Elk @ 600 yrds

[JRS]

He is in great shape. And no this is not guided hunts. He's actually been hunting elk for about 15 years. He goes up there every year. He said over the years he's noticed that he gets several good opportunities to shoot and they usually are 600 yards and under. He said the last couple hunts he has had a great opportunity to make a good broad side shoot just across the canyon at about 550 yards. And that they had a difficult time getting to him any closer because of the wind and terrain. He said it would have been so much easier to kill the animal there and then make it over to it to retrieve it rather than trying to get over there to get a shot

With that much experience, Fred, he should have no question as to whether his quest is feasible. Has he actually killed an elk prior to this upcoming hunt? With a stable platform at that distance, it comes down to his confidence. If your friend can place a round or two into an area the size of a watermelon at 600 yards, and isn't shaking like a leaf in the wind, he should be good to go. If he would be receptive to the idea, I have eleven rounds of Federal Premium 180 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw ammo that I would be willing to send to him if he will reimburse me for the cost to ship it.

 

[fredhorace77]

With that much experience, Fred, he should have no question as to whether his quest is feasible. Has he actually killed an elk prior to this upcoming hunt? With a stable platform at that distance, it comes down to his confidence. If your friend can place a round or two into an area the size of a watermelon at 600 yards, and isn't shaking like a leaf in the wind, he should be good to go. If he would be receptive to the idea, I have eleven rounds of Federal Premium 180 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw ammo that I would be willing to send to him if he will reimburse me for the cost to ship it.

Yes he has take a couple elk over the years. But I think most of those shots were in the 300 yard range.

 

[JRS]

Yes he has take a couple elk over the years. But I think most of those shots were in the 300 yard range.

Confidence in his ability and accuracy will provide great rewards

 

[M14AMU]

Animals suffering??? Ethical?? Hmmmm.....I don't know if anyone has ever had a deer or elk hooked up to a brain scan for checking this out but I do think that lots of folks equate human pain sensory ability over to other animals! Deer/elk/bear wade and swim in ice cold water each and every winter but.....they survive where a human would die from that pretty damn quick without assistance! It's a known fact that if the vertebrae is struck by a bullet that the animal is down and out! Old buffalo hunters shot bison with heavy slugs and sometimes the animal would hardly give any indication that they were hit and just keep on grazing! I think there are lots of folks talking about things that they just suspect is true and can't really prove and as for being so-called 'ethical'.....maybe these folks should just stay home and take up golf....and only try SHORT PUTTS!!

 

[JRS]

Animals suffering??? Ethical?? Hmmmm.....I don't know if anyone has ever had a deer or elk hooked up to a brain scan for checking this out but I do think that lots of folks equate human pain sensory ability over to other animals! Deer/elk/bear wade and swim in ice cold water each and every winter but.....they survive where a human would die from that pretty damn quick without assistance! It's a known fact that if the vertebrae is struck by a bullet that the animal is down and out! Old buffalo hunters shot bison with heavy slugs and sometimes the animal would hardly give any indication that they were hit and just keep on grazing! I think there are lots of folks talking about things that they just suspect is true and can't really prove and as for being so-called 'ethical'.....maybe these folks should just stay home and take up golf....and only try SHORT PUTTS!!

Animals are much tougher than the average human, and handle pain in a completely different way. An animal's tolerance for pain far exceeds that of a human. Nevertheless, they feel pain and suffering. Animals are built to withstand weather, nature and abuse in a way a human could never understand, or handle. Animals don't show/voice distress and pain. Doing so attracts predators. That's the nature of animals... whether wild, or domestic.

Edit: For animals to show or voice distress, means certain death. Much like the flank strap used on a bull in bull riding. The bull doesn't voice distress, but once that gate is opened, he's going to take it out on you!

 

[284winner]

Animals are much tougher than the average human, and handle pain in a completely different way. An animal's tolerance for pain far exceeds that of a human. Nevertheless, they feel pain and suffering. Animals are built to withstand weather, nature and abuse in a way a human could never understand, or handle. Animals don't show/voice distress and pain. Doing so attracts predators. That's the nature of animals.. whether wild, or, domestic.

Not to mention there will to survive gives meaning that no human will ever comprehend.

 

[JimT]

Are you the same JimT that trolls this forum and bawls and wines every time somebody mentions a shot over 200 yards. Just because you can't do it doesn't mean somebody else can't. A lot off guns can shoot 2 to 3 inch groups at 600 yards. Shooting off bipods or rests make this easy. It is about proficiency with your equipment. Some guys can shoot smaller groups at distance then others can close up. I would bet more game is wounded close up by people who can't shoot and wrong bullet chosen. Matt

Mr. Kline, I am well aware of your accomplishments sitting at the bench and I applaud you for them. However, I do not believe those abilities easily transfer to actual elk hunting as I know it.

You see I live at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and am well aware of the effects of wind, altitude, ones physical conditioning and abilities, age, etc., etc., as they relate to hunting at altitudes above say 8000 ft. When you are in "good condition" at sea level you will be sorely taxed out here, especially if you do not spend the time to properly acclimatize. To hold that shooting from a bench wearing flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt is comparable to shooting across a steep canyon in a swirling wind from a bi-pod in freezing weather after you have hiked in 5 miles and your heart is pounding (both from the lack of oxygen and large doses of adrenalin) I just don't see you replicating your stellar benchrest groups.

BTW, I compete in highpower and smallbore silhouette and also spend a fair amount of time practicing from a fairly stable sitting position with a bipod and prone and have no issues hitting elk sized vital areas from a stable prone position (not offhand like a few others on this thread) out to 500 meters.

Of course, I spend much more time trying to stay in above average physical condition. I am also aware that if I take a long shot at game "because it is easier than getting closer" I can count on making four or more round trips over that exact terrain to retrieve the meat that is the goal of said hunt. This fact seems to allude many on this thread from what I can gather.

In any event good luck shooting this winter benchrest season!!!!

 

[M14AMU]

The best sure-fire way to beat the Rockies.....is to be born in 'em!!

 

[dkhunt14]

A lot of our guys are out there hunting now. The one guy left after match 9 because he likes to get there early. He goes from state to state hunting . His gun is way heavier then mine. It is a little over a hundred pounds. I know they killed two in Co. One at 2100 and another around 2300. We have a lot of guys that go out there and they have places they drive to. Good luck on your hunting. I couldn't shoot last year because my wife has Leukemia. I spent most the summer in Philadelphia at Fox Chase Cancer center. Matt

 

[284winner]

A lot of our guys are out there hunting now. The one guy left after match 9 because he likes to get there early. He goes from state to state hunting . His gun is way heavier then mine. It is a little over a hundred pounds. I know they killed two in Co. One at 2100 and another around 2300. We have a lot of guys that go out there and they have places they drive to. Good luck on your hunting. I couldn't shoot last year because my wife has Leukemia. I spent most the summer in Philadelphia at Fox Chase Cancer center. Matt

. Matt,
I'm sorry for that situation in your life. Hope you and your wife beat this terrible health issue. I know what your dealing with believe me. Stay strong and take care of her. God bless. My Best to you and her. John .

 

[Barlow]

A buddy of mine who is 72 years old killed his 30th Bull in Wyoming a couple weeks ago. A HEAVY horned 6x6 that was the second biggest bull he has taken. Public land, no guide (never ever) 30-06 Springfield, Mark X Mauser built by an old Smith here in town, 165 gr Nosler pt at 100 feet in steep and dark timber. It's a hell of an accomplishment. Barlow

 

[hogpatrol]

A buddy of mine who is 72 years old killed his 30th Bull in Wyoming a couple weeks ago. A HEAVY horned 6x6 that was the second biggest bull he has taken. Public land, no guide (never ever) 30-06 Springfield, Mark X Mauser built by an old Smith here in town, 165 gr Nosler pt at 100 feet in steep and dark timber. It's a hell of an accomplishment. Barlow

Whaaa??? You mean he wasn't shooting one of those shoulder dislocating, scope eye behemoths and got it with that obsolete caliber???? Outstanding!

 

[Barlow]

Whaaa??? You mean he wasn't shooting one of those shoulder dislocating, scope eye behemoths and got it with that obsolete caliber???? Outstanding!

I forgot to mention the scope. It's a Redfield 3x9 Wideview that has been on it since day one,. 35 plus years. Also camped down the road from us is a group of guys (12 or so) that were magnum crazy a few years back. 300 Ultras, 338 ultras, 300 Win's etc. Most have gone back to 30-06, 308,s, 280 etc. They still kill elk but don't have detached retinas and scopes falling off. Basically recoil and cost got to them. Barlow

 

[Uthink Uknow]

I think JimT says it best.
I think some are confusing hunting and shooting. Thousand yard shooting is when you hit the six ring and say darn. Hunting is when you hit the six ring and you wound your elk and it crawls off and isn't found where it eventually dies. A thousand yard shot is a straight line. A thousand yard hunt and haul is a lot farther than 1000 yards and as JimT said, expect four round trips as well. The thousand yard target goes in the trash can and isn't mentioned again.

 

[284winner]

I can't speak for all hunters but I personally don't look for an elk to shoot at that's 1000 yards out. I prefer to get within 600 yards. The other side of that is, I CAN in certain conditions make a cold bore shot on an elk (without wounding it) at 1000 yards and recover it without much effort physically. Distance doesn't mean 4 trips in and out with the animal. It can but doesn't always have to happen. On TV, it definitely looks like that's the case. There are places I've hunted where it's an easy job by quad or horse back to get it done. If your into a gridiron experience, sure walk it out. I do not like 1000 yard shots on animals in just any condition. I've passed up shots on game because of environmental conditions at almost half that range. Just isn't worth the grief. I've made shots in ideal conditions at that range perfectly as well. Soooo many factors to consider. Yet I still say, those shots are doable and ethical. Just not always.

 

[4xforfun]

I know for a fact that when my dad was alive he shot many, many deer up here in north east North Dakota from a golf course somewhere in Mesa AZ!!! He really could go LONG!!

 

[Uthink Uknow]

Wait one minute now. Not even Alinwa and CMaier could shoot a deer in North East North Dakota from a golf course in Arizona.