We practice long for 3D.  I shoot out to 40 yards every day during 3D season.  After hunting season. 
Prepping for and during season I shoot 12 to 17 yards.  Out to 22 maybe 3 shots a session.  I look for ditch crossings, trails at timber and field corners, funnels at hedge rows.  Set up close or split between trails where the come together. YMMV

I have killed right around 150 whitetails with traditional equipment. I can't think of any that were beyond 15 yards. Most were more like 10 feet.

I have killed a couple of hundred deer and bear with traditional equipment, average was about 15 yards. Most were from ground blinds, a few from low ( 10-12 feet ) stands. 22 yards is about max unless a follow up shot after a hit, then anything goes.

OK Cap'n Kirk, the approximate answer appears to be "Yes" it is true.  Is this what you expected or did you think it was different?

Quote from: Kyle85 on October 05, 2023, 07:20:41 PM
OK Cap'n Kirk, the approximate answer appears to be "Yes" it is true.  Is this what you expected or did you think it was different?

Quite honestly, Kyle, I expected to hear most trad hunters tell me they were making kill shots at longer distances and I'm very surprised at the frank honesty of the gang here. It's made me realize the issue is not as much about the distance as it is getting the deer to get within that distance of less than 30 yards. I guess that's why we call it hunting rather than shooting!
I've watched some very good trad shooters make some amazing shots as far out as 50-60 yards on a 3D course and wondered if I needed to up the game on my longer shots. From the article I read and the responses here, the answer is clearly "no; work on your setup and calling skills".

I have taken a few critters over the years, an elk at two yards, a moose and several whitetail at four yards, my longest shot, another moose at 28 yards. Most of my tree stands are setup for 8-15 yards shots.  I rarely take a shot at a game animal over 15 yards.

I've shot an Antelope and Mulie doe at about 30 yds. Everything else has been 20 and under. I set my stands for 15 yds max and like 10 better.

I passed a 40yd shot at a B&C Bighorn Ram, wide open broadside, back when I was still shooting heavy poundage. I know I could have hit him but...

Most experienced trad bowhunters with many kills under their belt have learned that around 15 yards and less are the shots that bring home the game and increase the likelihood of humane and quick kills. I know I have learned that the hard way over the years.....

All mine been under 20 easily. and the majority 15 and under. Quite a few under 10 too. All from stands 12-15 feet up. I look for thick thick cover.