I agree. but neither is condoning a bad choice.
we've all made them at one time or another, so I am not by any means condemning him,. just suggesting that he learn from mistake ,in order to avoid repeating it.

I have no idea what his capabilities are, I know my own. while I believe myself to be an above average shot, I would not have chosen to attempt the shot he described. it was a receipe for disaster. I understand some are capable of doing it and I probably could , myself more often then not. but if I could do it only nine out of ten times, it is best ,IMO, to refrain.
IT is the duty of all hunters to know, what they are and are not capable of doing