Long Range Shooting

[Medina1]

Who has some tips to help with long range shooting? I realize that people's ideas of long range may differ from person to person but for me anything 40 yards and out is long range. Now I don't plan on shooting at game at that range but shooting at longer ranges makes short range shots seem much easier. How many of you guys shoot long range on a regular basis? Do you guys have any tips that would help a rookie out? Thanks!

Caleb

[bearsfeet]

I wouldn't say I do it on a regular basis, but when I'm in the woods and stump shooting or want to fling an arrow or two on my way back from a hunt I like to stretch my comfort zone and will let a few fly. I shoot instinctive style so I shoot with the same thought process at 70 yards at a stump as I do @ 20 yards. Just like anything a little practice goes a long ways.

The only tip I can think of is to take the shot just as serious as a hunting shot and go through the same motions.

Are you shooting instinctive or another style?

[Traditional-Archer]

A friend of mine who shoots wheelies was trying to show me up one day in the mountains. We were shooting at a Copenhagen can. Then last shot was from ninety yards according to his ray beams indications. I don't know how but I was the winner. We were both shooting a group about the size of a soccer ball. I had to aim through my bow if you know what that means.

[m midd]

I shoot from 5-50 yds every time i shoot . The long shot are tough because form flaws are amplified. I think its good practice and it makes the closer shots seem easier to me.

[Traditional-Archer]

I have to say the best way for me is identifying you point on distance and go from the. Draw your bow put the point of your arrow on target shoot go two yards back and repeat until your point is inline with your dominant eye.
Eye arrow point target inline. For my bow its 47 yards. I shoot a tip recurve 55lb. Just have fun, you will spend time looking for arrows.  

[Ajooter]

I am similar to trad archer.  I find my point on which is now 34 yards.  From there I find my relative gaps at each consecutive 5 yards increments.  I have trouble shooting through my bow so I find something above and possibly right or left  of the target depending on the wind to aim at and use the tip of the arrow.  You can really extend your shooting range by going out and practicing the longer shots besides just improving on your form.  There is no substitute for practice with a traditional bow.      Good luck and have fun.

[Al Kidner]

Some really good points here and I tend to do the same when stump shooting/ roving. I find the long shots are good at pointing out bad form etc...and makes the ten yard shots a push over.

ak.

[Hopewell Tom]

My little backyard range has a bag target at 45 yards and another in my woods range is at about 75 yards. I make them a part of the rotation because as stated above the closer ranges "seem" easier(my shooting hasn't totally borne that out...). Also you get to watch the arrow for a bit longer.
Although I wouldn't think of those ranges as a first shot, it would be good to be ready in case a second finisher presented itself.

[reddogge]

Gapping and holding over the target makes it a little easier. If you are just casually shooting you can drop your anchor to increase the point on. I drop mine twice and the last is under the chin. I use this one shooting clout. In NFAA field competition you can't change your anchor so I'm working on those gaps and they are serious out to 80 yards with my hunting anchor.

[Bowwild]

I'm focusing my practice sessions at 35 and 40 yards this season. Just to make the 20 yard shot more solid.  After a few sessions it is remarkable (although not surprising) how much more confidence I have in the hunting distance shots.

[FerretWYO]

I often practice at 70-80+ just to watch the arrow fly. Again I am not competive at those ranges but I can get close. You are right it can make the close seem much easier.

My advice is the same for 10 yards as for 60 make the same shot. Hold your form and make the shot right.

[Ric O'Shay]

At times I will go out to my point on range and let a few arrows fly. Mostly though my max practice distance as about 35 to 40 yards. The problem is that when I move back to 15 to 18 yards, I usually start splitting arrows.    

[swamp donkey]

You learn long range shooting by doing it. Its for me more fun shooting longer ranges just to watch the arrows fly. One thing to remember is its harder to pick a small spot at long range , but its still as important if not more so as picking a spot at shorter ranges..

[Bill Skinner]

I think everyone should practice it if they have room.  In my state, you cannot legally cross a property line after a wounded animal.  Sometimes being able to connect on a 40 yard shot can stop you from having to break the law.

[Brock]

how does being able to shoot 40 yards keep you from having to cross a property line after a wounded animal and breaking the law????  That is no determination on how far the animal may go after the hit...unless you can spine shoot one every time on demand I dont see your logic.

Plus, you can go onto neighboring property...you just have to get permission first.

Integrity keeps you from breaking the law...not shooting 40 yards.

[bowless]

It's mostly 20 or less for me, but I just can't resist a long shot once in while just to see the arrow fly.  Like others said, if your form is off you'll know pretty quick.

[Bowhunter4life]

When I first started shooting long distances, or if I get a new bow, I find the point on of the particular bow.  Once you find that a lot of things fall into place with your distance shooting.  Plus, as your brain starts figuring out the trajectory the longer shots will become almost second nature with your setup.  

Also, as others have said, the shot does not change no matter the distance.

[LocDoc]

I do a lot of long range shooting. For fun, practice, and even tuning. This is how I do it:
For long range practice of 60 + yards I use a yellow tennis ball. For closer practice I switch to yellow Ping-Pong balls. When tuning,once I get good arrow flight, I tune broadheads by shooting at a vertical line, normally a dowel rod stuck in the ground at 50 or 60 yards. I shoot wood and if I can hit or come close at that range, I know that's a good arrow.

[reddogge]

What does crossing a property line have to do with shooting a target at long range?

[gonefishing600]

Originally posted by Bill Skinner:
I think everyone should practice it if they have room.  In my state, you cannot legally cross a property line after a wounded animal.  Sometimes being able to connect on a 40 yard shot can stop you from having to break the law.

I have to admit, you lost me too on that one!