mossyhorn Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Let me just add this - and this is just my opinion. Shooting a deer at 40 yards to me is not unethical. Shooting a deer at 40 yards just to see if you can do it, when you already know the deer is moving in closer to you is.... to me. Thats the first thing I thought. I alway let them come within 20 yards if I can. But if you dont think it is coming any closer then let fly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 My thinking is the same as Red's. The book of ethics according to fly: Every animal deserves to be harvested as humanly as possible. Given the accuracy percentages listed (99% vs. 90%) It would be wrong to pass on a deer at a close range and wait to take the shot at 40 just to be able to say I shot a deer at 40 yards.:bummed: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 I think as long as you are confident, and everything else is in your favor - broadside shot, standing still, clear shooting lane, etc...go for it. But remember, do what is humane for the animal....you want a good shot...not one that is going to wound it and it runs around the woods for a couple days before dying. I'd say if a deer is not going to come in any closer than 40 and you've got a shot, fine. But intentionally taking a 40 yard shot, when the deer could ocme in closer....well there lies the risk of anything could happen with that shot. It's ethica...everyone has their own view and opinions... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawgitall Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 "Be Prepared". It sounds like you are. Take the shot. The ethical question was answered when you put yourself and your equipment through practice and you achieved acceptable results to move on to a real hunting situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bghunter777 Posted September 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Thanks all for your own insight i will definately keep everones opinion in mind as i am afield this fall! Anyone else wanting to throw there thoughts into this discussion is welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernSportsman22 Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Personally a forty yard shot is ok by me. I feel confident up fifty yards myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaTechHunter Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 (edited) I would say to let the deer come as close as possible and to not shoot a deer at 40 yards, just to shoot it at that distance. I would wait for the time when you need to take that shot, when the deer hangs up at 40 yards. I have been practicing up to 50 yards at a coyote target and shooting great, but I will only try a shot around 40 yards, only if I have to take that long of a shot, but thats me. I say if that is truly what you want to do, got for it. Good luck, let us know how you do! Edited September 21, 2009 by VaTechHunter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kid Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 My thinking is the same as Red's. The book of ethics according to fly: Every animal deserves to be harvested as humanly as possible. Given the accuracy percentages listed (99% vs. 90%) It would be wrong to pass on a deer at a close range and wait to take the shot at 40 just to be able to say I shot a deer at 40 yards.:bummed: Agreed its more about respecting the ability to take the life of the animal than to say i wanna shoot a deer at a long distance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 I'm with the majority that would rather take the closest shot offered. If that's 40...so be it. I've killed deer further than that before. If I think I'll get a closer shot I'll wait for it. If that's the best I think a deer will offer, I feel confident in taking that shot. Sounds like you do too. No need to push the time frame on having to take a longer shot. That choice will come sooner or later. Being prepared to take it when you have to is ethical. Taking a 40 yard shot when you really don't have to sure goes into the grey area on ethics at the very least. JMHO but bowhunting is not about how far you can shoot one for bragging rights or whatever the reason. It's about taking the BEST shot offered within a range you're confident in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobwhite Posted September 22, 2009 Report Share Posted September 22, 2009 It all boils down to the hunter If you are confident in your self then why not. Sounds like your are so I say good luck and let the arrow go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteski Posted September 22, 2009 Report Share Posted September 22, 2009 I believe we as bowhunters have an obligation to take the best and highest percentage shot opportunity that presents itself. If thats at 40 yards and the deer is relaxed and broadside, and you are confident because you've practiced at 40yds.and further then go for it.... To shoot it at 40 when you know you will get a closer shot, just to prove to yourself that you can is poor judgement in my book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterbobb Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 It's ethical if you are capable of making the shot. However I'm more impressed by 5 yard shots than I am by 50's. Anyone can fling arrows at long distance. It takes a hunter to get close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAarcher Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 I would say if you are confident which it sounds like you are 40 yds would be ok, if you know the exact distance. Make sure you range the deer first if you don't have a rangefinder a few yds guessed too high or too low can cause poor shot placement. I've killed deer at that range but I always aim for the Heart. If the deer tries to jump your string hopefully your arrow will hit the toward the top of the lungs. If it doesn't jump your string than your arrow will find it's mark right in the boiler room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowtech_archer07 Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 If you feel confident and have praticed at that range,and have the proper equipment, I see no problem with a 40 yard shot.It might ease your mind knowing you can do it just incase you would have to shoot a big buck at that range.jmo +1. As long as you feel confident, and have practiced, I say take the shot. It's not up to anybody else to determine if the shot is ethical but you. I have been practicing at 40 yards for a few years now and I feel confident taking that shot on any animal. JMO;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichiganHunter Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Ethically is up to you. But if you are shooting enought speed you can take deer out to 50 yards with your bow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowtech_archer07 Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Ethically is up to you. But if you are shooting enought speed you can take deer out to 50 yards with your bow. Yep, definitely, Waddell and Lee LaKosky have taken deer out to 60 and I know Lee killed and antelope at 65 I believe on Gettin' Close out in Wyoming a few years back. I try to let deer get as close as I can, but if I know they are going to skirt my stand and stay out there at the 40 yard range, I will take the shot. Again, it's all up to you my friend. If you feel confident in the shot, and have practiced, I don't see anything unethical about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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