Good question. I guess it is a learned habit. The USMC does not teach "offset" aiming commonly referred to as "Kentucky Windage". We are suppopsed to distance a target, then adjust to make the point of aim the point of impact. I use a scope that does have caps over the windage and elivation adjustments, bu when removed are target style adjustments that are numbered. It is easier for me to turn the elivation knob to a pre-selected number than to estimate. I tape a ballistics chart to the butt of every rifle I use. Next to the distance and the respective ammount of drop for my zero, I write the number I need to turn my elivation to as well as the number of clicks that ammounts to. After using this system for many years I can range a target (now that I am a little older I cheat using a laser range finder), make my adjustment, get in position, and then fire within 30 seconds or so, maybe less when I was younger. It becomes second nature after a while. Of course there are the situations where this is just not practicle but they are few when firing at a distance over 300 yards, most game is barely aware you exist at that point. I would venture a guess that most shots hunting are taken around the 100 to 150 yard range, and there I would not make an adjustment.

When firing at a distance you need to eliminate as much human error as possible to ensure a well placed shot. If you can eliminate the elivation guesswork in under 30 seconds, why not? You are already judging windage, at that distance it can play a role in a poor shot. You will be dealing with you own body, finding a stable position. I am not saying this is for everyone, and I know that many folks use a 200 yards zero, and make no adjustment when firing 400 yards, and are successful. This is just my way of operating and I feel it is more accurate and improves my chances of success. I would hate to miss or wound a once in a lifetime trophy animinal. Thanks for asking and good shooting.