Speed and Range of Modern Bows

A bow’s general function is to store energy in a limb system and transfer the energy to an arrow when the string is released. 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. At that range, it’s common for an arrow to pass completely through an animal. To ensure accuracy, most shots are taken at 15 yards.