Making 1000yrd shot is not what I call hunting. Your thoughts

[JeremyBatey]

I love to bow hunt, so this isn't really something I'll deal with personally, but I once witnessed my uncle drop a deer with a rifle from a tree rest at 320 paces. At the time, I didn't think much about it. I wasn't impressed with killing the deer at that range with a rifle. I was a young hunter, and wrote a story about it. Some people read it and sent me some comments. For probably 15 years, one particular comment never jumped out at me. But recently, as I read back over it, it suddenly did.

The reader said, "Your uncle must be a crack shot! I've never heard of anyone attempting an offhand neck shot on a deer at 320 paces with a .223."

My ego blinded me from the skill in what my uncle had achieved. He had told me later when I asked, "Why the neck?" that "I don't like them body shots. They mess up all the meat."

Hunting takes many shapes and forms. I'm learning to be careful of what I call "easy" and "hard".

[mtmuley]

I agree completely. Taking a 1000 yard shot sort of takes the hunt out of hunting. Isn't part of the experience to pit yourself against the animal and challenge yourself.

[T43]

How about this angle. The other day I was watching some long range hunting show and the shot they took was over a pretty good sized draw. Suddenly I had a thought (doesn't happen often but does happen). What would someone do if they were in said draw and had this 900+ yard shot go zinging over their head? I have been shot over in the field and I know the whip crack sound of a bullet going by so I started to wonder. With shots like these becoming more common how long until we see an increase in hunter conflicts. I'm still not going to say I'm against long range shots and I know close encounters of the stupid kind can happen at any distance but it did make me wonder if this may become a problem.

[Elkoholic307]

Blaze orange is easily seen.

[T43]

That may not be true depending on terrain. It is also not required in every state.

[Elkoholic307]

I was referring to Wyo. since it's the only state I know. Either way, I don't see it becoming a problem. I see run 'n' gun hunting being more dangerous than long range hunting. You should see how people act when they have a handgun antelope tag in their pocket.

[camodrifter]

if you cant get closer than 700 yards you really need to get out of your truck!

[T43]

I think it is more about being able to shoot farther than it is about not being able to get closer. The challenge is more in the shot and less in the stock.

[dank9879]

This is always a touchy subject I agree with Jerry when he says these shows promoting long range hunting may be sending the wrong message and making people think that anyone can go out and take long range shots at animals. I believe that long range shooting is a benefit of technology and I give props to those guys who can make those one shot kills at extended ranges (especially our US snipers). My question to those who so badly hate it is are you shooting the same rifle and Daniel Boone at the distances he hunted? Or are you shooting a modern sporting rifle with a scope. Are you using a traditional bow with no sights, shooting at 20 yards like the natives did? Or you using a modern compound bow with fiber optic sights? Yep technology. Just depends on how far each person wants to go with it.

[MTWillie]

1000 yards at an exploding target, yes. At any animal, possibly one that could in return hunt you back, no.