Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

The "sniper syndrome". I've hunted all over the world and have never taken a shot over 300 Yrds. And that was done with a 2.75" rocket against an elephant. Most my early hunting was done in the rockies so I know it's a requirement at times. I refuse to wound an animal and not recover it. I'm 68 but have 20/20 vision and I limit my shots to 100 +- 50 yrds on non moving animals. If I can't take out their running gears I don't shoot.

It takes skill, knowledge of the terrain and knowledge the game animals to stalk closer. I'm not the most experienced hunter and most of it has been from box blinds over feeders at known distances. Last summer I went on a guided free range axis deer hunt. There were no feeders on the property, no high fences. I asked the guide, how far are the typical shots? He said 100-200 yards off sticks because we know how to stalk. We'll get you a good shot. We drove around for 3 days, glassing from the truck, hills, etc. and passed on a dozen different bucks.

We finally spotted one on the next hill that was 800-1000 yards away. We stalked using draws to get around in front of him as he was coming up the hill. We slowly moved from small cover to small cover until we were 150 yards from where he should be cresting. We ran out of cover.. Set up the sticks and as soon as he started cresting the hill, I shot him the neck and it was all over.

I'm going mule deer hunting in West Texas with the same guide first week of December. This is West Texas so I ask what is the average shoot. He says 100-200 yards. I said OK.

This the ranch I shot the Axis. It was mostly open but he knew how to stalk the terrain and how the animals typically behaved.

You're not serious, are you?

I prefer them at 25 yards standing in the middle of the road.

I think having a long range hunt offering is a poor idea. How are you going to verify the ability of the shooter to make a 600 yard hit first shot in the field? What are you going to do when the paying client cannot hit the target after 6 shots? You are opening yourself to PO'ed clients and wounded game IMO. The owner of the range I shoot at has all sorts of stories of those looking to get ready to shoot game at long range. 40 shots, one hit at 700 and declaration of they are ready for long shots on elk. No hits at 500 but the rifle cost 6500 dollars and is capable of it good enough for me.

I think you are going to end up with the WANT to people and not the CAN DO people. My opinion is free so take it for what it's worth.

^^I agree^^

I'm all for spot and stalk, but hunters need to be prepared. I passed a 250 yard shot on a prong horned antelop because I wasn't confident.

After taking Fireman's shooting class and getting a better scope/rifle, I can comfortably hit targets at 500 yards. I prefer to get closer, but that luxury is not always available.

Not just hunting, there has been a surge in people wanting to get into long range shooting. Some are sincerely dedicated to sharpening their skills, but a lot of it is just guys want to play Sniper.

I think there is some really good information and food for thought right there, looking at it from your perspective of possibly offering hunts. The problem is, there are a lot more guys that think they have the capabilities, than actually do have them. Most 600+ yard ranges I know of you have to qualify to shoot on them before they turn you loose. I suppose you could have a test to qualify hunters when they showed up, but I bet it sure would cause a stink and a bunch of bad word of mouth PR if you disqualified someone when they got there. Thing is on a deal like that, folks are just going to be hearing their side of the story, and not yours.

Obviously there would be situations where you could do such a thing, perhaps with repeat clients that you know well, and have seen their abilities with a rifle. But I think that would be the exception rather than the rule.

Our newest national hero is the military sniper. A lot of drug store cowboys want to be just like them.

Sometimes you have to take a longer shot but if your consistently shooting game at 500,600 or 700 yards your not making much of an effort to get closer

I think the rush to it your seeing now can be described in one word, ego.

People want to brag.

I'm not saying everyone, but I feel like a bunch are. I don't have anything with competent people doing it. I'm not so I don't.

Very few people talk about how close they killed there game but throw in distance and they start talking. I'm guilty of it too.

Something to think about

One of the benefits to growing old I guess...if it ain't in 200 yards I'm not even seeing it anymore

To quote Dirty Harry ie Clint Eastwood "a good man knows his limitations"...200 yards would be a very long shot for me...my '06 wears a 4 power Weaver and my 243 a 6 power Leupold...but my hat is off to those that are able to accurately take those long distance shots...

rick

I agree, thanks...

Trust me I am worried about all your points. In order to actually do a hunt like this you would have to start it out with 2-3 days of one on one training and more than likely proper equipment. If the hunter can pass phase 1 then they could hunt. Problem is I think most guys would have a hard time passing phase 1 for any number of reasons. I personally cannot shoot past about 700 yards because the mirage and eye strain looking through a scope past 700 yards sends my vertigo over the edge. That is just one of 1000 reasons guys may have issues. I am pretty sure that I am scrapping the idea but that is why I asked the question.

Thank you for your answer.

Thank you

Thanks

Thanks

Lot of truth in this comment, thanks.