The debate over maximum distance is one that probably won't end anytime soon. With that said...

When determining a persons maximum distance there are a few factors that should be considered - given we're using modern compound bows and the shot is there (broadside or quartering away). One factor is a person’s ability to be accurate at any given distance. Another factor is the effectiveness of archery tackle at that distance. Also, will the game hold still long enough while the arrow is in flight. Animals such as whitetail and pronghorn are very fast and may require your maximum distance to be shortened over and an animal such as an elk, which during the rut, will often times hold still for far longer than seems usual.

My experience has shown that a shooter’s accuracy and the animals "flightiness" are usually the deciding factors in determining ones max shooting distance.

What is required for accuracy? As ethical sportsmen we work hard at ensuring that our arrows group as tightly as possible. A group of 4” at 60 yards is quite possible and well inside the kill-zone of large game.

Additionally, the kinetic energy available at the longer distances is plenty high enough to provide lethal arrow penetration. Example: a good friend of mine shot a 1500 pound buffalo at 60 yards and experienced a complete pass through. While some would say this setup (70# draw weight, 29" draw length, a 400gr arrow producing 71 ft-lbs of KE (kinetic energy)) was sufficient for big game, what about those who don't shoot a 70# bow? So, what if you had the same setup with only 60# draw weight? Your KE would be 69 ft-lbs. Reducing the draw weight to 50# would still provide 66.5 ft-lbs of KE.

Here is a list of what seems to be the general consensus of required KE for game. Remember, nothing is better than a well placed shot.