Shawn — Naahhh, no need for that. Practice getting closer rather than shooting farther. Close has always worked for me with elk down fast, while long rarely ever did, oh so long ago. 😀

I’m all for trying to hunt as close as possible. That said, I also believe in practicing long shots as well as close. I keep most of my stumping shots under 20 yards, but I’ll move back when shooting a bag target. Not real far, but 25-35 yards. Then I move up and the groups are 15 yards are tight. It makes you work your form. Good medicine. dwc

I totally agree and should have made that distinction between practice and hunting. Long-distance shooting for fun is … fun! The longer the better. I save otherwise useless arrows for shots out to 80 yards when stumping, knowing I may never see them again. And practicing at long range does improve shooting closer. The danger is when a shooter gets really good at shooting distant targets under controlled conditions then feels comfy to make similar shots at game, which is never a controlled situation. Unless we are shooting at 10,000 charging Frenchmen, the stickbow is a short-range weapon. And bowhunting is, ethically and aesthetically, a short-distance endeavor. Why else are we here? I once guided a repeat state champ shooter from New England who could stand in camp all day and shoot Robin Hoods at 35 yards, but had the dignity and self-control not to shoot at game beyond 20. It’s two different things, hunting and target shooting. IMHO

I agree completely. If I need not other proof, all I need to do is look at my shots at 25 yard vs my shots at 20 and under. It tells me that 15 yards is plenty. The ethical consideration is huge, but also the desire to be a good enough woodsman to get close. It’s a big picture. I’ll keep putting longer range shots into my practice and I’ll keep on trying to get closer in my hunts.

All the best, dwc

For fun I can get about 45 paces, I take a shot walk forward whilst nocking the next arrow and shoot again when its on the string I can generally get four arrows off between 45 and 5 paces from the target.

You might try different shooting positions to mix it up a bit, add a few obstacles, get some movement into the target but I cant see how you can make the distance any longer.

Dave, the EU discourage shooting pointy sticks at our cousins across the water we have to be content with THRASHING them on the rugby pitch.

Mark.

The only way to expand your effective range is to get out and practice at those distances. If you want to be good enough to put an arrow through an elk’s lungs at 30 yards, be able to do it in practice at 40+.

I agree that getting closer is half the fun and the best chance for a clean harvest. I personally try to get it under 15. I once shot a fox at one yard on the ground. But there is a certain sense of satisfaction watching your arrow arc toward a distant target that is a large part of the romance of traditional archery. One of the best ways to practice longshots is at a field range. Check out your local NFAA club.