Blasphemy!

[jfloyd]

I know this is blasphemy on a long range hunting forum, but here goes. I am more into getting as close as possible for my shots these days. It's more of a rush and I believe it's a different kind of challenge from a hunting aspect. Movement, wind direction , thermals, etc are all working against you and you have to account for than all or you are busted. There's no doubt that long range is challenging, I'm not even hinting that is not the case but as I'm getting older, I am enjoying close quarters encounters so much. I built a long range rifle 5+ years ago and was fully intent of taking some game at distance with it. First deer killed was at 12 yards…maybe that was my sign. . Heck, I'm going with a recurve next year for archery season! Lots of options and none are wrong if you enjoy any of them IMHO. . Any one else having similar blasphemous thoughts?

 

[Rick Richard]

They come and go…and come back again. I enjoy my long range custom rifles as much as I enjoy my Xbow, recurve and long bow. It just depends how I feel at any given time.

 

[MtPockets]

I've been bowhunting way longer than rifle hunting. In fact, I deer hunted with my Ruger Redhawk before I ever owned a centerfire rifle.

When I wanted to shoot longer, I bought a cheap Cabelas Red River .54 muzzleloader and enjoyed the heck out of Minnesotas muzzleloader season before they ruined it.

There's something to be said about being just a few short feet from a bugling bull or rutting deer.

I like shooting longer ranges, but I'd be the first to admit that long range hunting isn't my first love.

 

[Rick Richard]

Forgot to mention this cute custom 50

 

[memtb]

I'm a bit out of place on this forum……as my idea of "long range" is considerably shorter than many here!

I'd love to be proficient at long range but…..I'm not inspired enough to spend the necessary $ for the proper equipment, nor motivated enough to shoot (at) animals at extreme ranges!

While I will take a long shot to put meat in the freezer, within my self-imposed range limit…..it can't compare to stalking through the timber trying to be silent as possible and stalk up on a "sleeping" elk at around 10 yards.

That my friend is pure "exhilaration! Taking game at extreme ranges can't compare to that feeling! memtb

 

[imyourhuckleberry]

After 60 years of hunting I am not shooting anything so far that I have to stop and take a water break before reaching my deer or elk because it will be three times harder lugging back all the meat. I now prefer killing something closer like on the side of the road, preferably running it over with my truck. Sixty years begins to take a toll unless I had some of those sherpas that carry all the gear in the Himalayas .

 

[Varmint Hunter]

Forgot to mention this cute custom 50

View attachment 717194

Sweet rifle !

 

[MtPockets]

Forgot to mention this cute custom 50

View attachment 717194

That's too beautiful to take into the woods!

 

[Rifleman97]

That's too beautiful to take into the woods!

No such thing!

 

[sp6x6]

Ive arrowed a 6x6@ 3 yrds.If I have a chance at a nice bull at 1000 Im going to put him in the dirt w/ one of my 338NM.Which is more challenging than a 3 yd shot for me..

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

Anyone else have Blasphemous
Thoughts?
NO
I did that in my Younger days, crawling through the woods and fields with my gillie suit. A lot of Fun and rewarding. But I have been Bow hunting since my teen days and when bow hunting I have been close enough to touch deer ( never did it ) that will get you Hurt. I still bow hunt and my max distance now is 30yds.
The past half dozen years I have been trying to be better at distance shooting, so NO I want to continue Learnting Long Distance.

 

[Tiny Tim]

They come and go…and come back again. I enjoy my long range custom rifles as much as I enjoy my Xbow, recurve and long bow. It just depends how I feel at any given time.

I agree (I just substitute pistol for the cross-gun;)). Each has a time and place near to my heart. Depends on the terrain and who I'm with. I carried a revolver exclusively when my children began hunting with me (about 12 years), and gave away my compound in favor of a longbow. Long range is a very technical sport and I'm enjoying learning all the time. I wouldn't trade any of these experiences for anything.

 

[Ol' Red]

My long range on an animal is 650 yards or so. Closer if I can get there. I filled my doe tag at 50-60 yards this year with a Blackhawk .44 Mag. I can't shoot a bow.

 

[Deputy819]

I filled my doe tag at 50-60 yards this year with a Blackhawk .44 Mag.

Pretty good "poke" with a revolver. Nice!