Hunting ethics and long range shots.

[Hardcase]

was looking on youtube and came across a couple videos where hunters were taking shots at 800-1000 yards on big game. It really began to disgust me in the fact that it is up to us to teach good ethics and conservation. I could actually picture folks out there attempting to take these shots which bothered me more when it comes to hunters and safety issues. I dont see how anyone could endorse these actions not to mention the use of the product in the manner it was used. In one video they stated the need of proper ballistics and other variables, but in my opinion there is no need to attempt to even teach people how to take a shot at those ranges. If you were out shooting prairie dogs it may be one thing, but on a big game animal I would be ashamed to consider myself a sportsman in their class. Just wanted to vent a bit and see what everyone else's opinion was on the matter.

[hunterdude58]

even though my rifle is sighted to be 3" low at 300 yrds i try not to take shots more than 200 yrds. i teach hunter ed and tell my students that the accuracy of the firearm does not mean they can shoot that range. it depends on the person using the firearm

[gd3006]

I have shot TARGETS out to 1000 yards. Given the proper practice, making shots hit where you want at that distance can be easy. Some of the best shooting I've done was breaking clay pigeons (stationary) at 600 yards with a light-weight bolt action. BUT, all of this pales in comparison to the responsibilities we have as hunters to guarantee that we do not risk crippling shots. At 1000 yards, that animal can take a step (or 2) before the bullet arrives. The best case scenario (should that happen) is a miss. If you strike the animal, you're definitely not going to hit where you aimed. So if you allow enough time for the animal to expire, you may recover it. But showing such feats to young hunters (and worse, antis) is irresponsible. Can it be done? No question. At one point, I could have made shots like that with relative ease. Should it be done? Only you can answer that for yourself. The other thing to remember is this: targets don't get the blood pumping like game. Your margin for error diminishes exponetially with every 100 yards between you and your intended target. Not worth the risk... JMHO

gd

[oldman]

To me that is killing instead of hunting. No ethics at all. I like my game in close enough to see it breath.
oldman

[gd3006]

oldman,

Agreed. That's why I got into bowhunting... ;D

gd