Now I' ve done it. I' ve spent years doing my best to get under the guys skin every chance there is and I' m caught defending him in front of the whole world!

Defending the capability of John' s system is easy since I have seen it and used it. The issue of showing long range kills is different. You asked the question " why" so I guess I' ll take a stab at answering it from both sides.

Why? - Well, the premise of what they may show is not based on getting really far from an animal and lobbing a round at them. The premise is showing that above average accuracy is possible and how to achieve it. It could help the guy that will never shoot over 200 yards as well as guys looking to become effective at longer ranges. With the proper conditions, you can have the confidence and accuracy at 400 yards that most hunters will have at 200 yards and the confidence and accuracy at 200 yards that most hunters have at 100 yards. I believe the core of the show will be average range shots with all types of weapons.

Why not? - Ok, here we go. Hunters are under the microscope of society. When airing a show about hunting, there is a responsibility to depict hunting in a positive manner. Some aspects of hunting require a little more careful handling when they are out there for all the world to see. Bear baiting, hunting mtn. lions with dogs, bowhunting, hunting with kids, etc. I would say that showing long range kills would fall under that catagory. If depicted incorrectly, it could have a negative effect but, as we all know from the quality of some shows and videos, any aspect of hunting can be shown distastfully or send the wrong message.

The issue of range vs ethics is is way too individual. With my recurve, 25 yards is comfortable, with my peep-sighted 45-70 I' m good to 150, with John' s set-up it' s time to buy a new freezer. If your making good decisions based on your skill, your equipment' s capabilities and the situation at hand, thats all you can do.

All types of hunting have their own challenges. I' ve been on bowhunts that were a slam-dunk and many rifle hunts that wore out a pair of boots and ended with no tag punched. It' s a personal choice what level of challenge to take on. A bowhunt that ends with a 20 yard shot could easily be less challenging than a rifle hunt ending in a 400 yard shot depending on the circumstances.

I' m glad to see John is asking for input and it' s good to see that so many folks are concerned with upholding our image as hunters.

Take care