400 yard trophy?
 

If you were hunting deer and a HUGE buck was about 400 yards away,would you shoot?And if yes what type of gun would you want?

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

7mmMag

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

325 WSM

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If I wasn't a good enough hunter to get closer than 400 yards from a deer , I wouldn't bother hunting .

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A .260 will get-r-done!!!

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Of the choices given the 7mm Rem. Mag. would be my selection. If I had my choice of any caliber,my 308 would be at the top of the list.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I would only ifI knew the range via LRF, had a solid rest/hold, conditions were optimal (no high winds, backdrop was safe, etc) and could not close the gap some.

7mm rem mag/700 BDL custom LH/Zeiss 3.5x10x44 scope is my main CFfor antelope to moose.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

i would let my 30-06 reak havoc on it.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

First, I wouldn't even fathom the thought of shooting a deer that far.
Second, what someone else already posted. If I wasn't a good enough hunter to get closer than 400 yards, I wouldn't bother hunting. Matter of fact, I'd give my guns away.

Third, I normally hunt with a 7mm and I've never had to shoot more than 75 yards in 10 years of gun hunting.

Fourth, I don't understand what the purpose of this thread is. 300 yards........I'd have to be damn confident and sure of myself and hope that God was watching over me and to make sure the wind was just right and I was more than 100% sure of my gun....get the picture?. 400 yards.....just plain retarded and unethical.

Finally, hell, even at 200 yards if a "huge" deer came out, I doubt very seriously I'd take the shot. I had a real nice 10pt walk out in front of my stand at 175 yards two years ago, and I didn't even raise my gun other than to look through the scope. Yes, I shoot at paper targets out to 300 yards but a paper target from the dollar store verses a live deer are two whole different worlds. Plus, I have a tremendous amount of respect for wildlife.

My point; anyone that shoots at a deer that far IMHO is an idiot and needs to have their hunting privileges taken away for life. Anyone that does that obviously doesn't have ANY respect for the animal, much less themselves. They don't care if they kill the animal, they don't care if it runs off wounded, they don't care if they completely miss. They are just worried about telling their buds at the local coffee shop the story. Its pathetic and I see these types of hunters all the time and they make me sick and I have no use for people like that.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

bullet head, you are certain welcome to your opinions. However to make asumptions and allegationsthat those who may shoot at longer distances than you have no respect for the game in which they pursue, don't follow up on the shots they have made or attempted, reason for taking such a shot and so forth...is a idiotic and the wrongthing to say IMHO. Shooting is a skill just like stalking an animal, while it maybe on a different level to you both require patients, practice and are not accomplished by all hunters (skill). I hunt on the ground so how would you feel if I said treestand hunting is for those who can't hunt game at eye level? If you use a gun and hunt in a tree you are a poor hunter and have no business being in the woods, fields, etc!!! I don't feel this way but it would be a pretty idiotic thing for me to say based only on the fact I prefer to hunt on the ground b/c of mobility and the areas I hunt.

I said I would take the shot only after everything was checked off the list, meaning it was a calculated desicion not a "hope and prayer". I have taken game at 400 yards but far more have been shot at 200 and under. I practice at distance but when I set up on game I try to make it a chip shot vs 50 yard field goal!

I have to ask you say you practice to 300 yards but yet you wouldn't shoot to 200, why? If I am not going to use a 300 yard shot I would see no use in practicing it. My mentality of practice is to simulate hunting situations and to determine my ability to set forth standards or conditions to adhere to when I get to the field. I know I will not take a shot of 300 yards without a solid rest, b/c in practice my results were less than desirable. I haveto much respect for the sport and game to let greed or a heat of the moment desicion cloud my judgement, through practice I know my abilities and when not to pull the trigger.;) Some don't shoot on whims, to make noiseor hunt for others opinions or to sound/be cool. I would not beany more impressed by a guy who told me he shot his buck at400 yards than a guy who shot is at 10 steps by sneaking up on him in his bed. Congrats to both for being able to harvest their animals with skill and effiecency within their own parameters. I have seen as many misses or poor shots in close asI have at distance. Many reasons such as not picking a spot but animal shooting, inability to control emotions (buck fever, rushing the shot,etc), inexperience, poor shot selection, etc.

Any way enough rambling my point is hunt the way you hunt, voice your opinion but don't make blind assumptions based on the only way you've done it or some local coffee row doof who probably missed at 100 yards but figured it sounded better to say it was 4 hun instead![:'(]

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Hm, im 21 and have hunted for 11 years. My largest buck was about a 35 year shot, yet the moose and deer I took this year were both between 250 and 300 yards. I was shooting a .300 win mag, and knockec both animals to the ground in one shot. I dont think I am an idiot, nor should I have my hunting privledges taken away. like Skeeter said, go nuts with your opinions but dont be rude about it. And yeah, stop wasting bullets @ 300 yards if you dont shoot over 75 yards. Maybe think about buying a .30-.300 too ;)

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Wouldn't have to think twice. Dead deer. I shoot long range all the time and know my gun well. I have personally taken over a dozendeer that were over 400 yds including one last year at 527 yds. Those were all clean kills and to this day, I have never missed or lost a deer with my rifle. My weapon of choice, is a H.S. Precision .270 WSM topped with a 5X22X56 Nightforce. The bullets are handloaded 130 grain Nosler Ballistic tips. Would I suggest that Joe Blow pick up grandpa's trusty ol' Winchester and fire away. Certainly not. But with good equipment, a good rest, and an experienced shooter that knows what his gun is doing at that range, thereis no reason to pass that shot. The military has been using.308s and 30-06sfor decades to shoot people at ranges much further than 400 yds. Hell, they're expected to hit targets consistently at 500 with iron sights. Don't tell me I can't hita deer at that range with a faster, flatter shooting rifle with a 22 power scope on it.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

When you get to be MY age you cant even SEE 400 yars much less shoot at a buck that far away ..... however if I were going to shoot my weapon of choice would have to be the proven sholder held bazooka ...that way close would count !

dd

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

First: I see you have never hunted power lines!

Second: You should be using a .30-30 and not a 7-Mag if you have only shot 75yds in 10yrs of hunting!

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Down here, unless you are hunting powerline/pipeline right-of-ways, Whitetail hunting is not normally a 400 yard sport, and as my friend DD said I can barely see that far anymore!:(;)!
Personally, I would not take that long of a shot! IF, you practice a lot at that range and conditions are PERFECT, then go for it!
As for making the "hail Mary" shots, that is a peeve of mine! I respect the animal and the sport too much for that!
A "no shot" is a "NO SHOT" even if its a lifetime buck!
You hear it all the time,"I wouldn't normally have tried a shot like that, but it was so big, I had to try!" BS!

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

WOW........ makes 20 yards with a bow seem awfully close [:-].

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

After reading all of the replies I think I would shoot. My friend in Missouri has 2 nice deer mounts and they were all at 300 yds. If you can shoot and see the animal through the scope ..why not. I hunt brush country though so my tirdy tirdy Marlin is all I'll ever need. If I ever move to the open country I'll buy me a gun that shoots flat at 400 yds. I believe a 270 may do the trick.;)if not I'll ask Rebel Hog to stir me in the right direction.
c7

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

300 mag

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Chuck, many here have never hunted Power Lines and taken shots @ 300 or 400yds. Many have never hunted out West.

For 200-250yds I would use the .270 with a Zeiss or Leupold scope and for 300-400yds the 7mmMag with the same scopes, but them days are over for these worn out eyes.:)

These days I'm shooting a 6.5mm Ruger and try to keep it @ 200yds.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I'd use a 7mm-08 elk load.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Heck, I don't even like taking a 100 yard shot. LOL

Things will change now, I've got a bigger scope, better bullets, etc... but I shoot with a muzzleloader, and if I shot more than 150 yards, I'd have to be shooting across two other landowner's land... not an option for me. If I were going out West for larger game on the open range, I'd buy me a gun that could handle 250 and I'd practice my little toosh off until I was 100% confident in taking it. I don't think I would even *consider* a shot over 250, even if I practiced at 300 or even 400. My vision isn't that good and I just wouldn't take the chance of not being able to pinpoint the exact spot I shot the deer trying to pick up a trail.

If you hunt an area that accomodates long shots, you have the proper equipment, and you can't get any closer, good for you. I have no problems with someone ELSE doing it, it just isn't for me.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

.

So your saying that shooting at longer distances thanme have no respect for the game in which they pursue, don't follow up on the shots they have made or attempted, is ok to do???



I never said anything about anyone "being" on a different level than anyone else. I've got more shooting skill than your average hunter, I was in the marines for 18 years!!! Weshoot at barrels with open sites at 500 yards!!! Now to address your statement, if a hunter has skill enough to shoot a deer at 400 yards does that mean he should take it? NO, longer distances allow a greater chance of error. At 400 yards a a slight breeze will throw your shot off.

Apples to oranges.

No, but if you shoot at a deer at 400 yards IMHO one doesn't have any business in the woods. He should have his license to think taken away as well.

Do whatever you choose and feel comfortable with.

Now your starting to sound like you have some sense.

I had some guys in my unit that went on to sniper school and I still keep in touch with them to this day. even they wouldn't take a shoot at a deer at 400 yards. You must be quiet the marksman.

I practice because I can and its my free will to do so. I may practice at 500 yards, what does it matter? It doesn't..

Why in the hell not, do you not like to have fun when shooting? do you not like to see how far you can hit the target (PAPER), that makes no sense to me. Of course not alot in this thread does make much sense to me either.

Ok so my point is this; if your 100/100 at 400 yards, the wind is perfect, you'd bet your life you could do it, you could go to some type of military marksmanship school and blow all of the cadets out of the water, you have perfect light, no burrs or anything on your shell, your barrel is super clean and you think you can take it..............this is where we differ. I still wouldn't take the shoot because 99 times out of a 100 you may hit it but there’s that one chance and at 400 yards, that one chance turns into a big chance that your going to fk it up and miss or worse, wound the animal. That’s why I won't, nor will I ever shoot out that far. My own personal for DEER HUNTING is no further than 100 yards. thats because killing a deer for meat or for bragging rights, isn't so important to me that I have to risk that 1 out of 100 chance to wound or miss. Does that mean I can't shoot further than that? To you, you'd assume that, but in reality, no it doesn't. I'm not willing to risk wounding an animal.

My "blind" assumptions come from 15 plus years of being around idiots that think they can take the shoot. I've seen it too many times. It doesn't matter what you or anyone else says or how many people reply to this thread and say they would do it and they practice and practice etc, I still think its poor hunting ethics.

Apples to oranges. These "military" guys you speak of have been to sniper school and went through many months of training. They are far better shots than the average joe hunter. Having a human in your sights and a deer in your sights are two very different things. Even having a deer in your sites and having a paper target in your sites are also two VERY different things.These guys could take your head off at 1000 yards with a .22 if they so desired. They are trained killers because they don't want to be killed. Is a deer going to kill you? NO. Is a deer worth wounding because you think you can shoot at 400 yards like the "military" guys do? NO This isn't the army, you’re not a sniper, your an average joe hunter who wishes to kill a deer. Your life isn't depending on the fact that you must kill that deer at 400 plusyards. Its just plain silliness and not worth the risk.

Bottom line, I won't do it because it ain't worth it. If I do have the skill, orif I don't have the skill, it doesn't matter, this is where respect for the game comes in to play. Its not worth the RISK, weather or not I can fkn do it or not, DOESN'T REALLY MATTER ITS RESPECT FOR THE GAME, I AM NOT WILLING TO RISK IT JUST TO KILL A DEER. thats my oppinion on it and I'm done.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Bottom line, I won't do it because it ain't worth it. If I do have the skill, orif I don't have the skill, it doesn't matter, this is where respect for the game comes in to play. Its not worth the RISK, weather or not I can fkn do it or not, DOESN'T REALLY MATTER ITS RESPECT FOR THE GAME, I AM NOT WILLING TO RISK IT JUST TO KILL A DEER. thats my oppinion on it and I'm done.


there ., now that is how you should have said it the first time.,IMHO

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Don't put all the guys that went to sniper school in one boat. we get together once a month and shoot eggs at 400 and 500 yards and beleave me we will take a 400 yards shot in a min. In the school you learn to kill a man with one shot at 500 yards so whats the big deal with deer.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE IDIOTS THAT I AM TALKING ABOUT THAT SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED TO HUNT.

Ok there, good job. I get together with my buds and we shoot fleas off the backs of frogs at 3000 plus yars.:eek: As I said many times incase you missed it. so I doubt you do shoot eggs at thatrange because you can't even see the words "ability or skill" 2 feet infront of you, or however close your nose is to the screen. Its not ability/skill I am talking about, its respect for the animal. From your ignorant statement "whats the big deal with deer" you have no respect for the animal. "whats the big deal with deer" LOL your a jackass. thats the worse attitude I've ever heard. ..................."whats the big deal with deer".......................HAHAHAHA

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Well you have went to the bottom and are acting like a spoiled 2 year old who did'nt get his way. You go to the bottom of the barrel and start calling people names. Which means you have nothing else inportant to say. I was stating a FACT about shooting eggs I guess if you are not good enough to do it no one else can A typacal man trying to build your self up to look good But you are just one more low life trying to feal good about yourself.grow up and stop fealing sorry foreself. Keep trying you will get to be a better shoot.

That ends this thread for me I don't have time to talk to mineless people like you. bullet head.

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Watch him walk away. Did that last year and he came back by around 75 yards the next morning. He's on my wall and I didn't wound him...

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400 yard shots in Wyoming are not all that uncommon.................

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I would be hard pressed to poke out that far. Off a bench, yes I would consider it. Out ofa stand with out a proper rest, no, can’t say I would. I do regularly shoot 250 out of a stand and don’t see a problem with that distance. Basically it comes down to what you are comfortable with. We really don’t need this to become a pissing match. Keep your cool all.

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AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Coming on here and saying that people that take shots 400 yards and more should have their license taken away is just a stupid way to look at things. Just because you dont doesnt give you the right to bash everyone that does. Me personally have taken deer out to 600 yards and will do it again if given the chance. I'll also admit that its not something everyone should do because I know people that couldnt hit the broadside of a barn standing inside it.If you know your rifle good enough and how to adjust for wind then take the shot your confident with. There is nothing unethical about it unless you havent practiced and are just shooting to see if you can hit it. Sorry for the long post it just pisses me off when fellow hunters bash others because they think everyone should hunt and do things the same way they do.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Haha, Wyotg, I was thinking the same thing. Not a lot of late season antelope and mule deer hunters on there are there?

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

NOT at all but rather a remark to your original post(quote below). Youwere assuming those who may take a longer shots don't respect the game or follow up on their shots, etc. I was stated this is assumption on your part, which isn't fair nor true. I personally have never not followed up on a shot I have made or attempted it is the my responsibility as hunter to do so. I pride myself on ethics, respecting game and sheer love of this sport/the animalsI pursue. Who are you to tell me I'm nor ethical, respectful or shouldn't be in the woods hunting??


No I did, just an example of skills that a hunter my use but not all will be mastered by the masses.

I don't consider myself "quiet the marksman" however I practice a lot, know my abilities/limitations and equipment. I never take a shot that I am not 100% sure I can make, they are a calculated desicions. If one thing is missing off my checklist the deer,antelope, elk, moose,etc gets a walkingpass no if, and or but!!!

HeyI was just curious thats all. I already statedI practice to simulate hunting so noI don't shoot at ranges just to see ifI can hit it. Part of this practice is actually getting out in field conditions(off a concrete range bench)and shooting at different ranges/conditions soI can set forth my limitation for hunting. This would include taking in account wind drift, etc

I never assumed anything..you have been. LikeI stated abovejust curious, thanks for abliging me.

I don't consider myself an expert being this is only my 26year hunting big game and Itoo have seen my share of idiots as well but I will not paint everyone with the same brush.

Your welcome to your opinions but expect a rebutal every now and again from those who just don't consider themselves idiots or low on the ethics pole. I have no issues with what you deem as acceptable for your hunting/shooting/etc. Good for you for sticking to your own standrads its a personal sport so all that matters is you. However please don't question mine with assumptions or demeaning remarks b/c you don't have a sniff about me, my abilities or passion. I take this sport very seriously, it is really an addiction if you will, as hunting season is a 12 month a thing for me not a day, week or month.

Have a good one:)

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

and for 300-400yds the 7mmMag with the same scopes, but them days are over for these worn out eyes.:)
Rebel Hog

Thanks Reb....When I buy my nest gun I'll keep that in mind for sure 7MM. Looks like those on the POLL agree too.
I got a stupid question.Would the 7MM be good for short ranges too??
C7

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I shot my mule deer buck last year at 389 yards with a .270 and dropped him in his spot.

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Chuck, my driveway is 1200ft (400yds) and it's a piece of cake for the 7mmMag!

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

"I would be hard pressed to poke out that far. Off a bench, yes I would consider it. Out ofa stand with out a proper rest, no, can’t say I would. I do regularly shoot 250 out of a stand and don’t see a problem with that distance. Basically it comes down to what you are comfortable with. We really don’t need this to become a pissing match. Keep your cool all."

Now that's the most sensible post on this thread....

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I have a semi related question to this topic...

For you people that shoot deer at 400 yards or greater, do you get satisfaction out of it? Do you get the adrenaline rush that you get having them up close? Do you get the same heart pound?

At 400 yards you could do jumping jacks, fart, talk, etc.... before you take the shot. When they are inside say 100 yards, you obviously have to be more calculating in your movements. You have to pick and choose the right time as you know. The closer they are the more it matters.

Seems to me that a 400 yard shot would be pointless because I would get zero gratification from it. I'd say if you want to use your skill as a marksman go to the range and do it. If you want to use your skill as a hunter, get them closer.

Just my opinion. I'm not trying to start another debate here. I seriously want to know the if there is satisfaction pertaining to "the hunt" with shots at that range. I have no idea what it's like because the longest shot I've ever taken at a deer was probably 70 yards with a shotgun.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Ah, got to have a stand with Rifle rest! Or be in the sitting or prone position and havea good scope.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I personally won't shoot that far but that is because my equipment and ability prohibit it. I watched a show recently on some guys that were hunting yotes at 700+ yards. They had a flat shooting gun with a large heavy barrel and a ranging scope. They did a yardage check on the target, dialed in their scopes and shot from a bipod and dropped the yotes like a stone. The longer shots were what they were looking for and their sport was made better by the fact that they could. My hat is off to them for their ability.