How Far to Take a Shot?

[Swamp Preacher]

Wanted to see how far most people feel comfortable shooting deer.
I'm not a target shooter, but have been hunting since early 70's.
I love inside 12 yds.
If things are right I'll go to 20 yds.
30 would be on a wing and a prayer.
What works for you guys?
Swamp Preacher

[Night Wing]

I practice at 20 yards, but when it comes to getting a shot at live game, I really hold out for the 12-18 yard shots.

[John3]

I want them close....!  Four, five or six "steps" is perfect..LOL

I will shoot out to 20 but ONLY perfect broadside dbl lung killing shots.. Anything less is unacceptable on a living animal.

John III

[John Scifres]

20 and in.

[MikeM]

On deer or hogs 20yds would be a max for me and prefer 15-18. I will take longer shots at jackrabbits.

[JEFF B]

20 yards max and only with a broadside shot and anythig closer  even though i know i can shoot out to 30 i wont take a shot at an animal at that distance no way  

[swampdrummer]

For sure nothing past 20 yards. Prefer 12-15 yards. The last 4 shots I've taken at game, 2 hogs, 2 deer were 4,13,9 and 12 yards.

[huskyarcher]

I was once told that the indians considered it to be a good shot if the fletching never left the bow...but im not that skilled so i try to get to 12-15yrds under that if possible

[wapiti792]

Man, I am probably gonna get drilled for this...25 is comfortable for me. Anything inside that is pretty darn dead if I got my feces coagulated and a calm animal, otherwise they walk and I count my blessings.

[3Feathers]

I like 15yrds. and under.

[bigbadjon]

I'll shoot out to 30 if it all looks good. Alot of the old timers (Fred Bear, Jack Howard, etc)used to shoot way further and I don't think that is unethical if you're possitive you can make it.

[TooManyHobbies]

Well, the only one I've shot was at 18, so I'll say 18 and under, but not too close either.

[David Mitchell]

I like fairly close--15-18 is best for me, 20 works but after that I prefer to hold my fire.

[Bowwild]

The average for traditional shooters is 14 yards.  I practice to 35 a bit (to observe form issues) but I won't shoot past 25. I prefer around 15 -- closer than that and my heart rings in a deer's ears!

In 45 years and all but 5 with compounds I've shot only 3 deer past 30 yards (31-33).  The vast majority have been in the 16-17 with the closest (a 265 pound field dressed monster whitetail from Elkhart, IN) was 7 yards.

[ncsaknech1ydh]

25 yards on in, unless its windy, then I limit myself to 15.

[Plumber]

between 6-15 yds. 1-5 too darn close over 20 I aint no good. 16-19 yds gray area.depends on my wife.If she aint hollerin at me,an my boss aint pissed at me,then I will probally take the gray area shot because my head aint so noisy.you cant take the gray area shot with a noisy head.

[Bjorn]

I have killed critters at 20 yards but much prefer 15.

[House]

I always thought 20 was my max.  Then last year a 3x3 muley buck walked very slowly and calmly past me and I drew, picked a spot and killed him.  It felt right and when asked by my hunting partner how far it was replied "I don't really know...18 or 20.  Went back and stepped it off and it was 26 yards.  I guess my point is I much prefer inside 20, but take the shot that feels right and I know I can make.

Travis

[swamper]

I go by how it feels to me, if the shot feels right I shoot,hard to put in words

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

I prefer 25 and in but I never know the yardage of the shot until after I shoot.  If it feels right, I take the shot.  Kind of a Zen thing I guess