Hello Fairchasen,
I have been watchin this thread for awhile and I finally caved and have to throw my .02 cents into the pile!
For the record:
I am pretty much against "LR Shooting" AT GAME!!!
Let me state what MY definition of "LR" is. To me, any shot at a big game animal, with ANY modern high powered rifle, over 500 yds, is a long, long, ways. I couldn't guarantee I can make that shot on my best day! But that's me!
I stated in another thread that I used to shoot the Metallica Sillouetta's back in the early 70's (Google it!). That was a long time ago. My eyes were a lot sharper back then. My body was a lot stronger. And, at least when I started, I still pretty much knew everything there was to know about target shooting, , , all you had to do was ask me!!! (Suttle admission of arrogance that was promptly slapped out of me once the shooting started, , , and many times since)!!
The best score I ever achieved (we shot about 100 rounds per month back then)on the 500 meter Ram (that is 545 yds!), was 3 out of 5! The world class shooters would consistently knock over 4 out of 5, and the winners would often hit 5 out of 5.
I know your probably asking "what is this old farts point??"
My point is that there some very talented, capable, shooters out there. The equipment (technology) has advanced to a level that was unimaginable even 20 years ago.
IF THEY ARE CONFIDENT THAT THEY CAN MAKE THE SHOT, AND THEY FOLLOW UP ON EVERY SHOT THEY TAKE, I SAY, "MOREPOWER TO EM".
BUT!!!!!!!!!
IF THEY ARE SHOOTING OVER MY HEAD FROM ACROSS THE CANYON WHILE I AM TRYING TO STALK CLOSER, OR THEY DO NOT ACTUALLY GO OVER TO WHERE THE ANIMAL WAS STANDING TO VERIFY A HIT OR MISS,,,, THATS WHEN I HAVE HAD A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH "LR HUNTERS".
I guess it comes down to that old fashioned concept called respect, ethics, personal responsibility, and restraint!
Oh crap! I always get dizzy when I get up on this high horse!