Trouble is, any idiot with any rifle can make that shot once in a while and of course thats the only pictures you will ever see. If an animal that far away takes that unexpected step or a little whirlwind or unseen air currents occur, there is a lack of time for correction and a little change will amount to a huge difference in the hit. I will always feel that you need to put every thing possible in your favor and getting as close as possible is a huge part of that thinking. For those who like the challenge of long range shooting (Of which I am One and have done a lot of it) there are targets. Its every bit as satisfying to me to see a steel target topple or a 1000 yard gong ring as it is to kill something. And you can't wound a target.