It seems to me that when I talk with other hunters about long-range archery hunting, they automatically assume that I am careless or unethical. When I used to bowhunt frequently, I practiced regularly out to 110 yards and felt very comfortable shooting a deer at 70 yards. At that time, I could put at least 4 out of 5 arrows into a paper plate at 110 yards and I competed regularly in 3-D shoots.
Years ago, I shot a doe at 72 yards. She ran about 25 yards and was down. I knew the distance and knew my abilities. If I mention something like this to most hunters, they say I was reckless, unsportsmanlike, or whatever. I don't agree since I knew my abilities and I was within them. I've known many archers who shouldn't take a 30-yard shot on a deer but I don't think there is anything wrong with discussing long-range bowhunting if you can do it.
I bring all of this up because I'm getting older and I'm considering a crossbow. When I start talking about anything past 50 yards, people look at me like I'm planning to just drive thru the woods on a 4-wheeler randomly shooting at animals. What are your opinions on long-range shooting (bow, crossbow, slug gun, etc.) if you put in the time to make sure your skills and equipment are up to it?
Years ago, I shot a doe at 72 yards. She ran about 25 yards and was down. I knew the distance and knew my abilities. If I mention something like this to most hunters, they say I was reckless, unsportsmanlike, or whatever. I don't agree since I knew my abilities and I was within them. I've known many archers who shouldn't take a 30-yard shot on a deer but I don't think there is anything wrong with discussing long-range bowhunting if you can do it.
I bring all of this up because I'm getting older and I'm considering a crossbow. When I start talking about anything past 50 yards, people look at me like I'm planning to just drive thru the woods on a 4-wheeler randomly shooting at animals. What are your opinions on long-range shooting (bow, crossbow, slug gun, etc.) if you put in the time to make sure your skills and equipment are up to it?