RE: long range hunting?
This is an intriguing discussion. I've been following the replies, and trying to formulate my own thoughts on the matter. The "long range hunting" sort of sizes it up for me. I have little doubt that we have amongst us, those that are capable of taking the current technology and using it to deliver a lethal rifle shot on an animal at great distances. This strikes me more as being "long range shooting" than it is "long range hunting". IMO, dropping a lethal dose of lead on an unsuspecting animal at such long range really doesn't feel like it's very fair to the critter. I've always felt that closing the distance, and taking an animal when they have a chance to detect me was what it's all about. The closer you get, the higher the chances you'll be busted, and the degree of sport involved climbs accordingly.
I'm getting a little long in the tooth, and don't think I could take the available technology and utilize it like the long range guys can do. If I could, I don't think I would. While I admire the skills of these shooters, I have a philosophical conflict about the ethics of killing at such distances.
One thing most hunters have in common is a desire to be recognized for our successes. We all like to show off what we harvest, brag a bit, receive some kudos from fellow hunters, etc. MM is a prime example of this, and I think most objective non-hunters would find it's content to be very much acceptable. Anti's will climb all over examples of harvesting animals at ultra long distances, and I fear it'd be an easy "sell" to non-hunters that currently support hunting.
I have tried to envision how the non-hunting public would view us harvesting critters from such long distances. I don't think it'd go over very well at all if the perception of a sporting chance is compromised. As we try to maintain and enhance our sport, and our our image, I think we need as many non-hunting allies as possible. Most of these folks don't care one way or the other, and they tend to lean whichever direction feels proper to them.
In short; if you must shoot from a half mile or more, do it with conscience, much practice, and be satisfied with your skills without bragging too much about it. While I don't agree with this practice personally, I'm pretty sure there are people and equipment that can efficiently use this tactic.
Hogliquor