hunt in colo. an have talked to quite a few hunters who say they shoot elk out 600+ yds
I'm not saying that there aren't people who don't shoot (or shoot at) elk that far away but they are for the most part full of crap. Some might think they are shooting that far, but they are way off. The open country makes it seem farther than it really is, from my experience anyway.
If you ever have the time/energy, take a elk decoy and set it up at 600 yards and see how small it is.