Doug . . .I hear ya! I know the feeling.
The mere fact of shooting my Exomax gives me a 30 yard range without giving it a thought about a deer jumping the string. I can say boo and if it doesn't run, it's dead. The Exomax is just too fast at 30 yards on a standing deer. There is a chance that the deer starts running before I shoot, but, that is too much chance for me to consider. In other words, that can happen with any weapon and you miss that deer. I'd have to quit hunting to totally avoid this.
However, beyond 30 yards is a different story. 40 yards needs consideration, conditions need to be very good. Like you are describing. 50 yards, the conditions need to be perfect and still it's just a gamble. After that, you are talking shear luck.
The deer hearing the arrow is a certainty. Watch the "deer jumping string" videos. It's apparent that they are moving away from the arrow, not the string. The more off-set, the more noise. Those 8 degree vanes almost whistle, they are loud.
Now, I've been hunting long enough to know when a deer is about to bolt when alert. I just know their movements and most of the time, I'm right. In my experience, a deer on alert is more predictable than a deer grazing along. A deer on alert is wanting to find out what is there and "freezes". I've shot several while they were stomping their foot. One at forty yards with my compound, facing me and I hit her dead on center chest. She went 30 yards. That was in my young, stupid days. At that deer a un-natural noise would not have moved her, I don't think. She was frozen.
Basically, I look at it like this . . .I know if I get within 30 yards, then it's basically history. Outside of that, the further out I go, the luckier I have to become. I set up my stands to produce a shot of 30 yards or less. Since doing so, I just have not had many instances where taking a "long" shot have come up. The only debates have come while still hunting and I always try and get closer. Because, getting close is the fun part of the game.
I think another reason that it's not a big deal for me is I do not "trophy" hunt. Every deer is equally as exciting. So, if I don't get this one, I'll get the next one. It also helps that there is always a next one. No need to take a big chance on the one in front of me. I have food and I don't need the horns that bad.
If I were starving . . .different story. I might have to take a chance. However, if I were starving, then I'd make sure I got close.
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
Same goes for wanting to take a trophy rack . . .I would want to be close.
Anyway, no matter what you are told, sometimes you just have to find out for yourself. Just as I have. Just do the deer a favor and shoot at an object close to the deer . . .always carry some field tips, I do.
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I'd rather wear out than rust out.
Perception trumps intention.
2006 Exomax w/Agingcrossbower Custom Stock
20" Easton Powerbolts w/125gr Trophy Ridge Stricknines & 2"Blazers
Boo Custom Strings
2006 Vixen