How often should you shoot your bow?
If you want to be a “great” archer, someone that can put the arrow into the yellow all the time, you need to shoot 100-120 arrows per day 5 times a week. If you want to be a “champion” archer, someone who can put the arrow into the 10 most of the time, you need to shoot 5 times a week with at least 120 arrows per day.
It's highly recommended that you only shoot once or twice a week (with a maximum of 100 or so shots each session) to give your muscles a little time to recover between sessions. There's nothing more discouraging than getting into a new, fun sport and having to stop prematurely due to an injury.
A Practice Routine
If you really want to see improvement in your archery, you should be practicing 4-5 times a week, especially if you can't get off 30 arrows without feeling fatigued and losing form, which is when you should take a break.
Always make sure your actions are courteous, considerate, capable, and careful—the four Cs of hunting. Understand why you hunt, and be able to tell others about the benefits of hunting.
Put in the time practicing archery, and you will quickly see a difference in your pectoralis muscles, a.k.a. your “pecs.” Archery works your pecs much like a front raise. It develops arm muscles. Your biceps and triceps will look lean and toned after a few sessions of virtual ninja archery.
The standard of 60 to 70 lbs is more than enough for North American big game. However, there are some folks who want to pull 80 to 90 lbs of draw weight.
While modern bows can shoot arrows up to 400 yards at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, the bow is a short-range hunting tool. Depending on the circumstances, the maximum distance is 30 to 40 yards.
Shoulders: Anterior deltoids for holding the bow, posterior deltoids and infraspinatus for drawing. Chest: Pectorals for holding. Back: Latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboids, and the teres major and minor muscles all assist in drawing. Arms: Biceps and brachialis for drawing, triceps and brachiordialis for holding.
If you are using a 70 lbs. draw weight, your compound bow would have a 270 FPS.
In many instances, it will jump or flinch as the arrow hits before bounding away. It seldom runs hard and will usually appear to lope. The distance it travels before stopping could vary from only a few yards to 100 yards. In many cases, a deer with an abdomen wound will stop within 50 yards.
How far should you shoot a deer with a bow?
I think it is safe to say that most bowhunters practice at an average distance of 20-30 yards. And, while this may be the standard, there are those times when the buck of your choice will walk right into your lap.
Contrary to what most people think, a 30 or even a 25 lbs. draw weight is more than enough for recreational target practice. If you have the aim for it and your form is on point, you can successfully hit a target from 60 or even 70 yards away with this kind of draw weight.
With practice, and the right draw length and arrows, you really can shoot a 10 pound bow accurately out to 50 meters without sights.