How Far Is Far Enough? Determining Your Ethical Crossbow Shooting Distance

One of the biggest questions crossbow hunters ask is simple: How far is too far when shooting at an animal? Crossbows have grown incredibly accurate in recent years, and many hunters mistakenly think they perform like rifles. But as Jim Kempf of Scorpyd Crossbows explains, a crossbow is still an arrow-launching weapon with limitations. Shot distance always depends on the hunter’s skill, not just the equipment. To improve accuracy and energy retention, explore high-performance gear at Pine Ridge Archery.

Crossbow Accuracy Depends on the Shooter

Even though today’s crossbows can group well at 80–100 yards, that doesn’t mean hunters should take those shots in the field. Kempf notes that while many skilled shooters can hit tight groups at long distances during practice, real-world variables make long shots risky.

Whether using a compound bow or a crossbow, many ethical hunters—myself included—feel that 40 yards is a realistic maximum in most hunting situations. At longer distances, animal movement increases the chances of a bad hit.

For gear that increases consistency—like NITRO Vanes or NITRO Stabilizers—visit Pine Ridge Archery.

Finding Your Maximum Distance

So how do you determine your own ethical range? Practice is the key. Kempf recommends being able to shoot 20 yards past your intended hunting distance and keep your shots inside a 2-inch circle. This goes beyond the common “pie plate test” and holds hunters to a higher standard.

Practicing at long distances exposes flaws in form, tuning, and equipment. It also forces you to perfect follow-through, trigger control, and shot execution. Long-range practice becomes even more reliable when paired with accessories from Pine Ridge Archery.

Why Long Shots Are Risky in the Woods

At 50 yards or more, a single step from a deer can turn a perfect shot into a gut hit or shoulder impact. At 100 yards, even a tiny movement means a complete miss. An arrow isn’t a bullet—it takes time to reach its target, and animals rarely stand perfectly still.

If a hunter ever considers shooting past 40 yards, the conditions need to be perfect. The animal should be relaxed, feeding, and unaware of the hunter. Understanding animal behavior is just as important as knowing your bow.

Build Better Bolts for Better Accuracy

Kempf emphasizes that one of the easiest ways to improve accuracy is by building your own bolts. Just like handloading rifle ammunition, customizing bolts can dramatically tighten groups.

This includes:

• Fletching your own arrows

• Weighing each arrow

• Testing multiple broadheads

• Matching bolt spine to your crossbow

Not all vanes, nocks, or broadheads are equal. Even small inconsistencies matter at 400 feet per second. For better downrange performance and energy retention, many hunters choose NITRO Vanes, available at Pine Ridge Archery.

Increase Kinetic Energy with the NITRO Vane

In Velocitip testing, Bob Donahoe found that the Pine Ridge Archery NITRO Vane retained over 91% of its kinetic energy at 20 yards, outperforming all other vanes tested. Higher retained energy means deeper penetration and more ethical kills—critical for both bowhunters and crossbow hunters.

Learn more about NITRO Vanes and other accuracy-boosting accessories at Pine Ridge Archery.

Final Thoughts

If you want to extend your ethical range, the recipe is simple: practice farther than you hunt, fine-tune your bolts, understand your equipment, and use high-quality components. With consistent training and reliable accessories from Pine Ridge Archery, you’ll enter every season with confidence.