Originally Posted by
mountaineer magic
A simple question: If a person is able to make a shot, and the equipment is more than adequate, and the ballistics are more than sufficient, why shouldn't a person take the shot?? Whether it is 50 yards with a bow, 500 yards with a rifle or 300 with a muzzleloader.
The majority of hunters can't make any of those shots in the field. What you can do on a bench at a range, almost doesn't count.
Our local range has targets out to 500 yds. We have full size steel game targets. I can't count the times guys have shot at the full size elk target at 500 yds. Some took 5 shots before they could even hit it anywhere. Let alone consistently hit the kill zone. If it's windy. It's comical.
Just because someone has a scope. Doesn't mean they can hold it on the kill zone at 500yds in the field. The slightest little twitch moves the crosshair off the animal. Let alone the kill zone.
I have a pat answer when someone mentions a long shot they took. Which I know the yardage was probably half of what they claim. It goes like this.
Joe.....Hey Pete! I shot an elk at 400 yds yesterday.
Me...Don't feel bad Joe. You'll get closer next time.