What does accuracy look like to you?

[LookMomNoSights]

Terry mentioned ramping up the posts and chiming in .........  so here's one that I've been thinking about, not just now or recently,  but for years!  It has the potential to get all sorts of things stirred up and maybe go down the rabbit hole ......we'll see 
So ....... unfortunately for me I suppose,  other than my younger brother who I don't get to shoot with as often as I'd like,  I don't shoot with anybody!  Don't have any stick bow insane buddies,  don't make it to many shoots so my opportunities to observe anything other than what I'm doing myself,  are pretty much non existent.  This is not something to be taken lightly, from a learning / teaching aspect.   You can learn so much or teach so much,  shooting with others.  Many times,  you don't even know the degree of the knowledge you are gaining by simply observing something.  It can have that "greater than the sum of it's parts" effect and hone your knowledge base in leaps and bounds ..........
Getting to the main topic here .........  I know what accuracy looks like to me.  I know what an acceptable level of shooting accuracy is to let me know I'm doing the right things,  my fundamentals are sound,  I have consistency, I can make ethical shots on game at a given range with confidence.  But,  over the years I have gathered mostly from reading and a fair amount of observing as well I suppose,  that this is somewhat relative to the shooter and not a absolute thing.   What I think is accurate may not be good enough for someone else.  Or,  someone might think that I shoot rather well,  but I may not be satisfied with my own accuracy during any instance.   
We can all agree I would think,  that if we would could stack arrows on top of each other at any distance during any situation and in any conditions,  that would be the apex of accuracy. 
To some,  accuracy is a group of arrows that will fit into a softball size at 15 yards
To some,  all arrows touching,  but at the same distance.......and they will not shoot past that on targets or game.
Some wreck a lot of arrows if they aren't shooting 1 arrow per bullseye target, out to 40 plus yards .......and on and on.
I talk of targets here but obviously,  I'm meaning game animals as well.  I've never met or heard of anybody who became an impressively good shot and only ever loosed an arrow at live animals ......we gotta shoot targets to work on things.
So there is a thought to ponder and this is in no way meant to get a comparison going on who shoots better than who or anything like that, though I realize a chance of it bending that way 
For what it's worth,  the person who might not show up in the most accurate way on paper or foam but consistently harvest game outing after outing, is the person I put on the pedestal.  Some can't shoot paper or foam too great,  but can kill anything they even think about shooting at.......some are the opposite because shooting animals is something a lot different!
If you don't mind sharing an honest perspective on what accuracy looks like to you when you are on point and doing all the right things,  lets have it! 

[PrimitivePete]

So I'll take a jump on this, for me I actually like to see how accurate I can be with some variables added. I like at times to grab a handful of arrows with different spines, close in spine, different point weight and see what my groups are like. I know it doesn't make much sense but my thinking is if I am doing everything right and the bow is tolerant of the spine variations and I'm grouping consistently at 18 yards (I hunt in real thick junk, 18 yards is if I'm lucky), then I'm pretty happy because once I dial into the exact arrow I am going to use, the likely hood is my groups will be even better

[Bob D]

Due to bad shoulders I only hunt small game with a lite bow and then mostly sitting grouse. This is a stencil I use to spray paint black silhouettes on cheap white foam targets. Its about 7h x 3.75w. If I can shoot four arrows (a quiver full) all “into the black” at 25 yards, most every time, I would be thrilled.

[Orion]

I've been at this long, long time, and I can say from experience as a NBEF instructor and at shoots for the past 40 or so years, most folks aren't as accurate as many on here and other sites profess to be.  Yes, there are some truly good shots, but most are pretty mediocre or worse.

But shooting accuracy is only part of the equation. Hunting ability is the other.  And it's just as important IMO.  Those who "can kill anything they even think about shooting at" are those who have the skill to get really close to the critters they're hunting, and they also likely limit their shots to well within their shooting competency. You don't have to be pinpoint accurate if you can get to within 10 yards or so of a critter.

Of course, we strive to become more accurate shooters.  We should also strive to become better hunters and toward increasing our mental discipline to stay within our capability when making decisions to shoot at critters. 

[LookMomNoSights]

I've been at this long, long time, and I can say from experience as a NBEF instructor and at shoots for the past 40 or so years, most folks aren't as accurate as many on here and other sites profess to be.  Yes, there are some truly good shots, but most are pretty mediocre or worse.

But shooting accuracy is only part of the equation. Hunting ability is the other.  And it's just as important IMO.  Those who "can kill anything they even think about shooting at" are those who have the skill to get really close to the critters they're hunting, and they also likely limit their shots to well within their shooting competency. You don't have to be pinpoint accurate if you can get to within 10 yards or so of a critter.

Of course, we strive to become more accurate shooters.  We should also strive to become better hunters and toward increasing our mental discipline to stay within our capability when making decisions to shoot at critters.

Good info and well stated 

[tradslinger]

Accuracy to me is this, hitting the exact spot or thing where I meant to. I've never been happy with a kill shot on a 3D target if it wasn't where I meant to hit it. The same on many other things. That was what I loved about bow fishing, the opportunity to take a lot of shots on live critters, both big and small, still and moving. I practiced a lot on small fish, perch and even minnows. Aim small and miss small but it is better to hit those little targets on a regular basis. I used to roam this huge field loaded with clover, just looking for various bugs that would be landing on the clover to take out with a blunt. At first it was all about just hitting the bug on the flower but then that got to be easy after a week or two of hard practice. So I began shooting them as they hovered above the flower. This was back in the late 80s and early 90s and we had tons of bees back then. My best was 8 hovering bees in a row, did it several times. I have always done better on live targets or objects rather than paper. I once out shot everyone on a 3D tournament, this included compounds with sights and releases and yet I felt like I had shot terrible. Yes, I raked up a lot of kills but in my book they were misses from where I meant to hit. Now, with vision problems and lousy shoulders, I'm not so picky, I'd take those kill shots and be happy. But deep inside, I'm still not happy with how I am shooting. We practice to be better, and how we are able to practice can influence our abilities to make a tiny target produce for us. I believe that the average person just doesn't focus as intently as needs to be. That is why some quarterbacks excel heads and shoulders over others as well as some pitchers. They see what and where needs to be done and do it without even thinking about it. Now, I have to think almost everything out before and as I am doing it. Before, I went into kill mode and got er done.

[Tactical Draftsman]

Some good thoughts. In my mind it is the combination of confidence and hitting where I am looking from unknown distances. I can groove any particular distance from under 10 to over 30 yards if I can shoot multiple arrows. Therefore, I do a lot of one arrow practice; shoot, retrieve arrow, move to new location. I think a part of the magic is that it is a fleeting thing, always offering room for improvement. If we knew we could always put three arrows in a one inch spot at forty yards, things might get a bit boring.

[Friend]

Accuracy and consistency on the range and 3D range is often vastly different than actual field situations. Varying hunting situations dictate changes in effective hunting ranges.

Personal Objectives:

-   Establish true personal effective hunting range...A range that my mind is set on with absolute confidence during ideal conditions

-   Hunting setups are targeted to be established within that ideal effective range. Note: I hunt close...There are days that I can keep my arrows quite consistently in the kill on a 3D Deer at 30 yards, my typical hunting set up is 18 yards max from the furthest trail.
 
-   Practice and practice possible shot opportunities

-   Actively mentally train to recognize actual circumstances and adjust the effective range accordingly…some circumstances may slash the shot distance to the quarry less than half. In some circumstances, there is no extremely hi percentage lethal shot opportunity, even at close range. It is imperative to be disciplined to keep enough wits about you to evaluate the situation, acknowledge it and properly adjust to it

-   Shoot only when there is absolutely no doubt in my mind…have not drawn or let down numerous times when just the smallest inkling of doubt entered my mind…Note: Even though a miss or wound is possible, my mind remains totally focused on a most favorable outcome…

***Accuracy is significantly predicated on secured realistic confidence during the actual moment of truth.

***The animals we pursue deserve nothing short of our best efforts***

[GCook]

Some big words and good lengthy explanations here.  I think this kind of question and the realistic and relevant answers that follow is what many new people, or those who are struggling, can use as guidance for their journey. 
I want that arrow to hit that spot.  I don't care if it's ten yards or 35.  Yes, I realize it won't every time.  But it dang well better be within an inch or two.  After that it's out of my range.  For me 25 yards I can.  But under 20 yards is my comfort zone.
I know an animals kill range is bigger.  And I know that even an outer shot in those vitals kills them.  But I need a good blood trail to find them.  And when I lay down to rest I need to believe that animal passed quickly because I made a clean shot.  Having a conscience can stink.
So on a 3D shoot an 8 point average means a decent score.  But on flesh and blood if it isn't a 12 or at least a 10 ring shot, I missed.  And on animals those rings are usually in a different spot than the foam ones.😃

[MSU]

For the past 55 years I have been content with a standard paper plate accuracy at 25 yards, small paper plate at 18 yards. I shoot all types of stickbows interchangeably, and with similar instinctive accuracy. I prefer osage selfbows and a simple approach of getting close for hunting shots, therefore limiting myself to my inside 25 yard comfort zone. Most of my kills on deer and bear are at about 18 yards.

[Sam McMichael]

Being able to keep my shot in the kill zone at 20 yards. I have heard some say being able to hit a volley ball size area consistently is about right. Others say a smaller softball size area is the requirement. Overall, I think if I hit the heart/lung area the shot will be successful. I'm working on extending my accurate distance, but I'm not there yet.

[kennym]

I can shoot 20 with realistic expectations on game. 

That said, I shoot 30 at the house a lot, and probably 95 % of my shots at deer are 12-15ish

I like getting close until the shot angle gets tough. I won't shoot too straight down, possible one lung is a no go for me. Short blood trails are the bomb...

[LookMomNoSights]

Contributions to this topic are slower coming in than I thought however,  the replies thus far I believe are outstanding as it is apparent that ethics in the field are paramount to all other things,  as it should be.  I hope that we get more input from others to sort of paint the big picture......and not for the purpose of imposing limits on our shooting, as I believe limits should be tested, (that's a healthy thing and can only make you better in the long run)  but more so to show what we have in common  ...... to show what is reality and truth when shooting "trad" and what might be above and beyond or what can be improved on for the individual.  As GCook mentioned,  this is excellent info for newer people or people working on figuring things out with regard to their shooting as it applies to targets and ultimately game 

[LookMomNoSights]

I can shoot 20 with realistic expectations on game. 

That said, I shoot 30 at the house a lot, and probably 95 % of my shots at deer are 12-15ish

I like getting close until the shot angle gets tough. I won't shoot too straight down, possible one lung is a no go for me. Short blood trails are the bomb...

Kenny,  your explanation is on point with me about as good as I would tell it.   I shoot around the house pretty long..... I'll go out to 50 just for fun.  Commonly shoot at 40 and all the way in to 15.  At the long bombs, I have my days when I'm hot and can't miss the mark.  Other days, I try not to get too frustrated    On game (mainly deer),  the closer the better .....I'll let them get in my pockets if they want, though several times too close didn't pan out for me - busted.  I love 20 yards.  I love 15 better.  I'm 100% confident at 25 on deer with a good clear shot opportunity, but would still wait a touch to be that extra 10%

[Gordon Jabben]

It's such a blessing that I have great friends to shoot with who are accomplished hunters.   We shoot terribly tough shots all spring and summer from close to long distances and I know if I can hold my own with these guys, my accuracy is certainly good enough to hunt with.  My form has never been good so I think about it more than my accuracy.  If my forms good, there's not a lot more I can do to improve my shooting except doing a lot of it.

[arrow30]

this is what my group looks like at about 18-20 or so, some better some worse. with a bare shaft thrown in for fun. (wish i was better)

[Pat B]

Putting the first arrow of the day right where I want it to go. 

[SS Snuffer]

I guess I'm more of a hunter than a shooter.  I hunt all fall for the right shot not the biggest buck. Getting them to take the right route and stop in the right place is my challenge more than pin point shooting. But I would say a softball at Fifteen yards from any position is my goal.

[MSU]

For a better shot angle, and safety, I never sit higher than 14 feet, and generally if I am elevated, I am about 10-12 feet. When adequate visibility is possible, I have always preferred to hunt from the ground. Either in a blind, or occasionally spot and stalk.

[Cory Mattson]

My accuracy looks like 3 arrows close enough to fit inside a half dollar at 12 yards. My index finger and thumb go around them.
At 20 I can touch my middle fingers and thumbs around the group, about the size of a big grapefruit.
Most important I can HIT with my first shot!

I am Very Happy with how I shoot.
Hasn't always been this way. It's taken 47 years of shooting year round every year. I started shooting bows at 18 which to me seemed late.

I have never shot targets. I do not shoot 3D.

I shoot bare bales.
and I shoot Judos roving. Stumps, Pine Cones, Palmetto, stuff like that.

ALL of my friends are great hunters so getting close is not a problem. In fact if we have a fault it is setting up too close. We are really good shots but we all only take close shots at game. Deer are mostly 10 to 15 yards. Hogs are mostly 10 to 15 feet! Bears too a little closer than deer. These are the only big game I hunt anymore. Hunted all over the world for decades and yes I did shoot further at bigger animals, but not now. My eyes are getting weaker. I've lost some strength. But I still make excellent HITS between 5 and 10 times a year.

This thing about guys who can shoot game and not paper. I haven't met this person. I have heard about it. I've met thousands of bowhunters and overseen many bowhunting camps along with the results. Guys who can shoot well on game can shoot well on paper. They might not like it. They might not like being around people but they can shoot. I have found the reverse to be more prevalent. I've met plenty of guys who shoot great on paper, targets, 3D whatever but can't keep it together shooting animals.   

But thanks it was fun thinking about it. I am really "stoked" as we are only six weeks from deer season!
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