I know my hunting loads ballistics because I developed the loads while shooting over a chronograph. With that info and using Hornady's ballistic program, I determine the longest range that my load has sufficient energy for a clean kill. For example on deer sized game I look for the range that still has about 1000 ft-lb of energy. I won't attempt a shot beyond the range where I think the bullet has sufficient energy. In other words, that is my absolute maximum for that particular game. Then I determine if I can shoot accurately enough at that range for an ethical shot. That depends in large part on the rifle, the position I can get in for the shot, and wind conditions. With a good rifle and load the rifle is usually sufficiently accurate for shooting at the maximum range. If that's not the case the rifle won't stay with me long. The longer shots allow time to get in a very steady position over a backpack or other support so wind conditions tend to be the controlling factor. I have taken pronghorn at 400 and 500 yds under good conditions and been out in conditions where a 200 yd shot would be too risky.

^^^^^^^^
The subject of bullet energy down range is very important; as you point out.

It really gets me to see these guys on TV shooting elk and other big game out at 700+ yards. I haven't done the math, but I'd bet the bullets they are using don't have the energy to allow them to be ethically used at those distances. Maybe I'm wrong, if so let me know.

I know that many of the modern bullets won't perform (expand) after the velocity drops to less than 1800fps (personal communication with Barnes).

I am a good shooter both close and far but a poor hitter.

Most recent The large bear I spoke of here a couple years ago. Quick shot, the bear had to be stopped in its tracks due to geographical boundaries. I had a great accurate spotter in Bucksnbears and he called 400 yards. It was 435 by laser when checked after.
One shot in one ear and out the other.
Thanks Bucks.....
The only bummer is I didn't get to see the pancake thru the muzzle flash like Bucks did thru his binoculars.
Osky

* this would be about my limit these days, a few factors thrown in may cause it to vary.

how windy is it? how hot is it? is it raining or snowing? is the animal walking running or motionless? is there a rest for the rifle. must the shot be made while standing or can it be made sitting or lying down? which rifle is in your hand?

no wind, motionless animal, good rest, good weather, right rifle, I'm confident of a good hit out to 600 yards. Usually though because of all the stuff I mentioned 200 is plenty far enough.

I have shot caribou at 400 yards .ONCE.....because I had to have that animal.

Normally I won't take any shot over 200 and prefer them 100 or less on large game.

My preference is 21 yards.........on a skeet field

We shoot out to 5 or 600 yards on a regular basis when practicing, most shots are 150 to 250 yards on deer and elk but can push that 500 yard mark due to terrain. But only from a solid rest at game that has no idea we are even around.

1.5 miles

Your bullet ain't swerving till the Earth starts curving.

I think this is one of those topics that could ruin hunting. I think some people will ruin hunting for others by their bravado and brashness about taking long-range shots.

To the non-hunting public there is some expectation that we as hunters are trying to get close to the game to harvest it swiftly and ethically. I think the public is impressed and approves of a hunter that gets within 40 yards or less of a big-game animal. I’m not say that it is somehow “better” but it usually takes more skill than approaching an animal to within 400 yards. The public expect some amount of expertise on the part of the hunter and a willingness to level the playing field by not taking long-range shots.

If a person wants to harvest animals at 400 plus yards that can be perfectly fine and ethical. It’s typically not what most people would call hunting. That is part of the problem, our modern hunting seasons are designed to both control animal populations and provide recreation. So it is both a hunt and a harvest of animals.



Let’s not forget about the nut behind the trigger. That has more to do with this topic then everything else combined. People who think they can make long-range shots will provide the impetus for the public to become more involved with regulating our sport.

Personally I get bothered by so much long range shooting at game on YouTube, both bow and gun. I'm sure some guys can do it under the right circumstances but I've seen too many 3 to 6 shot situations because people think long range is ok. Watched one guy take six shots at a deer several hit but were poor shots, and he put it on the internet. Hate to know how much it happens we don't see. I've seen people set up baits for 6 to 1000 yd shots.

Elk, deer and moose...about 350 yards. When I hunted brown bears, the guide didn’t want a shot farther than 50 yards, broadside and standing. The idea was to break both shoulders, and knocking out both lungs. ( that takes a good bullet) .They wanted the bear close to the water, with a lot of open beach between the bear and the woods. It was frustrating, as I had to pass up some 80-90 yard shots they i was confident I could make. My buddy had a 9 footer feeding towards him at 40 yards, guide held him up from head shooting him, wanted to wait for bear to turn broadside. As of a sudden I felt the wind on the back of my neck, the bear did turn broadside... and took off running 30 mph after winding us.

Compound bow and recurve xbow generally 35 yard max but I prefer closer and the max distance is also situational. I have shot deer with the compound at 50 and have never shot a deer with the xbow, but that may change this year.

I would hope it would be according to skill level. If capable take the shot. Period. I have heard far more horror stories from bow hunters sticking game and them running off, than from long rangers.

If I shot big game with a rifle, I’d probably do it from a ways away to make it more interesting.

Getting to within 100-200 yards and shooting dumb old cervids just isn’t that challenging and doesn’t do anything for me.

But I’m a bow hunter. So 50-60 yards is where the battle begins. I practice to 70, but doubt I’d ever try anything at that range on something live. 30-40 yards or less, much less if I got my recurve in hand.

I agree that hunters will ruin hunting.

But the reason is different. Ultra-commercialization and the pay to play mentality is what will do it and we’ll have nobody to blame but us.

And that ball has already started rolling.

As far as needs be...
Donnie

Depends on experience and practice dedication. I know what the #1 will do and what I can do when the situation calls for it. I pass on iffy shots but do not hesitate to pull the trigger when conditions are right at 500 yards +.

a few guys i hunt with love the long range stuff, i try every year to get em to play my game with no takers.
one doe i shot with a bow i pulled my arrow from the ground 6 feet from the base of the tree, killed a doe with a rifle at 30 short steps.
one of these days them young guys should get tired of the long range stuff and killed in close.
i can kill em far too tho lol 300 on a fat doe with my rum, 195 with a encore muzzle loader

as far as I know I can reasonably make the shot.

that will change with the game , the gun , where i am at and if I have practiced that shot.

In my life I've missed more deer under 50 yards than I have over 50 yards.