so a long shot is only ok after you exhaust all other means of getting closer?
If I can shoot 1/2 moa out beyond 1k, and I feel 90% or better confidance that I can make the shot, his chances of survival are very slim to none.
your better off taking a well thought out planned precise shot at 700 yards (if you have the proper equipment and ability) than a close as your gonna get 350 yard shot after a hurried stalk. with my method, I'm comfortable, I'm prone, a rock solid rest I know exactly how far the game is, I know exactly how much drop I have, I've taken a wind reading, adjusted said windage into my scope, I'm watching through the scope for several things, 1 being checking the bullet path for brush or twigs, looking for any changes in the wind along the bullet path, and watching the targeted animals body language to find him in the right position for a vital hit, and that window of time when I know he's not gonna move till the bullet gets there.
now which method is maximizing the chance of a humane kill? I'll take my method every time, not only for the killing shot but recovery is much easier and less chance of the game getting away wounded. I've used both methods a lot and I speak from experience.
and Bc, here deer hunting is a varmint shoot, until 5 years ago ya almost had to push them out of the way to set down.
RR