Well, my hunt took 7 hours just to hike in and out not including the shooting and cleaning time. I hiked out with a pack full of elk backstraps and tenderloin through the heaviest concentration of grizzly bears in the lower 48, in the dark, fighting a 40-60 mph wind sandblasting my face. It took me an hour to get from where I shot him to the carcass too. What's your point? Everyone is supposed to conform to your idea of range or "how to do it?" Were you within 20 yards? If you aren't within bow range some would consider you a slob hunter. Of course why shoot a 270 if you are going to get within bow range. Some think real hunters don't use guns, should I apply that standard to you?

You are looking down on a 500 yard shot because you can't reliably do it. Just admit it. Some people should limit themselves to 100 yard shots (some guys I have met that is giving them too much). Some 200 or 300. Some of us who used to shoot competitively and have a long range in the backyard to practice all the time have no problems shooting 500 yards or further. What qualifies you to judge?

Edited to add: The previous day I had that same bull within 80 yards but could not get a shot as he would not leave the dark timber and I could only see his hooves. I would happily have shot him that close, I was not LOOKING for long shots, just PREPARED for them, there is a distinct difference. I stalked hard for over an hour to get in that position. The next day, my last day, when he presented at 683 yards, it was in a non-stalkable situation. I was not going to leave empty-handed because a couple guys on the internet would whine because they aren't comfortable shooting that far. I am, and proved it.