Contributors to this thread:
So Im finishing my set up for the season at one of my locations. The best location is on the far corner of the property of a 3 acre lot with house. There aren't any great trees I like. There is one tree I used last season 15 yrds from the trail. Other then that tree the best tree I was thinking of using is about 40 yrds away from the trail. I have been practicing up to 60 yrds all off season and hit a baseball sized group at 40 yrds consistently. I feel confident at that distance in practice but my question is whats the likelihood of the deer jumping the string at that distance? I shoot a a bow with IBO of 333 and a 28" draw and the bow is relatively quiet. I haven't chronoed the actual arrow yet. What is peoples oponion?
If you're shooting at relaxed deer 15 yards off the trail, provided you have good cover and keep movements slow and minimal shouldn't spook deer.
That being said, there is a lot to gain from moving farther away from the trail. Deer react less strongly to noise that is farther away from them. Unless it's obvious you also have more leeway regarding movement.
The key factor overall though is how confident you are that at "x" yardage you can put every arrow into the kill zone. If for you it's 40 yards then that offers you the best of all worlds.
One quick question; when practicing what are you wearing? I've encountered a few people who practiced only on the ground and basically in light clothing. I would absolutely encourage practice sessions that include treestand shooting and as much as possible in your hunting clothing, especially when you bundle up in the late season. You may find that you need to shorten up your max distance from Sept versus December (or January).
Best of luck this fall!
I feel that IMHO that a deer could jump a string even at 20 yrds I've had it happen and my bow shoots about 300 fps 40 is a hard shot but with a lot of practice from a tree I think ull be good my biggest prob at 40 is that stupid unseen twig and yes I have fallen to the dreaded twig deflection if u have a clear shot bud and the deer isn't alert I think u will be good
If he's looking at you when you release, he will jump it outside 10 yards. Wait till his head goes down or looks elsewhere and he stops paying attention to you for a split second, release, by the time he hears it and recues back into you, he will be all done, despite your clothing, arrow speed, windage, whatever. Done it 100 times over and then some.
I like shooting deer within 10 yards.
An archer will try to hit his target from as far as he can. A bow hunter will try to get as close as he can to hit his target.
I shoot at 20 or less and I am good at it that's just me
I would think a bowhunter measures success by a successful harvest. Not how close a hunter can. That would be wildlife viewing. Can a bowhunter consider success of they get to 15 yards of deer for years and never take an shot?
It's not about killing every deer you see I like to see them and make the best shoot ,that's why I shoot under 20 that's success to me Steve
Steve is 100% right. I don't have to kill any deer to have a successful season.
By you doing all the scouting and gaining knowledge of deer patterns and picking the best location to place your stand, if you see deer and they come in range you are already successfully. It's up to you now to harvest your prey but to me you are already successful.
Can BBB or V chime in?
40 seems long. How often do deer come in 10-15 off the trail. What if they come in 10-15 on the other side... now your 40 yd shot is 50-55... that's a long shot at a deer in the woods.
I'd agree with the others that I'd rather be around 20. Generally when setting up my aim is 15-25yds off the spot I expect a shot. Some times they still walk by at 40 or at 5... but I feel more comfortable at that range.
you can move the deer trail closer to you . manipulate the trail and steer the deer closer to you. maybe cut some trees to block off there old trail or use some fencing. make it look natural and they will use it. I do it all the time, works for me.