Western elk hunt shot distance
- Thread starter MN300PRC
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Talyn
Emissary
There's really no cookie-cutter approach to things It depends on where you're hunting. The West has a variety of hunting conditions.
Not knowing where you want to hunt makes it difficult to assess what you're asking. But...
Some areas have more vegetation than others, thus range situations can vary from short to long. Real hunters try to get as close as possible for an ethical shot vs. the TV hunting shows that shoot animals at very long ranges with all sorts of shooting aids, mostly conducted on private game ranches, vs. public lands, under perfect conditions.
Also, whatever cartridge your using has it's own effective range which one should be aware of, as well as a proper bullet that provides the performance needed for elk.
Add in trajectory changes at higher elevations, than where your range is at, terrain features with swirling winds, and shooting adjustments for up/down angles shots.
I'd suggest if you can put shots into a reasonable tight group at 600 yds. during high-cross wind/bad weather conditions at your range you should be OK.
I've seen out-of-staters taking crazy shots at long-range in high wind conditions at the poor animals & likely wounded some. I can say ALOT about those types but forum rules restricts the use of certain language.
My .02
PS: If you're using a guiding service they should be able to get you to an ethical shooting position. If not, get as close as you can and don't take wild shots.
Not knowing where you want to hunt makes it difficult to assess what you're asking. But...
Some areas have more vegetation than others, thus range situations can vary from short to long. Real hunters try to get as close as possible for an ethical shot vs. the TV hunting shows that shoot animals at very long ranges with all sorts of shooting aids, mostly conducted on private game ranches, vs. public lands, under perfect conditions.
Also, whatever cartridge your using has it's own effective range which one should be aware of, as well as a proper bullet that provides the performance needed for elk.
Add in trajectory changes at higher elevations, than where your range is at, terrain features with swirling winds, and shooting adjustments for up/down angles shots.
I'd suggest if you can put shots into a reasonable tight group at 600 yds. during high-cross wind/bad weather conditions at your range you should be OK.
I've seen out-of-staters taking crazy shots at long-range in high wind conditions at the poor animals & likely wounded some. I can say ALOT about those types but forum rules restricts the use of certain language.
My .02
PS: If you're using a guiding service they should be able to get you to an ethical shooting position. If not, get as close as you can and don't take wild shots.
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HayesGreener
Ronin
600 yards is an extreme range for most big game. It certainly can be done with a lesser caliber, but I would not shoot at an elk with a rifle of less caliber than 7mm magnum or .300 Winchester Magnum for a clean ethical kill. Your caliber choice and your skill with a quality rifle and scope should define your limits. Even so, get as close as you can. Don't excede your abilities.
Retired Bum
Custom
I'd be very comfortable with a good accurate rifle in 30.06, and engaging out to 300 yds. My wife's Uncle guided on Grand Mesa in Western Colorado, and his go to rifle for elk, mule deer and anything else was the venerable Winchester 94 30-30.
Before the criticism begins, he had done this for years, and was born and raised in the area. He took me up to the area and we saw massive mule deer just out of the stand of trees at 50 yards from the road. The animal took four or five steps and disappeared. The trees were that dense.
The one thing that most people forget is along with practice on the rifle, is getting yourself into condition to hunt wherever you plan to hunt. Grand Mesa is about 9000 feet above sea level, and the area is rough. You're not going to ride the ATV up to the downed animal and pick it up and get it out of the area. Some areas, ATV and other things are banned from use.
Good luck...
Before the criticism begins, he had done this for years, and was born and raised in the area. He took me up to the area and we saw massive mule deer just out of the stand of trees at 50 yards from the road. The animal took four or five steps and disappeared. The trees were that dense.
The one thing that most people forget is along with practice on the rifle, is getting yourself into condition to hunt wherever you plan to hunt. Grand Mesa is about 9000 feet above sea level, and the area is rough. You're not going to ride the ATV up to the downed animal and pick it up and get it out of the area. Some areas, ATV and other things are banned from use.
Good luck...
Hertervillian
Elite
I’ve taken 7 at ranges varying from 32yds to 256yds. I’m comfortable under 300 and set myself up for those shots.
KillerFord1977
Emissary
Only take shots you are comfortable with. Have the right scope for low light. Expect to walk a lot. My last kill was about 250 ish yards, but my hunting buddy killed his at around 60. I’ve seen them as far as 500-600 but that is way beyond my personal ability. Mine was on a flat rolling plain and buddys was on the side of the mtn, that pack put sucked
Retired Bum
Custom
Sometimes here in Northern Arizona, I have walked to within 357 handgun range. I believe the gun writers want us to believe the elk hunting is always across canyon and the requirements are for the latest greatest whiz-bang cartridge. They don't mention archery and handgun hunters that routinely get within 40-60 yards of these magnificent animals.
You have more than sufficient rifle, now you need to be able to get the first shot, cold barrel, into a 5 inch circle at 200 yards, and prepare for the real work to get the animal out.
You have more than sufficient rifle, now you need to be able to get the first shot, cold barrel, into a 5 inch circle at 200 yards, and prepare for the real work to get the animal out.
125 with a Gonic G87, 120 grains of 3F behind a 320 grain lead slug. Darn few people can make a clean, humane shot at 600 yards in the mountains (Heck darn few can get decent groups at 600 on a range!). Despite what you see and read by “professionals”, in the real world it’s not that east. I saw Jerry Michulek hit a plate at 200 with a J frame, but I’d defy any normal human to do it…. An ‘06, 7mm, 300 Mag or similar at 300 or so is a far more realistic scenario
PieterCoetzee
Professional
IDK but anything over 300 yards seems almost irresponsible no matter what gun or cartridge for a game animal. IF you simply must shoot further then KNOW how your weapon and YOU can perform at distance and angles and in different weather conditions and KNOW how to read the wind, not just where you are but along the bullet path.
KNOW how long it will take for you bullet to travel that distance AND how much the animal can move in the time.
Stalking closer will make you a better and more responsible hunter.
Also remember that hunting isnt about KILLING, its about the experience and not every hunt should mean a kill. Its what makes the hunting all the more special
Get as close as you can, then get closer. Im not sure who said that but its been my hunting tactic for years.
KNOW how long it will take for you bullet to travel that distance AND how much the animal can move in the time.
Stalking closer will make you a better and more responsible hunter.
Also remember that hunting isnt about KILLING, its about the experience and not every hunt should mean a kill. Its what makes the hunting all the more special
Get as close as you can, then get closer. Im not sure who said that but its been my hunting tactic for years.
Talyn
Emissary
I've lost count of how many newbies and/or out-of-staters (I live in the largest state in the Northern Rockies) I've encountered at an LGS or otherwise who have said they want a rifle so they can shoot an elk at 1,000 yds.
98.6% of them obviously looked like they watched too many hunting shows that promoted folks to do so, were from back east or California, and/or were total green-horns.
And, like I said earlier I've seen folks shooting at animals in conditions & ranges that were not ethical. All out of staters.
Considering hunting in all states west of the 100th meridian is different, folks coming out to hunt should prepare & hunt according to where, when & how high they are going to hunt.
My .02 x2.
98.6% of them obviously looked like they watched too many hunting shows that promoted folks to do so, were from back east or California, and/or were total green-horns.
And, like I said earlier I've seen folks shooting at animals in conditions & ranges that were not ethical. All out of staters.
Considering hunting in all states west of the 100th meridian is different, folks coming out to hunt should prepare & hunt according to where, when & how high they are going to hunt.
My .02 x2.
Retired Bum
Custom
Unless you have the eyesight of an eagle, limit your shots to 300 or less. You have received some outstanding advice from people that have been in the areas that elk hangout. It's now up to you to either heed the advice, or ignore the parts you don't like.
Remember though, that is a beautiful animal you plan to hunt, please do it ethically.
Remember though, that is a beautiful animal you plan to hunt, please do it ethically.
Consider this. At what range can YOU (not your rifle) put every single round into a 6” paper plate at the range? That should be your MAXIMUM range, knowing that on a hunt you’ll not be shooting under perfect conditions, will have adrenaline dumped into your system, etc. Also, Hunting in the mountains is a whole different experience, esp for folks who aren’t used to thin air. You mat think you’re in good shape but most of us who live at lower elevations will be huffing and puffing just trying to walk. You WILL want a lightweight rifle. That 8-9 lb iron you tote all day at home will suddenly weight about 20 lbs