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...if you are shooting at what I call ethical ranges, ie 350yards or less.

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Why would your "ethical ranges" apply to anyone else that has the skills and equipment to exceed them? And without a rangefinder, how do you know the range is not over 350 yards?? Or can you really tell the difference between 340 yards and 360 yards?? I didn't think so.

This is from the GEAR chapter in the book, "How To Hunt Coues Deer." It seems I wrote it with you in mind.

RANGEFINDERS
Some folks think of a rangefinder as one of those �for the guy who has everything� items. Yet knowing the exact distance from your position to a deer can mean the difference between missing it, killing it or seeing it run off wounded. With the popularity of glassing game from afar, knowing the range is even more important now as more hunters are taking long 350 to 500-yard shots.

A rangefinder can be quite handy to have even if you�re a guy who recognizes his shooting limitations and sticks to short-range shots. In this case, a rangefinder will quickly let you know when you�re within those limitations.


Maybe if you bone up on ballistics and start using a rangefinder, even your "ethical ranges" would increase. -TONY

[ 08-22-2003, 23:02: Message edited by: Outdoor Writer ]

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I don't really mind it if locals get a break on non-Federal land but it sure does burn my butt when the rest of us don't get an even break on Federal land

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Hey, anyone can come out here to AZ and use the "federal land" all they want. Heck, millions of people do it every year just as they do in CA. What they can't do, however, is kill our game, which belongs to the state, not the feds! Unless they pay a tidy sum for the privilege, of course.

Maybe one of these days they'll raise the NR tags high enough where I can get an elk tag or hunt the North Kaibab again. Or, I might even draw a bighorn permit, which I haven't been able to do in 40 years of trying!

This year, I was shut out on every drawing in AZ, including deer. So that I don't go into withdrawal, I'll be heading to BC to hunt elk in an area that will be open for the first time ever. -TONY

[ 08-27-2003, 00:54: Message edited by: Outdoor Writer ]

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Originally posted by beemanbeme:
ruffhewn, you are right about the drop between 300 and 400 yards. I thought I was quoting from a Speer reloading manual but when I went back to it the words had changed.
I still stand by my point tho. Maybe while sage rat shooting a ranger might be a cute toy but for "real life big game hunting" they are not needed if you are shooting at what I call ethical ranges, ie 350yards or less.

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Originally posted by Outdoor Writer:
Good thoughts, Rick. If I had to guess, I would say 75% of hunters can't accurately judge range beyond 200 yards to within 25 yards. In rugged terrain, across canyons, etc., that % probably goes up to closer to 90%.

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Originally posted by Outdoor Writer:
DB Bill,

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I don't really mind it if locals get a break on non-Federal land but it sure does burn my butt when the rest of us don't get an even break on Federal land

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Hey, anyone can come out here to AZ and use the "federal land" all they want. Heck, millions of people do it every year just as they do in CA. What they can't do, however, is kill our game, which belongs to the state, not the feds! Unless they pay a tidy sum for the privilege, of course.

Maybe one of these days they'll raise the NR tags high enough where I can get an elk tag or hunt the North Kaibab again. Or, I might even draw a bighorn permit, which I haven't been able to do in 40 years of trying!

This year, I was shut out on every drawing in AZ, including deer. So that I don't go into withdrawal, I'll be heading to BC to hunt elk in an area that will be open for the first time ever. So maybe I'll see one of these guys. -TONY

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Where in BC is this newly opened area? I didn't see it in the regs?

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Originally posted by Outdoor Writer:
Gatehouse,

Area 7A. Must have a 6-pt. or better on one antler. I'll be hunting with the same outfitter I hunt bear with there. -TONY

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Oh yeah..I see it now

Good area...Lots of stuff to hunt around there

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Originally posted by A.E. Walsh:
...just thought I'd drop in and take it on the chin. But as your slugging away, I also thought I should give you a bit more info on the points you've made, as 2,500 words per story isn't enough to go into all the details.

The point was made about not crawling further into the Fortress of the Rams...First of all, there were no sheep. And given that we were hunting sheep and running out of precious time, the guide made the decision to get back on our horses and check other areas. Old Fart: I'm not sure were you read that "Walsh decides he doesn’t want to climb the mountain," but just about all comments that followed bought into your words as Gospel...you should be a writer!

And to Pete, Quail Wing, my job as a writer is to write about my experiences and relate those to others. One thing you will always find in my writing is honesty: when I miss, I will say so, and when I'm tired, I will also say so. (Would you rather I lie?) If you have never been exhausted hunting elk, then I admire your stamina. But having grown up hunting elk in the straight-up-and-down rainforests of western Oregon, I've busted my hump after elk...and blacktails, and bears. I know a hard hunt, and I enjoy a hard hunt, contrary to popular belief.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the article. Maybe something down the road will catch your interest. Until then, you can e-mail directly if you'd like; I'd be happy to answer your concerns directly: awalsh@nrahq.org

Best regards,

Abe

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