I'm not in favor of taking shots longer than necessary just to prove you can. But I have no issues with someone with the skills and equipment taking a shot at any range they feel qualified to take. As Clint Eastwood said " A man's gotta know his limitations". Just because I don't have the skills to shoot at 500+ yards does not mean someone else does not.
There are people who can make a 700 yard shot on game look easy. With the guns and optics available 50 years ago 300 yards was generally accepted as about the limit for most guys. Today most anyone with even basic gear and a little practice can master a 400 yard shot and 500 is within reach of anyone willing to learn. Beyond that requires a level of skill most of us will never reach, at least consistently enough to hunt. But some do.
nothing like proving you aint got the huntin skills to get an up close sure kill shot
What do you consider up close. I'd argue that it takes no more hunting skill to take a shot at 50 yards than 500. Quite often less. Most game animals are not really alarmed by human presence until you break that 50 yard barrier. Sitting in an elevated stand, hunting over bait and taking shots at 50 yards is not using any hunting skill. It is still close range sniping. That type of hunting requires neither hunting skill nor shooting skill. And I'd bet the farm that more big game animals have been wounded and run off to die from poor shots at under 50 yards than over 500.
Most of the guys who take those long shots are actually hunting "wild" game, not those animals conditioned to no longer fear humans. They do spend considerable time and expense to master the ability to make those shots, and rarely take what would be a low percentage shot for them. It is the slob hunters who don't practice and take low percentage shots from bad angles or at running game up close that are doing the damage.
Shooting at 400-500 yards is a way of life in many western states. Many guide services tell their clients to be prepared to make a 400-500 yard shot before booking. They will get you closer if they can, but often 500 is the best that can be done because of the terrain.
real hunters used to hunt with open sights and get the job done.
Years ago when there were fewer hunters you could pick you hunting spots. You could set up where you could be guaranteed a close shot. Muzzleloader and Archery seasons still allow this in most states. But to hunt during rifle season most western states require you to enter a drawing for different hunting units where you are required to hunt. Some have thick vegetation which makes closer shots possible. But if you are drawn for one of the more open spaces you had better learn how to shoot at distance.