A definition may be in order here. To me, long range on large game is 600-1200 yards. Making a one shot kill at those ranges requires some skill to be sure, but let's be honest, the kill zone on an elk at 600y is almost 3moa. If you have trouble making that shot from a solid shooting position, maybe you shouldn't be attempting the shot at all.
What about turkey? What is considered a long shot on a bird who's kill zone is more like 5 inches? Why am I even asking this question? I am fully aware that most people hunt turkey with a shotgun or a bow at distances of 50y or less, but I like to hunt turkey in South Dakota where a hunter is allowed to use a rifle.
Every year I try to increase the distance at which I kill a bird, if possible. My longest kill to date is 225y. So is that a "long shot" on a turkey? Yes and no.
On that particular kill I was standing and only had the trunk of a tree to brace against. I couldn't get any lower or more stable due to field conditions.
This year I attempted a shot at 720y! On a 5" kill zone, my rifle would have to be capable of 3/4moa groups, which it is. In fact it's a half minute gun all day long. I was able to lay prone and had all the time in the world. I actually felt pretty confident about this shot. I say "attempt" because I missed the turkey. My first shot was about 2moa off for wind. Fortunately because of high quality glass, I was able to spot my miss. I made that correction and sent another round. My windage was perfect, but I missed over his back. I was frustrated! I know I can make that shot.
I was just beating myself up over this for a day until I realized my error.
It dawned on me eventually when I remembered that I was shooting from an elevated position high on a ridge, down to a valley below. Long range shooters, what did I forget to account for?
Yep exactly, the downward angle of the shot! Anytime you shoot a far distance and a down or up angle is present, you must calculate and adjust for that. In either case it's an aim low correction. Had I remembered to adjust for this, I likely would have been writing about how I killed a turkey at 720 yards!
I guess there's always next year.
Still ended up filling my tags, at 175 yards. ;)
-Me
