Shooting too far

[Bill W]

After going back and re-reading the original question, I gotta admit I agree with you Speck. The context was about more than just the ballistics of the round. A beginner reading my post could be encouraged to take 400 yard shots which (in the vast majority of cases) shouldn't be taken.

Hogs can be easily stalked. In fact, I stalked a group and damn near hit one with a dirt clod once. Unde rmost circumstances they should be stalked.

Bill

 

[m57jager]

I agree that it is more fun to see how close you can get and that it isn't that difficult to do with hogs. That said, if you don't have the time to get close then there is nothing wrong with shooting a distance that is in your limitations. I passed on a long shot (300 yds) 350-400#boar that I could have dropped at Tejon, no problem. I really wanted to see him on my wall, but he was heading over a hillside. It was a matter of ethics and more importantly safety. If you are not shooting out of your own limitations, then it is not unethical. Just because some of us enjoy the stalk shouldn't be reason to say that a guy shooting a hog at a long distance that this shooter knows his gun as well as himself can shoot is wrong. Once again, it's only a problem if you are shooting out of your own ability. While most of us won't shoot past 40 yards with our compounds, there are guys out there that can shoot 100 yards with their long bows and hit the bull all day long. I guess what I'm trying to say is that shooting out of your own limitations is the only time that one is shooting to far. We can only say what distance is too far for ourselves, not others. Just my $.02!!!!

 

[One Track]

Granted, having a good rest, a range finder, excellent shooting ability, and a 400# boar that is slipping away, are all good reasons to take the shot.

 

[Bill in SD]

I enjoy bowhunting for big game. So to me when I rifle hunt it is kind of a treat to be able to have more range.

I would say that for the vast majority of hunters, including myself they have no business shooting more than 200 to 300 yards.

However, I believe there are guys out there that are great shots, practice and know when to take a long shot or not.

And yes hogs are tough as are elk and should not be shot at great distances for the vast majority of hunters.

I think though it comes down to a personal decision.

I know the same thing comes up in bowhunting and some traditional shooters say that anyone that shoots farther than 20 yards is unethical. On the other hand a few yahoos claim they can shoot 100 yards with a bow, and even if they could the animal could be gone by the time the arrow arrives.

How about this.... Know your range and stick to it......I think if everyone was honest about this one there would not be problems.

I know myself I have many times felt that buck fever rush when I see an animal. However I am on the other extreme where I am thinking is that a buck or a doe, OK it is a buck, is it a forkie or a spike? Ok how about the range, DOOOH it is gone. So, I miss out on opportunities, however I have never shot the wrong animal.

Just my righteous opinion

Happy hunting
Bill

 

[Bill in SD]

Oh, I would say that if a guy had a 300 win magnum and could shoot it well. Then 400 yards could be doable.

For the old 30-06 for for elk I think 300 yards is max because I don't think with a 30-06 there is enough Kinetic Energy for elk beyond 300 yards.

And I tend to think wild pigs are almost as hard to kill as elk.


Bill