How Long-Range Hunting Works

It starts when we hit the terrible twos and begin to wonder just how much we can get a­way with before Mom and Dad step in and say no. They said we couldn't stay up past 8 p.m., but maybe if we ask for one more bedtime story or a last glass of water, they might let us see 8:15. It's human nature to push boundaries. Long-range hunting does this in both a figurative and literal way.

­Like all forms of hunting, sportsmen say they view their acts as means of conservation. By taking game, they're allowing for less competition in ecosystems for ever-scarce natural resources. Long-range hunters believe they are simply helping the sport evolve. Through the years, hands-on methods such as knife hunting have given way to guns. Long-range hunting is just another change to the sport that new technology has made possible.

With long-range hunting, there is a plethora of technologically advanced equipment to choose from, allowing inexperienced hunters to make accurate, well-placed shots. While some fair chase hunters don't see this technology as ethical, long-range hunters believe they should use the most effective methods to get an advantage over their prey. In the end, won't that mean they get the cleanest shot?

As with every good debate, it's time for the rebuttal. Go to the next page to read about the opposition.

Long-range hunting has its opposition, from both the outside and the hunting worlds. Because many hunters chose to follow Fair Chase ethics, they don't participa­te in long-range hunting. Fair Chase states that a hunter shouldn't have an unfair advantage over the animal he or she is hunting. The technology needed for long-range hunting is seen as an unfair advantage by many, giving this method an unethical reputation.

­Most hunters aim for a clean, quick kill, but that means hitting the target prey in a very specific area. How are they to do this from several hundred yards away? Missing the small kill zone means that animal will suffer a slow, painful death or maybe not even die. And though a bad shot at close range allows the possibility to go after the animal and finish the job, tracking down an animal hundreds of yards away is impossible. In addition, a bullet to certain areas will only hurt the animal but allow it to continue living an impaired life.

As mentioned, there is a lot of technology needed for long-range hunting and it's believed that a majority of hunters don't fully understand the different variables [source: Zumbo]. In these cases, the risk of just injuring an animal is very high. An untrained hunter attempting long-range hunting can be compared to throwing a hail Mary pass in football.

While this method of hunting doesn't pack the moral punch of some controversial methods, there's certainly a strong argument for both sides. For now, we'll just have to see what conflict new technology brings us in the future.