Is it ethical to shoot a deer past 250 yards?

[rudyglove27]

Agreed with Del in KS answer above and A + 1 for you sir!!!

[yellowtail3]

past 250? Not for me. I might think I'll hit it - and I might - but I shouldn't do it. Besides... I'm in the woods with a 30-30 or a muzzleloader most of the time, I can't even see that far. Even with a 30-06 or .270, that's a loooong way in IMHO; only do it if you've actually practiced at that distance.

[steve182]

The only deer i shot at that range answers this question. I stalked almost a mile in a snowstorm. I knew the deer would be in this secluded field feeding during bad weather. When i got there there were 7 deer in the field. I had to belly crawl 50 yds before i had a shot at an old 6 pt. I did and made the shot. Was it ethical? You bet. He ran 50 yds after the shot, but this hunt was rewarding because i outsmarted this deer. Doesn't happen often, when it does its totally ethical.

[kolbster]

it just really depends.

[lovetohunt]

Yes with a rifle, no with muzzle loaders and shotguns (with sabots of course).

[timothyfaw]

i would say no

[Huntandtrap09]

I would say no. It really takes away the thrill of the chase. Just sniping a deer isnt really hunting in my books.

[pumakitchen]

I think the decision to shoot over 250 yards should be based on several facter. Experience and ability is a big one, but you also have to consider the angle of the shot, the timeing, do you have enough time to get closer. You have to consider your caliber and bullet weight. What is the weather like, if there is a 30 mile hour wind, you may not want to take that shot. Every shot needs to be planned and adjusted according to the conditions.

[buckeye]

I think that it is depending on what you are using and ofcourse your shooting ability.

[Alex Williams]

It depends on the hunter's individual efficiency at such shots. They certainly should not be attempted in the field before numerous shots at that distance at the range with a rifle whose caliber would be sufficient for such distances and quality optics for said distance.

[MLH]

Del - You have a Hatfield? You're my hero!

Ethical past 250? I am not going to judge someone with confidence - funny things can happen at any range. Carelessness is something else, though.

[kjflorian]

Yes. It comes down to the comfort level of the hunter.

[huskerguy]

If you know you can shoot that far and be accruate I'd say it's ok. Just as long as you know how good you shoot and how good your gun is.

[bonnier-admin_2]

Your really asking, is politically correct to shoot past 250 yards?

[Sportsman Matt]

Depends on what is the effective kill range of the rifle / cartridge you are using. I wouldn't use my 30-30 past 250 yards, but I could use my 30-06 out to 500 yards, and the 45-70 out to 850 yards. But do I really want to have to walk 850 yards to track a blood trail? Probably not, so I limit my shots to 200 yards or less (my personal closest shot was on a deer at 15 feet on the ground from the end of the muzzle, and my longest shot at a deer with the 30-06 was 493 yards from a tree stand)