Deerhugger11, I am in Saskatchewan. I hunt on my own, I go with guys but prefer to all go our seperate ways. We used to push years ago and sometimes still do in the farmland with bluffs and such. Where I spend most of my time, you couldn't push with 10 guys, big stuff...deer just run circles on you all day long. Yes I have made a 300 Yards plus shot on a buck once and dropped him. I stalked to that yardage, I saw him crest a hill not 50 yards following a doe...but nothing but star to shoot, I decided to run after him and b/c he was a good one. I stalked over 500 yards, but he just kept moving further. I could have and thought about a running shot at 250 range but decided to wait, my luck the doe stopped to watch a smaller buck come out of the bush...I quickly dropped the hairs and him. Laying prone on a hillside with nothing but snow in front of me. No way I would have got closer, in that situation. He was a 5x6 with a droptine and scored 188 3/8...what would have you done? As I mentioned I will only attempt the shot with a solid rest or prone, broadside shot and standing. I have witnessed a guy drop a 170BC typical at 419 Yards, missed him at 350...he was running quartering away and hit spine with a 2506. I wouldn't have shot personally, but this guys is real good. He practices 400 yard shots on yotes with the 2506 and the same 117 gr bullet.

Practice and knowing your limits is a must. I agree great gun and scope with a bad shooter is not going to do anything. However I have seen bad shooters become very good, by putting time in on the range. I am lucky always been a decent shot, but I practice more now and really have gotten better.

Sometimes getting closer doesn't work, ever been loper hunting...300 yards shots are the norm. Sometimes even the long shot won't happen, I pass up many shots that just aren't right...so I am not a oh lets wing it type. Everybody is different and has their own style. Even 121553, is different than me...but his style is his style. I don't believe you can ever tell somebody how far they can or can not shoot, get up at look in the mirror that is the guy who can!!!

Deerhugger1, make sure to put your clip in this year....haha. Good luck and let us know how you make out.