skeeter 7MM

Deerhugger11, I am in Saskatchewan. I hunt on my own, I go with guys but prefer to all go our seperate ways. We used to push years ago and sometimes still do in the farmland with bluffs and such. Where I spend most of my time, you couldn't push with 10 guys, big stuff...deer just run circles on you all day long. Yes I have made a 300 Yards plus shot on a buck once and dropped him. I stalked to that yardage, I saw him crest a hill not 50 yards following a doe...but nothing but star to shoot, I decided to run after him and b/c he was a good one. I stalked over 500 yards, but he just kept moving further. I could have and thought about a running shot at 250 range but decided to wait, my luck the doe stopped to watch a smaller buck come out of the bush...I quickly dropped the hairs and him. Laying prone on a hillside with nothing but snow in front of me. No way I would have got closer, in that situation. He was a 5x6 with a droptine and scored 188 3/8...what would have you done? As I mentioned I will only attempt the shot with a solid rest or prone, broadside shot and standing. I have witnessed a guy drop a 170BC typical at 419 Yards, missed him at 350...he was running quartering away and hit spine with a 2506. I wouldn't have shot personally, but this guys is real good. He practices 400 yard shots on yotes with the 2506 and the same 117 gr bullet.

Practice and knowing your limits is a must. I agree great gun and scope with a bad shooter is not going to do anything. However I have seen bad shooters become very good, by putting time in on the range. I am lucky always been a decent shot, but I practice more now and really have gotten better.

Sometimes getting closer doesn't work, ever been loper hunting...300 yards shots are the norm. Sometimes even the long shot won't happen, I pass up many shots that just aren't right...so I am not a oh lets wing it type. Everybody is different and has their own style. Even 121553, is different than me...but his style is his style. I don't believe you can ever tell somebody how far they can or can not shoot, get up at look in the mirror that is the guy who can!!!

Deerhugger1, make sure to put your clip in this year....haha. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

smokepoledoug

I use a 3 x 10 x44 but, it stays set on 4x unless I am at the range. You can buy a very good quality 4x scope that will work in most situations around the country much cheaper than a variable.

121553

Hold on there partner, I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers but I don't think its proper or ethical to promote the takeing of deer at 400 yds. There is only a very small percentage here that can make that shot, and I know that there are some that would take those kind of shots, but How many amimals are wounded and lost? Lets show the game we are hunting the respect it deserves. Have we lost the art of stalking the game? If I hired a guide to go hunting and he said for me to take a shot at a deer at 400 yrds I would request a more experienced guide or my money back.
Skeeter, Eastern Montana and Sasquatchian are the same type terrain and I am very familiar with the prairie/openland style of hunting. I have a lot of respect for those individuals who can continuesly make accurate long shots, but I feel the person makeing the post thought it was common to make 3 and 4 hundred yard shots on deer and what I was trying to convey is to let that person know that you can be very effective with sights. I am a primative weapon hunter and this is my style,(mostly) the ability to get close to my game. I did not mean to discredit you or any others who may be expert shots at 400 yds but those are far and few between as I do not feel we should promote these type shots to most hunters and we should teach them respect for the game they hunt. I always had(d) a lot of respect for you but to try to get the board to pick sides was not right. As you say,.... this is only my opinion and I am entitled to that. Eh?

skeeter 7MM

121553, first off I should appologize for my post last night. I sometimes get a little hot and then later think...why? When I replied again, I stated you have a system and way you are comfortable and I respect that...really I do. What made me go stiupid for the 15 Seconds was the stalk or go home thing. So sorry first off, been a little to much bickering going as of late(i am guilty)...and not the usual in good fun or opinion style. So sorry to all on this forum, which I think is a great group BTW.

I agree I wouldn't suggest 400 yard shots to every hunter, but also I wouldn't tell another hunter he couldn't do it. Really the guy pulling the trigger can only say that. I have the ulitmate respect for the animals I hunt, I often pass neck shots b/c I have seen what can happen on poor shot. I don't say don't, but I also don't say do...unless you know you can. Limits must be set and lived by each individual. I practice 300 yards shots...so I know my abilities. Most of my shots are 200 or under with the rifle. I am a good shot, with very tight groups through practice. I am not talking about hitting the range the day before opening day and dropping a few down the pipe. Rather a continual honing and practice process which consist of hundreds of rounds a year out of most of my guns.

As to stalking, I will always try to get closer if possible, but sometimes you have to decide: turn around or if the perfect shot and know the range (Abilities to make a clean kill) take the shot. In some cases I take the shot, but everything has to be taken in to account and really perfect..other times I say oh well nice animal thanks for the moment and continue on.

Primitive weapons is different ball game to a point. You still will have guys taking only 20 yards shots with a bow, yet others stretching it way out...again know your ability.

I bow, ML and rifle hunt, I spent equal time practicing and I know my abilities with each weapon. My main reason is I want to be 100% confident in my shooting abilities every time I take to the filed and know what I can and can not do. I strictly follow those lines and honestly in the past number of years never said OH DAMN I WISH I NEVER DID THAT or vv.

Again I respect all opinion and ways to hunt, that is yours. How can I tell you what you can or can not do, all I can do is provide opinion and my experience. Just maybe it may apply or you can find it useful in some way. I know I have learned and picked up many great tidbits from other hunter...hence why I come and hang here.

I do appologize for pitting me or other against you 121553, no excuse. I may have jumped to a conclusion on the &quot;High Horse&quot;, but it sort of did feel that way when you said &quot;150 or go home&quot;. Like you were better than me or others, which you may be...but I really don't need to come and hear that here. I get enough of it at home with the wife<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>!

Critter Gitter

Last year I got my buck at 330 yards with a 3-9x40 scoped 30-06. Cranked the scope to 9 power, couldn't hold steady enough to shoot while sitting on my 5 gallon bucket. Kneeled behind the bucket using the bucket as a rest, still not steady enough (with the buck fever and all). Laid down prone...rock steady. Buck dropped almost in its tracks. I would take a 400 yard shot from the prone position any day of the season.

121553

No problem on this end, I also didn't have any intend to put your style down(or anyone). I think you understand what I meant now and never meant any disrespect. Good Luck in Hunting the flat land, Bobby<img src=icon_smile_blackeye.gif border=0 align=middle>

stubblejumper

I use a very simple rule for limiting my distance.If I have practised regularly at that distance and am confident in the shot I take it.Otherwise I pass.If you don't practise on targets at 400 yards you have no business shooting at game at 400 yards.I use 3x10x42 swarovski scopes and have taken several head of game in excess of 400 yards.