I Let Her Walk...

[BRONZ]

Originally posted by George Vernon:
I think Kromer said it well.  'Did you feel the shot' is the best criteria I can think of.  Wind, animals posture, awareness, and distance can all be factors.  I learned a long time ago to trust my instincts.  If you are confident, take it.  If not pass.  You alone will know if you made the right call.

Agreed! Gotta feel "the warm and fuzzies" as a buddy of mine describes!

I'd also have to ask about your arrow weight. I shoot 46 lbs with an arrow wt of approx 510 grains. Heavy is needed if you expect to reach 2 lungs at that distance. My longest at a whitetail is 27 yds. I'd been practicing a lot at longer distances, then had all the right ingredients. Found the boiler room and he dropped in 80 yards.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VhimSGWCO7JCoubC2

[David McLendon]

The accurate 30 yard shot is not a big deal if you are used to doing it, what can be a big deal is time of flight, sound of release and arrow flight, possible issues with overstory and the fact that the animal may move just enough for a bad shot rather than a clean miss. If you feel good about all that then drop the string, if not then wait for a different shot. Only you can make that call.

[KentuckyTJ]

I just took a shot on a buck at 28 yards. The deer swirled at the shot and the hit was not ideal. The deer died in a few seconds and all was well but after the fact I shouldn't have tried it. Good call!

[BAK]

I practice all the way out to 40 and beyond, and seldom have issues missing the "paper plate" at 30 and under.  

Now, having said that I'd most likely pass that shot.  In my younger days I learned quite a lesson when at 25 yards I shot at a broadside deer facing east, that was wounded in the left rear hip as it spun around to go back west.

It's usually just not worth it.

[Duncan]

What Kromer said. Its not ethics, just plain old instinct and knowing your own limits.