Hunting range limit

[CJ6]

I see Wyoming is discussing a range (distance) limit for hunting.
In part they're saying it takes the fair chase part out of the sport. I haven't seen any suggestions as to what distances they're looking at though.
Regardless of what side of the fence you're on in this, how could a distance limit be enforced in the field besides physically seeing the shot and measuring the distance.

 

[wildcatter]

It really doesn't matter what they make up a law to make hunters responsible. Most hunters know when they have a very slim chance of taking a shot, but they take it anyways!

As far as fair chase, hunting on 10 to 100's of acres of wooded terrain Is much different than hunting in areas where 1000's of acres of open terrain with a tree here and there is the main area you're hunting. Same goes for hunting terrain heavily exposed to flat open areas to terrain littered with coulee's gorge's draws hills valleys and ravines.

This is as stupid as thinking a speed law needs to be assessed to M/L, handguns, Bows, and other weapons. Fair chase is done differently in different areas. It is boots on the ground, and getting within a responsible range for the hunter and equipment they are using! Next will be only responsible hunting allowed, another thing we will never see from all ever again! Yes, no names, they know who they are, but will never admit it, but this I believe is why we see all these ethical restriction being introduced to restrict all hunters!

To many Quigley Down Under, and Crocodile Dundee movies, influencing wanna-bees, and me too's!

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

A "range" limit on hunting shots is NOT on the public comment meeting schedule, Wyoming game/fish news.

 

[1K6BRA]

Creedmoor users will be exempt

 

[STOMP442]

Hunting ethics or ethics in general is a very hard topic of discussion. There are so many sides and opinions, and valid arguments can be made for all of them. That being said I don't think anyone or any agency should be able to tell me how I want to hunt.

 

[K22]

I agree with post # 5, you cannot force ethics or morality on people.

If you are a responsible hunter, you should know your approximate limitations. They are different for different people and different game species. There are so many variables in hunting (field conditions) and between hunter skills / equipment that it is difficult to state absolutes.

I am at the end of my hunting avocation. But when I was in the prime of it, I would often take a small portable field target in the field (farms w/ permission) where I hunted and test myself to make a shot in the vitals under field conditions at varying distances under varying environmental conditions. I did this exercise for varmint hunting to learn my real-world capabilities. The results were sobering to say the least. Nevertheless, I learned a lot which lead to improving my field techniques and equipment which translated to better field performance.

It was also fun, sort of, on slow critter sighting days.

 

[varmintshooter]

A man's got to know his limitation's. It's simple as that.

 

[CJ6]

A "range" limit on hunting shots is NOT on the public comment meeting schedule, Wyoming game/fish news.

Not sure if it's on a public input yet.

 

[Clancy]

I think banning equipment and ammunition from certain companies would be a lot more fair to the animals haha.

But, if this were my state, my stance would depend on the range they set. If it’s 500 yards, that crazy. If it’s 1,000 yards, that’s reasonable. Lots of influencer types are shooting animals beyond 1,000 just for hype, and that’s not right if you ask me. I want to get as close as I can. If that’s 100 yards, great. If it’s 800 yards, I’m taking it with confidence.

But, intentionally finding a shitty buck at 2000 yards and shooting him for clicks is bad for the environment.

 

[mikeinct]

If we were soliciting opinions on this topic..My personal best, is two shots on Groundhogs 810 yds. Both DIRT. Previous day, was my first really long-range kill. a Measured 753 yards, took two shots. rats. Big Game at those extended distances..Not for me, 500meters ..mike is unsure sometimes, 500 meters is no chip shot on a deer sized critter. ..Enuff Said..? by, Mike In Ct. Damit.

 

[mikeinct]

Creedmoor users will be exempt

nailed it, thumbs up all over. Mike in ct damit

 

[jds holler]

I don't know which country - or countries it is, but seems like Scandinavian moose hunting. You've gotta prove your proficiency before you can even get a tag. The logic of that is obvious, but most of us Muricans don't hold with that kind of control.

The beauty - and the ugly - of real freedom, is that you've got the freedom to be stupid if ya want. jd

 

[Clancy]

@jds holler I’d love to see that here!

 

[jxb]

Judging by how a good portion of the public completely or mostly ignores traffic laws, I'm thinking adding the rule is pointless. Besides, without seeing the shot it's not enforceable and they don't even enforce the laws we have now.

Best to just hope most hunters know their limits and will be ethical. I'm certainly not holding my breath on that one.

 

[jds holler]

@jds holler I’d love to see that here!

I'd love to see folks become proficient and responsible about the shots they might decide to take.
Do I want to see the government step in and create a law and regulate it -- OH HELL NO! jd

 

[Clancy]

I'd love to see folks become proficient and responsible about the shots they might decide to take.
Do I want to see the government step in and create a law and regulate it -- OH HELL NO! jd

I’m not a fan of most branches, but I do like game laws.

I know what you mean though. We have enough rules as it is.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

My first trip to Wyoming (hunting with Wyoming residents with 20+ years experience in the area) I was told be ready for a 500 yard shot. When I got there, no one had a rangefinder. I would pick out a large boulder(elk size) and have them call the range. Some of the guesses(rocks past 350 yards) probably would have been a miss on an elk. I still haven't needed to take a shot over 200 yards on public land or track any wounded elk. All drt.

 

[GotRDid]

How much do I tip the assigned F&W official that ranges my potential shots if he carries my backpack?

 

[dthomas]

Making that a law is just stupid. No way to enforce it and everyone and every circumstance is different. Who is going to be the one who decides what distance is ethical for all hunters in all situations?

 

[timeout]

These videos highlight how difficult hunting at long range can be.