I wouldn't say "any shot" but if you have all 12 factors or at least the majority (structurally sound, perfect flight, high FOC, tanto tip, single bevel, high mechanical advantage, stropped sharp, 650+ grains) you're aiming for the vital V and bone happens to get in the way it's a dead deer that likely won't run far. Same with a quartering to or full frontal.
I appreciate you sharing this, I can only imagine the frustration.
For whitetail deer, 20 yds. I do shoot further but 20 yds is the goal. I've killed 100+ of them. 90% are 20 yds and under, 97% under 30 yds. I can only think of 2 or 3 beyond 30 yds. I prefer to Hunt the deer, not shoot them. If I can't get them close then what's the point of bowhunting? I hate it when I see these TV guys shoot deer at long distances. IMO These guys are good shots not good hunters. With that said, I also hunt elk. Further shots are more common. My closest is 11yds and my furthest is 60yds. The vitals are much bigger so you can get away w/ longer shots. Nor do they jump the string like a whitetail.
For the most part yes. As I said before, IMO 50-60 lbs is too light. However I've never shot that light in years so I can't speak from experience. I know 71lbs works so until I can't pull it anymore I'm not changing. If I do reduce my draw weight then I'll probably just make a 700 grain arrow.
Why do you worry about trajectory? There's no need. Any seasoned bowhunter knows what 20 yds is. If he's close, aim lower. If he's a little further, aim higher. Simple. How many have you killed far? How many have you killed close? I would bet that most were close. By FAR most of my bow kills are yds and under, with most between 15 and 20 yds. 95% ish. Worry about the 95% not the 5%. If your worried about the 5% then carry a rangefinder. I've Killed exactly ONE buck at 40 yds in 43 years. I'll give that up anyday to know that when they do come in that I can shoot them from any angle. You'll kill more. I promise. They come in. and then you shoot them. No more waiting for that perfect shot. My last buck, the arrow went thru both shoulder and he fell on chin and plowed the ground for 30 yds. He wasn't going anywhere. You have the set up that can do the same thing. You just have to trust your set up.
That's what I did...dropped down to sissy weight so I can stay at full draw for a really long time and can easily draw in very awkward positions and made arrows that'll compensate for low poundage. I shoot mine out to 55, shoot at animals max 30, 760gr arrow.....IMO the best part is watching the arrows trajectory and that thing dropping in for the kill
Trajectory is important, too. I guess if you can cut lanes or hunt openings/field edges it's less important. But in woods or cover obstacles are everywhere, and flatter makes it easier to thread the needle.
True failure story here that ended up being dumb luck.
2 more examples.... This year I snuck in amongst a sounder a pigs and was able to shoot 3 before they all ran away
I'll stand by what I said. There's literally almost no change in trajectory at 20 yds. 2"-3" tops and that's at impact. Obviously it'll be less closer to the target. If your in danger of hitting a branch w/ a slower arrow then your danger of hitting it w/ a faster arrow. With that said, I did hit a branch this year. However I knew it was there and I was definitely trying to force an arrow under it. It was the only possible shot at that trail and a now or never type of situation. Turned out to be a never or never type of situation. But you miss 100% of the chances you don't take so I squatted down like a baseball catcher and attempted it. Looking back, I should have actually sat on the platform but my tether wouldn't let me get lower. I'm sure they would've saw me if I had tried that. Anyway, A faster arrow would not have helped. It was about 5 yds away from me. That's why I am a big advocate of prepping trees ahead of time. That branch is not there now! I'll be ready next year.
Very true. 2 swings and misses this year. They just jumped a little bit and started chasing does again. Never even got alarmed.
Excellent. That where you'll kill them the majority of your career. At least that's been the case for me.. Don't over think it. Guys have been killing them for years w/ recurve bows. speeds in the 100'. Slow as heck. The old timers really knew what worked. They just didn't know why. heavy arrows, heavy BH's, 2 blade, feathers so most likely a higher FOC. quiet bows. And guess what? they were blowing through them. Maybe not bone but at least the deer weren't running off with most of the arrow hanging out like you see on TV all the time.
Exactly. In his mind he heard a stick fall, no big deal. he's heard that 100's of times before. Not really spooked at all.
