How far is too Far?

[gatorgar]

I've killed small game well into the 70's with a 45lb bow. So lethal range also depends on what your target is.

As for those long shots...do any of y'all know the reason Africa disallowed bowhunting until just recently? Pope and Young.

They were on a safari with a goverment guy and took many long shots at game, missing alot wounding more. The government guy then reported to his higher ups that archery equipment was not up to the task of cleanly killing animals.

Just food for thought

[gtsticker]

It is amazing how a simple question can evoke so much philosophy and opinion.

[Tracker0721]

I know a handful of trad guys in Washington and the comfort range is a lot farther out. 40 yards seems to be the ticket up there. And 2 of them have killed elk father then that. No baiting, stands are looked down upon, and besides the pine trees there's not a lot of cover to sneak up on Muleys. Makes for a totally different kind of hunt where a trad guy may take a 40 yard shot and effectively take game.

[Mike Murphey]

If you start reading about Pope and Young, the Thompson Brothers, Fred Bear, etc...they shot more arrows each week than most of us shoot in a year. When Pope went to Africa he took in excess of 1500 arrows and came back with very few left.....not sure how many folks really shoot that much....

[Buff]

A few hundred years ago folks over in England used long bows and heavy arrows to rain death down from hundreds of yards away

[Selfbowman]

True buff . Medicine was a bit different then too. But I don't want to be 200yrds down range
With even 200 Arvin shooters lobbing arrows at me. Arvin is not the best shot. Lol

[Limbwalker]

An easy way to gather data is to set up a chrono at different distances, and SEE what your arrows are doing downrange.

I did this a few years ago and post the results on the leatherbrawl. IIRC, my 10' speeds were about 10-15 fps faster than my 20 yard speeds.

So, really this all comes down to just simple math. No need to speculate or use anecdotal "evidence" or hearsay.

Figure out what your arrow is doing at the distance you want to shoot, then decide whether you think that's "enough" energy for the animal and the broadhead you choose.

Then go hunt.

[MEsquivel]

I'll never forget a post that Buff made awhile ago in a similar thread.
Put your 3-d target in front of your truck. Walk back and shoot as far as you like and/or dare to.
That right there will be your comfort zone.

[M.E.B.]

A lot depends on if you go between the ribs or dead center one or other heavy bone.

At some point the arrow will lose all speed produced by the bow and will be working on the pull of gravity alone. It been a while but think it's 133 fps.

I agree with Rick those old timers did some neat stuff a long distance. I've read and own most of the books. But I don't believe they advertised all of the wounds. They were trying to promote archery not kill it in its infancy.

[SwampRabbit]

I would be willing to bet my bottom dollar the "too far" is farther than we can shoot accurately enough to attempt it!

Bisch

I'd make the same bet. I would not be willing to stand 100-200 yards down range of somebody shooting my bow and consider myself safe from death.

Back in February, at Buff's place, I stuck a 3D target at about 100 yards. I was surprised how much penetration I did get with that shot.

[critter69]

I think there is a video of Fred Bear shooting I believe a javelina , 100 yards. I remember watching it with my dad when I was young.

[Retsbew]

Make a bet with yourself that if you miss or wound a critter due to long range shooting you'll tear up a $100 bill. Then you'll not only know how far too far is, you'll probably remember it much better the next time.

I mean it's a longbow. Why treat it like a rifle?

[El Paisano]

Back in the 60's I wasn't afraid of taking long shots. Back in the 60's I wasn't the sharpest tool in the drawer either. I can't speak for everyone, but once I witnessed the process of death up close I feel that I have a responsibility to make the process as short as possible. Even if you are a good shot there are a lot of things that can happen in the time it takes the arrow to reach the target. The longer the distance the more bad things can happen.

The question is not the ability of a sharp arrow to kill at long distance, it is the shooter's ability to deliver the arrow to the right spot at that distance with a number of uncontrollable and unpredictable variables at play.

If making a kill is what is important to you, just use a rifle. If it is about the hunt, the use the bow and use it with respect for the animals whose lives you are trying to take. If you can't get close enough today, leave them healthy so that you can enjoy the chase again another day.
My 2 cents.

[M.E.B.]

I think there is a video of Fred Bear shooting I believe a javelina , 100 yards. I remember watching it with my dad when I was young.

That was Ben Pearson. I can't remember the distance right at the moment but it was long freaking way.

[coop]

That was Ben Pearson. I can't remember the distance right at the moment but it was long freaking way.

Your right it was a long way. He also shot a polar bear in the same video at a very long distance as well as shooting ducks out of the air. He was a much better shot than I will ever be.