Disturbing trend...

[ZeroJunk]

I have heard stories about guys being able to make off hand 500 yard shots. But, I'm like the blind man. I had rather see it than hear tell of it.

If somebody sets up a good rest over an area, measure the yardage, and waits I can see long shots.

But, if you are a mobile hunter and have a limited time window to make a shot a suitable rest being available is just luck. Being cold, winded, and heart rate sky high from exertion is just icing on the cake.

 

[Atom Smasher]

My $0.02 is that anyone taking shots at ranges 500y and beyond really need to consider if the shot is an ethical one. Taking shots where you think "it could be" or "it probably is" going to be a kill shot is absolutely disrespecting the fact that you're trying to kill a living being and you should be attempting to do it humanely. I never take a shot, even at short range, if I don't have a good kill window. I know I've seen videos online of guys taking 1000+y shots at a deer or elk quartered away, and that's a shot only a few people could make reliably.

In fact, a lot of those "long range hunt shots" videos are dudes plugging a deer in the stomach and then high-fiving each other afterwards about their "super long range" hit. I'm fine with the move towards more people shooting long distance, and anyone can tell you that hitting steel at 500-1000y is a blast, but I think until people with rifles capable of shooting accurately to 1000y get practice on paper, and I mean LOTS of practice, that taking a shot at a deer and any long distance is irresponsible hunting.

 

[boogieman]

I feel that I need to add my $0.02 (which I found out is worth $37 and some change,) to the conversation.
Because of the areas that I hunt I rarely hear of people trying to shoot beyond 150yds. Having said that I think that its critical to know the limitations of your equipment. As the OP said a 7mm mag will make it to 1000yds but doesnt have the power to drop an animal unless shot placement is ideal. Much more than the equipment limitation is the hunters limitation. I am a big advocate for ethical kills. I have taught my children the same. If your going to harvest an animal than it should be done humanely as possible. I often hear of people taking risky shots, shooting the hams. I have seen a deer running with an arrow in its side, a leg blown off, etc.. Its wrong. If you cant make a clean kill then let them walk no matter how nice the horns are.
This is a great topic and im glad it was brought up.