User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 9/28/2019 9:07:18 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
I was sitting around earlier loading up some ammo for my 6.5 creedmoor and I began to wonder whether anyone else hunts long range or not and by long range I mean 700-1200 yards. Personally I enjoy Long range hunting and I find the technical side of it fascinating. Some people I talk to don't care some love it and others vehemently oppose it. I've actually had some guys start swearing at me and saying I have no business being in the woods or calling myself a hunter. I don't want to start any arguments I just want to hear some of you guys thoughts on long range hunting because I genuinely don't understand why some people get so heated about it I've shot a few woodchucks and deer over 400 yards, but it just doesn't have the essence of hunting for me. I'd much rather be inside 50 yards. For dangerous game, inside 25. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/28/2019 9:20:37 PM EDT
[#2]
It isn’t hunting, it’s sniping. A test of shooting skills and equipment for sure, but no test of woodsmanship or hunting skills.
Instead of sniping at game at those distances, try closing to fifty yards or less, thats a real challenge and takes skill. Moreover, a small error at those ranges means wounded or lost game animals, even if the error is induced by a step by the target. As the Lord’s creatures invested with dominion over all animals, it is our duty to see that we minimize suffering and waste. Shooting at long ranges is antithetical to that duty. If you wish to test your skills at those ranges, and any proficient shooter should, shoot steel or paper. Use smaller and smaller targets to increase the challenge and active targets if static targets get boring. But given the vital zone of a deer, for example, you are talking ,1.5 to 1 MOA, and in the real world, the paper or steel is a challenge. ETA: Rodent makes this point - “For dangerous game, inside 25.” This is true. Dangerous game isn’t dangerous much beyond 25yds. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/28/2019 9:57:51 PM EDT
[#3]
Over 300 isn’t hunting. To point is knowing your prey, if you’re 700+ yard away you haven’t done that and aren’t any better than the guy that sets up a feeder and blind 70 yards apart. 700-1200 is a good place to start your stalk, work in close using concealment, wind, light and craft or set up a hide and wait for them to come to you.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/29/2019 9:07:16 PM EDT
[#4]
I have pondered on this as well. I think they are your tags to punch as long as no laws are broken and you can make a clean shot.
Not all that long ago I thought 300 yards was the same as 300 miles. I have become quite involved with precision rifles and now often shoot matches in excess of 1100 yards. The more I practice and train the closer those distant deer become. The farthest shot I have ever taken at a deer was 200 yards. Not because of a self imposed limit but simply because I haven't had a need or opportunity to try farther. I have seen too many hunters who couldn't control their nerves. I have seen even more hunters that didn't practice, had rifles a "gun shop" zeroed, knew to hold a little high, etc.. If you don't have your shit together then don't practice shooting at living animals, they are a gift to us and should be taken as quickly as we can make it happen. If you are a skilled marksman that knows your kit and can read the wind AND you know you can make the shot, then I can not make up a line in the sand you can not shoot past. Only you can say for sure what your skill level is. Good luck, shoot straight, MBanning |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/29/2019 9:23:55 PM EDT
[#5]
I am a bow hunter first and have shot many animals within spitting distance.
But to say the distance is too far so I don’t consider hunting, Is a very narrow view. Now you can say you don’t prefer to do that, and that would be OK. If you are not comfortable with your equipment or lack the experience to take the shot at a distance....then don’t! To do so would be irresponsible and unethical. We always have an opportunity wether at 10 yards or 700 yards to wound an animal and not make the recovery (If you Haven’t missed a deer with your bow, you haven’t hunted long enough) So my answer is yes it is hunting, and enjoyable 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/29/2019 9:41:19 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Over 300 isn’t hunting. To point is knowing your prey, if you’re 700+ yard away you haven’t done that and aren’t any better than the guy that sets up a feeder and blind 70 yards apart. 700-1200 is a good place to start your stalk, work in close using concealment, wind, light and craft or set up a hide and wait for them to come to you. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/29/2019 10:34:09 PM EDT
[#7]
I enjoy it . Its not my primary way of hunting , but it is another option if I need it.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/30/2019 10:08:35 AM EDT
[#8]
It all depends on the quarry and SKILL..
My dad hunted Jefferson NF. They run into a guy in the 70s that had an 06 zeroed at 1k. They thought he was crazy. Later they heard a distant report on their right then they heard a deer tumbling down the hill on their right. So the guy posted up across a valley and watched a specific trail. Every year he would fill his tag on that one spot. Obviously he was a great shot. So my skill ain't that good and I have no place to shoot without driving hours. That being said, if I see a coyote, I don't care, I'd take a shot at it. But not a deer. I might try a pig. Watch Long Range Pursuit on toutube. It's fascinating watching those guys do what they do. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/30/2019 5:56:51 PM EDT
[#9]
edited~ussrangersm
Depending on the terrain and quarry, you may not get a shot less than 400m out here and elsewhere in the West. This forum is a gold mine on the subject: https://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/ |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/30/2019 6:54:07 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
edited ~ussrangersm Depending on the terrain and quarry, you may not get a shot less than 400m out here and elsewhere in the West. This forum is a gold mine on the subject: https://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/ |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/30/2019 7:24:11 PM EDT
[#11]
Let’s not get sidetracked~ussrangersm
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/30/2019 9:31:37 PM EDT
[#12]
Most of PA's terrain isn't really conducive to true "long range" hunting....
That said, I have no qualms with a long shot. My personal "record" on the particular property I hunt (and now own a good chunk of) is 343 yards according to my old Garmin GPS. Most of mine are MUCH closer (90 yard avg) but I'll usually drop at least 1 doe around 250yds each season. Practice, know your gun, know your dope, have a good rangefinder, and use a load capable of delivering acceptable energy at the given range. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/30/2019 10:32:07 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Most of PA's terrain isn't really conducive to true "long range" hunting.... That said, I have no qualms with a long shot. My personal "record" on the particular property I hunt (and now own a good chunk of) is 343 yards according to my old Garmin GPS. Most of mine are MUCH closer (90 yard avg) but I'll usually drop at least 1 doe around 250yds each season. Practice, know your gun, know your dope, have a good rangefinder, and use a load capable of delivering acceptable energy at the given range. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/1/2019 11:00:39 AM EDT
[#14]
Long range in these parts is anything over 200. I love shooting at varmints at long range but my longest deer kill was 250 or so. Partly because of the terrain limitations of where I hunt and partially because I just like to get closer.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/1/2019 12:30:18 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Over 300 isn’t hunting. To point is knowing your prey, if you’re 700+ yard away you haven’t done that and aren’t any better than the guy that sets up a feeder and blind 70 yards apart. 700-1200 is a good place to start your stalk, work in close using concealment, wind, light and craft or set up a hide and wait for them to come to you. As for shooting animals, I have seen more shitty shooters that have zero business shooting an animal at 5 yards as I have seen that shouldn't shoot at 500 yards....It all comes down to equipment and practice...The better it is, the more you do and the easier it is to actually make good shots when needed.... |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/1/2019 3:06:06 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
I was sitting around earlier loading up some ammo for my 6.5 creedmoor and I began to wonder whether anyone else hunts long range or not and by long range I mean 700-1200 yards. Personally I enjoy Long range hunting and I find the technical side of it fascinating. Some people I talk to don't care some love it and others vehemently oppose it. I've actually had some guys start swearing at me and saying I have no business being in the woods or calling myself a hunter. I don't want to start any arguments I just want to hear some of you guys thoughts on long range hunting because I genuinely don't understand why some people get so heated about it |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/1/2019 6:09:15 PM EDT
[#17]
Stalking in as fun and a good challenge. But if you got the skills and are wanting meat in the freezer I have zero qualms about taking long shots within my comfort zone to provide a quick a death as possible for the animal.
Those vehemently opposed are using emotional reasoning for their opinions. I've hunted some places where a long shot is going to be your only choice. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/12/2019 10:16:45 PM EDT
[#18]
I like both. Sneaking in the woods and almost stepping on them is pretty fun but so is watching them drop in the scope at longer than 400 yards. My farthest is 540 but that’s because the way the land is and the neighbors building more sheds.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/12/2019 10:26:31 PM EDT
[#19]
My son shoots 1.5 " groups at 1000-1200 yards routinely
He would NEVER take a shot at those distances on a deer/ elk or similar. A Turkey? Sure why not Pig or coyote? Sure why not. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/12/2019 10:56:57 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My son shoots 1.5 " groups at 1000-1200 yards routinely He would NEVER take a shot at those distances on a deer/ elk or similar. A Turkey? Sure why not Pig or coyote? Sure why not. 
Why shoot Turkeys @ 1000 and not Deer/Elk ?? 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/12/2019 11:49:24 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My son shoots 1.5 " groups at 1000-1200 yards routinely He would NEVER take a shot at those distances on a deer/ elk or similar. A Turkey? Sure why not Pig or coyote? Sure why not. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2019 1:49:56 PM EDT
[#22]
Our family farm has places to kill out to 700 yards. I have no problem with it. I know my capabilities with the proper rifle as well. You can read a deer to know how they will react and make the judgement call. My longest kill is 385 to date. 308 in McRee Chassis shooting 180 grain nosler. He took 2 steps and fell over. My wife's first kill was 265 with 308 AR. Dial the scope and squeeze. He fell over in 20 yards. Other than those 2 kills all of ours have been 200 and under.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/9/2019 7:12:55 PM EDT
[#23]
Is it hunting?
- to a bow hunter? NO - to an Artilleryman? Yes by definition it meets the criteria of hunting. - to a purist. It is called shooting. when I was younger, I was all about I can smack him at 300+ yards. ( gives bragging rights as a marksmen). Now days, improvements in technology have increased the distance. As was mentioned above. As a Bowhunter, my first kill was 7 yards. I now try to use my knowledge of deer , and try to get my shots to no more than 30 yards. just something about being in a deer's "living room " and they have no idea you are there. - now I try to plan where they will fall closest to the trail, so I don't have to drag them. you will never please everyone.......... but if you can look yourself in the mirror, know that you followed the rules. Then you are good. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/10/2019 5:30:01 AM EDT
[#24]
I find it satisfying to take game with longer shots, though I won't take a shot over 400 yards b/c I haven't ever done range time at those distances. OTOH, it is pretty cool and exciting to get them close, especially when they're RIGHT THERE and you have to wait for a clear shot.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/11/2019 2:38:51 PM EDT
[#25]
I don't really like it or others doing it at the ranges the OP is talking about. 400 to 500 sure if you practice know the range etc etc I think you can pretty much guarantee as ethical of a kill as possible but getting out into the 800 to 1k yard range I think there are just to many variables to make it ehtical. I mean you bullet is taking a couple of seconds to reach the target so movement from the animals is possible. Also would never even consider using a 65 creedmor for that type of shot the guys that I know that shoot those ranges primarily use 338 lupuas and similar cartridges.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/11/2019 2:50:00 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I find it satisfying to take game with longer shots, though I won't take a shot over 400 yards b/c I haven't ever done range time at those distances. OTOH, it is pretty cool and exciting to get them close, especially when they're RIGHT THERE and you have to wait for a clear shot. But that's just my opinion. The other day a friend stopped by my house he said there are 5 does standing out in your woods, I said yeah they are always there he said why don't you hunt them and if I needed meat or wanted to thin the herd because they were in the garden or something I would but there isn't any sport in it as these does live in my development and are almost tame, they will literally let you walk within 50 yards of them and if you try to get closer they just move off slowly. The sport to me is beating their senses and getting a shot not making a tough shot at 1k or 80 with a crossbow. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/11/2019 3:55:26 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't really like it or others doing it at the ranges the OP is talking about. 400 to 500 sure if you practice know the range etc etc I think you can pretty much guarantee as ethical of a kill as possible but getting out into the 800 to 1k yard range I think there are just to many variables to make it ehtical. I mean you bullet is taking a couple of seconds to reach the target so movement from the animals is possible. Also would never even consider using a 65 creedmor for that type of shot the guys that I know that shoot those ranges primarily use 338 lupuas and similar cartridges. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/11/2019 4:34:20 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
But 400 isn't close to what the op is talking about. To me long range hunting is 300 to 600 yards. Which I have no issue with at all provided the hunter can make those shots. Just my opinion but at the ranges of 800 to 1200 yards that's just not hunting it's sniping. Animals don't even run at those distances because it just so far away. They can't smell you either. It's just not sporting for me. But that's just my opinion. The other day a friend stopped by my house he said there are 5 does standing out in your woods, I said yeah they are always there he said why don't you hunt them and if I needed meat or wanted to thin the herd because they were in the garden or something I would but there isn't any sport in it as these does live in my development and are almost tame, they will literally let you walk within 50 yards of them and if you try to get closer they just move off slowly. The sport to me is beating their senses and getting a shot not making a tough shot at 1k or 80 with a crossbow. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I find it satisfying to take game with longer shots, though I won't take a shot over 400 yards b/c I haven't ever done range time at those distances. OTOH, it is pretty cool and exciting to get them close, especially when they're RIGHT THERE and you have to wait for a clear shot. But that's just my opinion. The other day a friend stopped by my house he said there are 5 does standing out in your woods, I said yeah they are always there he said why don't you hunt them and if I needed meat or wanted to thin the herd because they were in the garden or something I would but there isn't any sport in it as these does live in my development and are almost tame, they will literally let you walk within 50 yards of them and if you try to get closer they just move off slowly. The sport to me is beating their senses and getting a shot not making a tough shot at 1k or 80 with a crossbow. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/3/2019 10:39:17 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They can't smell you either. It's just not sporting for me. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/3/2019 10:47:17 PM EDT
[#30]
I’m in GA and the furthest shots on our farm are a couple hundred yards. The furthest I’ve ever shot an animal was a deer at about 180.
I’ve pretty much quit hunting fields since I get more excitement being close in. I also hate stand hunting which is how EVERYONE does it here so maybe I’m just weird lol 
I don’t really care as long as you’re being legal, but for me I enjoy outwitting the animal by scent control, positioning, and holding still. |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/12/2020 2:36:06 PM EDT
[#31]
Distance does not dictate ethics.
A skilled long range shooter with a precision rifle at 500 yards is far more ethical than a mediocre archer at 70 yards, or a mediocre shooter with an iron sight 30-30 at 175. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/18/2020 10:50:39 PM EDT
[#32]
I'm not a real long range hunter but living out here in the West it's not uncommon to have to take shots at 400+yds. I've taken shots of over 500yds on coyote and on prairie dogs.
I shot an Antelope at just shy of 500yds a few years back. I couldn't get any closer as the Antelope were out in a field of short grass. It was the second week of the hunt and they were super skittish. I crawled on my hands and knees as far as I could before I had a few doe stand up and alerted the herd. At that point I had to take a kneeling shot because I didn't have time to sit. I've known guys who are very accomplished long range shooters. I've shot quite a bit with one and he was good out to 1500yds with his rifle. He botched a shot on a 350+ bull elk and it ran off and was shot by someone else. I would much prefer to close the distance as much as possible to avoid making a bad shot and having the animal run off to be taken by another hunter or have it disappear somewhere and no one finds it. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2020 7:03:37 AM EDT
[#33]
I shoot long range competitively, and am pretty good at it. I also hunt alot. I won't shoot at game animals at long range.
Animals aren't steel. Animals move during the time of flight, animals get wounded because you made a bad wind call, etc. Humans have a way of grossly overestimating their skill. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2020 7:19:31 AM EDT
[#34]
I don’t care who you are, you don’t get the same feeling from shooting an animal at 700 yards than you would at 7 yards.
You can try and justify it, but there’s few things worse than tracking a wounded animal shot somewhere. I owe it to the animal to take out as many uncontrollable variables as I can, not add them and call it “hunting”. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2020 8:18:21 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I don’t care who you are, I owe it to the animal to take out as many uncontrollable variables as I can, not add them and call it “hunting”. i’ll fix it for you, You do what works for you... I find it quite satisfying to shoot long distances. But then again I practice at it, I know some people that complain about bow hunters because they think it’s unethical, Due to the fact that you can have a better chance of wounding them. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2020 9:15:11 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: i’ll fix it for you, You do what works for you... I find it quite satisfying to shoot long distances. But then again I practice at it, I know some people that complain about bow hunters because they think it’s unethical, Due to the fact that you can have a better chance of wounding them. Is there a lot of long range hunting in Wisconsin? |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2020 9:40:58 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Is there a lot of long range hunting in Wisconsin? I have fields that I can shoot 700-800 yards... |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2020 10:01:40 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have fields that I can shoot 700-800 yards... Very cool. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2020 11:49:58 AM EDT
[#39]
I have the same sentiment as others here. The furthest shot I would take is about 400m but most of the shots I take are about 60 to 100m.
We will see when I move to AK if that changes but for now I'll limit myself to 400m. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2020 3:39:55 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Very cool. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I have fields that I can shoot 700-800 yards... Very cool. We have a lot of soy bean and corn fields in the state...Some of them are pretty impressive |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2020 4:25:59 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: We have a lot of soy bean and corn fields in the state...Some of them are pretty impressive I've been through there twice but havent got to spend much time there. Always liked what I saw. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
