ACCURACY with a recurve

[DanMe]

One talk about 70 metres shot
Another one talking about grooping within 2 in circle from 20 meters distance

It is simple calculatin that when an Arrow get misaligned only 3 mm (1/8 in) miss is 100 mm (4") at 20 m distance, or circle is 8" let alone tens of other human flaws, fetching hitting into the Bow, fingers rolls-off the string, ...

Question: what is normal accuracy needed for Deer hunting , 20 meters distance

[Doug_K]

6" is a good number to strive for at whatever distance you plan on limiting yourself.

[Sam McMichael]

Most will do okay with groups of 6 to 8" at that distance.

[woodchucker]

Groups are fine!!! Also, grooups are a great measure of "consistancy"..... Most guys here are probly capable of that. Some even better, Like 3"-4"!!!

However... How about EVERY arrow, inside a 6"-8" "kill zone" at 20yds...?????

Btw, Most folks here are probly capable of that to!!!!!  

[bushwood]

6" at 20 yards? I think you might get a little more feedback on this question that would encourage you to strive for tighter groups than that. At 20 yards I am not satisfied with anything over 3" and quite frankly like to have arrows touching at that range. Let's face it, the practice range is the best case scenario for a bowhunter, once afield so many other variables are going to open that group up.

[Doug_K]

Originally posted by bushwood:
6" at 20 yards? I think you might get a little more feedback on this question that would encourage you to strive for tighter groups than that. At 20 yards I am not satisfied with anything over 3" and quite frankly like to have arrows touching at that range. Let's face it, the practice range is the best case scenario for a bowhunter, once afield so many other variables are going to open that group up.

He was speaking of accuracy needed for deer. The vital area on a whitetail is 6-8". Accuracy wanted is a different story. Being able to split a shaft every shot would be ideal.

If you can't shoot 6" at 50, 40, 30 yards ect. consistently, you can limit your shots on deer to whatever distance you can. If you can't do that at 10 yards however, you stay at the range until you can. IMHO.    

[RIng]

"Good is not good enough "!! Strive for perfection and when that high tension hunting situation happens you will do OK .If 6" at 20 yd. , or 3" at 20 yd. or all arrows touching at 20 yd. gives you confidence you must KNOW that your shoot will be good or do not shoot .

May life's simplest things bring you the greatest pleasures !!!

[The Whittler]

Shoot 1 arrow just like in hunting. The first shot is the only one that counts. Practicing with 4 or more arrows is fine to build up your muscles and memory of your shooting form so everything is consistence.

[DanMe]

Are you guys use only nakid fingers release?

[newhouse114]

I personally don't know ANYBODY that shoots a hunting weight bow without some sort of finger protection. You need to be proficient on the range, but most important is controlling the nerves at the moment of truth.

[macbow]

The majority shoot with finger protection like a glove or tab but not a mechanical release aid.

[Pine]

Originally posted by The Whittler:
Shoot 1 arrow just like in hunting. The first shot is the only one that counts. Practicing with 4 or more arrows is fine to build up your muscles and memory of your shooting form so everything is consistence.

2X on that .    

[Gordon Jabben]

3" groups at 20 yards would give you a perfect 300 in indoor.  I'm not sure many hunters are capable of that or need to be. 8" groups should be good.

[mgf]

Originally posted by Gordon Jabben:
3" groups at 20 yards would give you a perfect 300 in indoor.  I'm not sure many hunters are capable of that or need to be. 8" groups should be good.

I don't think many target shooters are either. As far as I know, it hasn't been done yet...though there are a few guys who are coming really close.

[tracker12]

I think a few guys may need a new ruler:)

[katman]

When you guys are quoting group size are you using diameter or radius?

[JD Page 1965]

Or a vivid imagination! (joking, no hurt feelings please)  

[Michael Arnette]

6" diameter at 20 yards would be workable 8" is bear minimum I'd say. 6-8" groups will put you in the vitals 99% of the time. My accuracy is about 6" and 20 yards and drops off rapidly after that.

[BWallace10327]

I shoot NFAA 300 indoor leagues every winter and I know that I would be in bad shape if I had to put 60 consecutive arrows in a deer's heart.  I don't get the adrenaline rush shooting groups in my back yard that I get when I'm about to draw on an animal either, and noepinephrine allows people to do some really impressive things that they wouldn't be able to do otherwise.

[jackdaw]

I'm with Gordon, big time! I shoot alot, and to call up a three inch group at 20 yards on demand is a very tall order when shooting instinctively.....!!!!! I have had superlativ days at 20 and 30 yards......but 5 to 6 inches at 20 yards is realistic....jmo