The long shots

[mtnbound]

I was just reading another recent post in this forum about the distance people are shooting their bucks, and it really got me thinking.. I didn't want to hijack that thread, so I figured I'd start this one to see if I could dig a little deeper into that subject. It seems many people are shooting 300-600 yards at deer fairly regularly. My questions is.. why is that? what is the reason you are taking shots at the distances you do? Is it because there is no way to get closer in those instances? no closer cover? being closer would risk getting winded? because when you see the buck you feel it is necessary to get him down sooner rather than later & getting closer would risk losing the buck? is it simply to test your long range shooting capabilities on an animal? or because you just know you're that good of a shot and so why bother getting closer? Is the decision to take a shot or get closer more of a terrain dependent thing? Are the longer shots taken during a spot and stalk scenario or is it a different type of hunting you are doing when taking long shots? I'm just genuinely curious about thought process and reasoning for different lengths of shots.

One other thing to keep in mind is that distances are often embellished afterwards telling the story. Yes, there are long shots but there are also lots of sub 400y shots. Practice so you know what you and your system are capable of and remember it’s ok if the animal wins that encounter. There will be others.

 

[willfrye027]

For me, when I spot a deer I want to shoot immediately I am thinking what are my best odds to be standing over this buck.

I am factoring in distance, wind, chances of getting closer without getting busted..etc

I have a good idea of my capability in both stalking and shooting. My biggest buck (190”) was a 30 yard neck shot on the run. Longest kill was 675 with no possibility of getting closer, and plenty of opportunity for follow up/finishing shots if I misjudged the wind or screwed up somehow.

The actual distance is not really a major consideration. 450 yards in thick brush on a steep side slope is way harder than 650 yards prone with calm wind. I’m thinking can I make this shot with a high degree of confidence? Should I make a move/stalk for an easier shot? It all comes into play, and often times the terrain I’m hunting lends itself to 400-600 yard shots, and often times it’s closer.

Long range is just another effective tool, like glassing off a tripod.