Advancements in technologies have made us more killers than hunters for thousands of years. If we would switch to spear hunting only, states could issue unlimited tags. We could all have sheep tags and hunt mule deer during the rut every year.
The few true long range hunters (guys capable of 800+ yards) are not a significant problem for animals. The numerous guys capable of shooting 300-500 yards are having a much more significant impact on the animals.
Unless we get new technology like lasers that don't require adjusting for elevation or wind, 10 years from now there won't be significantly more hunters capable of 800+ yard shots. It takes more time and money than most hunters are willing to invest to be capable of 800+ yards. You can spend $10K on a rifle and have a rangefinder and kestrel that shares data with applied ballistics in your phone and not be capable of even a 500 yard shot if you don't practice.
Trijicon Ventus for long range shooting** Rangefinder with wind mapping** How the Trijicon Ventus works** Trijicon Ventus and Ventus X laser rangefinders**
www.all4shooters.com
I couldn’t paste this article - sorry. It deals with technology that was originally patented in 1997.
This rangefinder takes 6 different wind readings out to 500 yards. Head and tail winds included.
I’m sure Burris/Gunwerks/Sig-Sierra and many others are looking and possibly already have this technology.
This tech will emerge and get better and 1000 yards or more is likely around the corner.
It will take the 300-500 yard shooter to 500-700 plus yards for example.
For now -I won’t even think of using any of the above mentioned (not good enough for me yet) but in a few years that could change…….
Records for small groups and distances of over 3 mile shots are being broken with the tech that has evolved.
You might be right about 10 years from now - but 20 years from now competition shooters might be left in the dust without it.
For now I rely on my skills that have been proven out in the field to kill/hunt/harvest -whatever you want to call it. Emerging tech is taking those earned and learned skills and replacing them with something I don’t agree with- but it’s here…….
Again - I don’t want anyone (especially an ethics committee or board) telling me what I can and can’t do. But the boards are a necessity to try and get ahead of the emerging tech - even if I don’t like it and I probably won’t.