long range shooting/hunting

[TexasPatriot.308]

I see all the articles, video about these outrageous long range shots....nothing like proving you aint got the huntin skills to get an up close sure kill shot....somehow this long range concept keeps growing....this is what hunting has come to, sniper tactics....these are animals, not Taliban....gee guys, yall are giving us a bad name....real hunters used to hunt with open sights and get the job done.

 

[back40]

that's quite a bit of arrogance for one post.

please, tell us...exactly how should we all hunt, according to you that is?

i don't see anything wrong with long range hunting, provided the hunter takes the time to become proficient with making those shots, and uses good judgement.

 

[jmr40]

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.

 

[greenlion]

I see all these magazine articles about new fangled guns with metallic cartridges. Nothing like proving you don't have the hunting skills to use black powder.

I hear all these stories from the town crier about people using these "firearms". Nothing like proving you don't have the hunting skills to use a bow.

I hear all these stories from the village elders about people using these new "bows". Nothing like proving you don't have the hunting skills to use a spear.

Ugh. Grog say says use spear. Me have hunting skill. Use rock.

 

[plexreticle]

What does hunting have to do with anything? Some folks like the challenge of long range shooting.

 

[witchhunter]

I'm with Texas. While I am a long range shooter and have been for years, I don't like seeing the way they do it on some shows. It appears they are looking for a longer shot to sell their long range rifles and school. I live and hunt in the west and there are some times that require a long shot. I think you should be prepared to shoot at least 400 on a western big game hunt. I think 900 is a shot I pass up, every time. However, there are guys that can do it. As has been stated, there has been a lot of technology lately and our equipment is way better than it was 30 years ago. This is just my opinion, but I think it gives the antis more to use against us.

 

[Robert]

We have had many, many long range hunting threads in the past. If one has the equipment and the proper skill then I see no issue with the practice. But saying that it is silly because you see purpose to it is not a fight I am willing to entertain. I have no use for stand hunting as it serves no purpose here in Colorado but I understand that it has its place.