Guys, here is a quick question and story.
Last week we were at a tournament. There was a new-to-trad guy in the group asking alot of questions. Now, also in the group was a fellar that has been shooting a stick for about 2 years and killed a deer or 2 with one last year. The newb asked about how many deer we have killed with a stick. The 2 year vet said 2 deer and I said several. John, the newb, asked "well how many is several?", to which I replied that I didn't count, but I have been shooting trad for 12+ years and killed 3-4 in AR every year and 1 or 2 out of state.
He asked about shooting distance for deer. I told him it just had to be right. I see every shot as a go, a no-go, or a wait a minute and see what happens. I dont have a set distance. When I made that comment, the 2 year vet said,"Yeah, but he will only take gimme shots. he won't shoot anything that is not a sure deal".
Now this was meant to be sas mouthed comment, but it is true. I agreed. I have killed deer at 2 or 3 steps and I have killed them at 35. Granted, my usual shot is only about 12 to 15 yards, but if it all feels right, then I take it.
Now I am not looking for a "More ethical than thou" argument. I am simply looking for 2 things. Do most of you have a set distance for a shot or do you have a go or no-go mindstate, like myself. The next question is, do you think that the need to streach the distance on a shot is coming from the compound 50+ yard shot videos and hunting stories or basic lack of hunting skills to get close.
The 2 year vet has a lack of skills to get close. I know his issue. If he can see a deer at 50 or 60 yards, he will shoot at it. That is a bad call with any bow in my book. He also is a hunting video nut, which is where I think he gets the idea to streach the limits.
By the way, I beat his tail in the tourny...
God Bless,
Nathan