Gents,

I am fairly new to shooting bow.  I have an older Ben Pearson recurve that I have been shooting as much as I can find time for.  

I do not think that I am ready to hunt (deer) just yet - for fear of maiming an animal.  Ive heard a few takes on this, but would like to hear from you guys.  Here is the question:

What sort of consistency do you like to see before you are ready to hunt?  Are there standards?  

Thanks in advance for your replies.

For me it is the same as when I shot a training wheel bow. If I can hit a paper plate size area and keep it in there at whatever distance I am happy.

for me it's an eight inch pie plate...I'll hunt out to whatever distance I can consistently place a group in the plate from. You'll hear a lot of different takes on this topic.

You'll know when the time is right. Don't push it. Now this might help you, Try rabbit hunting or other small game hunting before moving up to deer. You owe it to Yourself and to the Game you hunt.

tcw,

You kind of already answered the question, as you said in your post that you didn't feel you were quite ready yet. No problem with that, just keep practicing until your confidence level improves.

As far as a "standard" goes, I agree with what most have said about consistently being able to put your arrows in a kill zone size target at a specific distance. However, something to think about here is that nobody mentioned a specific distance. As an example, you don't have to wait until you can consistently put your arrows in the kill zone at 20 or 30 yards. If you're confident with your shooting at 10 yards (or 5 or whatever), I say go hunting! Just do not take a shot beyond your comfortable distance (however long or short that might be). That's what it's all about, knowing your personal limits and sticking to them. We're given a finite number of days to witness sunrises in the woods, so enjoy as many as you can!

Brad

What Brad said

Agree with Brad- you can hunt as long as you know your limits. Don't pass up a chance to get out there!

If I can walk out with one arrow and make that shot count (in the "kill zone"), I'm ready. I hear too many guys say it takes a few shots to find their consistency. But you only get one in the deer woods so I like to practice like this once or twice a week from varied ranges.

All good stuff guys.  I have not intended on hunting this year, but I do feel I have made a lot of progress and wanted to know when I was getting close.  I am getting really good within 10- 13yds, but outside of that I get a little wilder.  It is good to hear that I can hunt - as long as hunt within my own range.  I have plenty of time to hone things.  Thanks for the thoughts.  Oh, and I have taken a rabbit- just one, but it felt good!

Brad nailed it.  It is all about setting and sticking to self-imposed shot limits.  If you can do that, go have fun.

Waht the others have been telling you is pretty much right on.  If you are shooting well on close shots (10-13 yds) but things start to go wild after that, this is often caused by lack of concentration.  The further you are from your target, the more difficult it becomes to focus or concentrate on the small spot you want to hit.  Try moving back slowly while working on your concentration.  A small bright dot on the target can be a big help with this.

Hunting small game will be a big help with both your shooting and hunting skills.  Don't be afraid to get out there, just accept and hunt within your limitations and enjoy the not quite close enuf encounters.  Like Brad said, we only get so many sunrises and sunsets.  Stay in touch with us.    

The average bow kill on a deer is 7 to 13 yards. alot of guys fail to practice that 7 yard shot and that's the one that will send them over their back or hit'em high and wound them.
I typically practice from 5 to 30 yards but out to 30 yards is what I'm comfy with anything over that and i think, am I really gonna get a 30 yard or even 25yd shot for that matter in the woods, more like 7 to 13 out of a stand if'n I sit still and about the same on the ground if'n the wind is in my favor as it should be.
The farthest shot I have ever killed a deer at was about 45 yards, But that was with a compound and everything was just right. All the deer I've successfully taken with a longbow or recurve was under 15 yards. So i will say if your plenty comfy out to 15 yards and consistently put one in a lung size target then get your hind end in the woods cause you can't kill deer sittin at the house!         Go get him and have fun. The fact that you on here asking this question shows that you are ethical and practical enough not to take a bad shot your not comfortable making and that alone says your ready IMO. You don't want to miss that buck of a lifetime that was 8 yards from your setup cause you weren't there.
Goodluck Kris
Oh yeah and all these other guys hit it on the head. Have a Hoot and enjoy what the good Lord created for us to enjoy.

QuoteOriginally posted by Coop:
If I can walk out with one arrow and make that shot count (in the "kill zone"), I'm ready.

This is a great point Coop. I really had to work to make that first shot count.

The best advice I can give is to attend a 3d shoot of some kind. Shoot one arrow per target and score yourself on whether it is in the vitals or not.

I shot my first 3D from wherever I wanted as I wasn't comfortable from the steak. I have shot from the steak ever since as it makes for good hunting situations.

I ALWAYS practice with hunting in mind and shoot far more 3d targets than pie plates.

You gotta love them 3-D shoots

I will keep you guys posted if I decide to go out.  I am thinking about it now.  I am going to practice as much as possible between now and opener.  Will post again with results - if there are any.  

Again, I appreciate all the comments.  This is a really valuable forum for we new guys.