But he didn't shoot. Even with a .30 magnum on a solid rest, you'll seldom hit where you want to at 400 steps. But these days, the hills are full of hunters who say they routinely kill game at 400 yards. Well, some hunters who claim long shooting have only their own estimate or the guide's as proof. It feels good to think we've shot long.
Guides know that hunters who feel good tip best.
And over time, distances can grow like weeds in a June manure pile because a hunter telling his tale to people who weren't there can make the range anything he wants. Long ago I shot at a deer in a stubble field. It was very far away, so I held over its back. After the third shot the deer looked around. At a loss, I held on the ribs and fired my last bullet and the deer dropped.