I dont think there is a correct distance really, because it all depends on your gear. Whatever it is, you need to be able to make a 100% posative ID before pulling that trigger. Couple of years ago I almost killed a calf that I thought was a skunk (had a white streak on its face) thank god I got closer before deciding what to do. And It may have been an accident, but you definately dont get to keep the meat, mainly because you most likely didnt shoot a stocker calf steer, you most likely shot a cow. So not only did the rancher loose the physical price of that animal but all future revenue (calves produced) that said cow could offer.

This was the longest Dog kill for me. Lasered 410 yds the next day. Took a few shots to get my dope right. Video has some language. Longest Hog kill was 375 yds:



Not the longest hog kills but they were out there by the time I dinged them:



Shortest Surprise kills:



This is why I like the 5.56mm. Accurate, low recoil, and a proven killer.

These 250 yd running shots were fun too:



Longest Hog Kill documented:

Lasered a night shot at 323 yards last weekend in a tournament. He was yelping at us because he was down wind and busted us. Dropped dead in his tracks with a savage model 12 22-250 and Nikon prostaff 5 3.5-14x50 illuminated reticle.

bump

Shot a coyote at about 5 yards after it came across my legs when calling and an Axis at about 150 yards when it came out of a ditch just after dark on an exotic hunt.

Getting old and don't spend as much time stalking on foot.
Do spend time checking trails, checking feeders and waterholes for sign on the Honda Rancher but that's mostly during the day but do use it as a portable blind at night.
Most of my serious hunting lately has been confined to blinds that I set up 100 yards from the feeder/water hole.
I sight my guns in at 100 yards (day and night versions) so they are "on" within the target area.

With that in mind, most of my shots this year have been between 70 and 130 yards at night.
Shot one small pound boar with Photon 5x mounted on 16" ARP barreled 6.8 at 145 yards using a Streamlight IR illuminator.
Shot one 140-150 pound sow at 45 to 50 yards when I drove up on a sounder at the creek bottom at night with 458 SoCom.

Shortest shot came when hand calling and started hearing a bump under the pickup, kind of scared me, went back to calling and bumped again, leaned over and squeaked, a grey fox stuck its head out from under the truck and eased gun over and that's all she wrote.

Just thought I would add this 409 yard hog kill shot

Reaching out and touching someone...

Great vid

Bump for more votes on the poll

bump for more data on shot distances

Not a really long shot, but a pretty small target, 150 yards and 28 lbs.



I really like this thread! Good information.

I really like those videos. Never used NV, but used to varmint hunt in the competitions out of San Angelo every year...sure wish I had NV then, and the video capabilities. Thanks for sharing and nice shooting

330 yds on a yote with the lightforce spotlight is the longest
with night vision, 200 is the longest shot

Longest 10yrds Shoortest 10yrds Average 10yrds my math might be off. pistal, flashlight off wondering about the woods . upgrated to AR scope over laser under. still waiting

barked a tree.

Uh, unless it's a specially-bred cow, can't the farmer use your money to buy a replacement, and therefore the future revenue is still intact?

I hunt with a thermal and try to get within 50 to 75 yards. Usually can unless it is a sounder.