunt, it was always a neighbor or someone taking me. Never anyone exclusive. It’s ok but the point is on this particular morn I remember freaking we were getting in at daylight. It was too late for me but almost instantly I started seeing deer. I was really young and started taking longer shots than I should have. I missed everything and emptied my quiver save one arrow.
I got down and collected them. I found 2, both dull imo.
So that night I stated seeing deer right off soon as I set up, I only figured I had one arrow. The sharp one. I kept passing shots. Finally a doe n fawns came to 10 yards. My shot was true but I vowed never to take long shots. Since than I’ve taken very very few. If 15 yards is your effective range than you’re doing fine. I expect to see pics from this year. Hang in there.
Remember life is a series of adjustments. Make em and move on.

[katman]

Why would a compound do better? If it is the sights put them on the stickbow and hunt.

Also agree it is probably mental. Same form at 20yds  that works at 15yds.  Maybe slowly work back to 20 one yard at a time.

[Homey88]

15yds and in for me.

[valleysniper]

sounds like 15 yds is about the average for everyone....maybe im good after all !

[Bisch]

I’d say 95% of my deer are shot at under 15yds. I’ve only shot one bear, and it was right at 15yds. I’d keep hunting if I honestly thought I was good enough at 15yds. Just don’t take a 16yd shot!!!!!

Bisch

[Will Telluteyrd]

If you go to many 3D shoots most of us should keep our shots 20 yards and under.