I am a long range shooter. I shoot regularly on my 500yd range and shoot g'hogs, rockchucks and coyotes to over 600yds. I also shoot .22 silhoette and hunter silhoette. I limit myself to 450yds or so on big game though. And then only when conditions are perfect and I know the exact distance. If I don't KNOW I can make the shot I don't take it.
That was exactly my point in my three part story, I have seen way too many people shoot at deer, elk and antelope way out there when they weren't prepared to make the shot. Many thought their new "super magnum" gave them liscense to blast away. They had now idea what either they or their gun could do. They probably never shot more than 100yds on a range.
I absolutely deplore a head shot. However, I am willing to wager there are many times more game wounded by yahoos with big guns at long range than there are small calibers at close range head shots.
We owe it to the animals we hunt and we owe it to the sport to use enough gun, know how to use it, and know the limitations of the gun. Preparation and practice, practice, practice.

BTW, I will probably kill my next elk with an 85grainer. Broadhead that is, on the end of a carbon arrow, launched by a 70# PSE bow at 40yds or less, and only if I KNOW I can make the shot.

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Ignorance is curable but stupidity is terminal.

[This message has been edited by Ol' Sarge (edited 07-07-2001).]

I agree wholeheartedly!!

Todd G

OL' Sarge,
It was odd reading your post, in that I have been thinking lately of suggesting to the younger members to try their hand at varmint hunting. Whether they're 16 or 36, the hunting of crows, chucks, coyotes, prairie dogs or other varmints will prove to be a revelation in regard to just what a good rifle is capable of.
I am sure you'll agree that from the insights gained through extensive varmint hunting, they will emerge as infinitely more dangerous big game riflemen. I know of no better way to acquire the skills, confidence and field judgement saavy than a solid committment to varmint hunting, early on.

[This message has been edited by Nickudu (edited 07-11-2001).]

Nickudu,
While any practice is invaluable, varminting, and especially at long range, adds a whole new element to shooting. It's a lot more fun than punching paper and it requires using field positions and adjusting for the conditions.
While shooting 1/2" groups is a challenge off a bench, hitting a groundhog that just pops his head up above the clover for a few seconds at 400yds out with your deer rifle is downright difficult.
It is simply amazing how well a dedicated varminter can shoot. Unlike the typical big game hunter, varminters may shoot hundreds of round each summer, and that doesn't include prairie doggers, who may shoot thousands of times per month.
Start with reasonable distances and as confidence build range increases.

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Ignorance is curable, but stupidity is terminal.