What is a good way for me to determine my bowhunting range?

Question:
I’ve heard many different opinions on a bow’s maximum range. What is a good way for me to determine my hunting range?
       – S.D. Shawnee, OK

Answer:
An arrow will carry enough energy to kill most game at much farther distances than we have any right to be shooting. The real issue is your ability to judge distance, and how well you can actually shoot at known distances. These two factors, plus your arrow’s speed, determine your maximum range. For most bowhunters it is much shorter than they believe. Guessing the correct yardage is always tough, and the wind planing tendency of broadheads makes perfect hunting arrow accuracy difficult to achieve. An above average bowshot with fine-tuned distance estimating skills and a fast bow is still only 100% effective on deer-sized game to approximately 30 yards. Beyond that distance his ability to judge distance makes the shot iffy. Accurate rangefinders will help greatly and will extend an excellent archers range to around 40 yards, but other factors (game movement, wind, twigs, etc.) come into play heavily when ranges surpass 30 yards.

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