You know, you probably should have just posted the pictures and said, "Hey, here's a great buck this young gal took this year", and you would have gotten the response you wanted, some "congratulations" and "good jobs". But, when you want to brag about 385 yard running shots, you're asking for critizism. The fact is, she probably couldn't make that shot 3 times in a row, therefore it many people's opinion, it's unethical.
It's no different than bragging about 1000 yard rifle shots, 120 yard archery shots, or 300 yard muzzleloader shots. If someone comes on here bragging about those shots, they're going to get critizism.
I had a buddy this year that was telling me how he could shoot 800 yards so great, I immediately offered up a bet on that and he ended buying gas for 2 hunting trips to Wyoming.
What I'm saying is, many people know that taking a 385 yard running shot is going to result in far more wounded animals than harvested animals, and that's not acceptable.
I'm sure the young gal is a great shot, and if she happens to connect on a another running shot next year, don't brag about the shot, just post the picture and say, "Hey, here's a nice buck that this young gal took this year."
And to the young gal.....great buck, good for you, I hope it was a fun hunt. The folks in this thread don't think less of you, they just want you to remember that you are shooting at an animal, not a target, and none of us like to see wounded animals stumbling around the hills. Always choose your shots carefully. Many of us have taken shots that maybe we shouldn't have, whether we connected or not. We all learn as we go.
Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com