Some opinions please, did I mess up?

[sy247]

I shoot at 1000 yards on the range but pretty much all my shots on deer have been taken at under 150 yards, mostly under 120, usually muntjac, cwd and roe although I have shot a few red recently. I did shoot a red at 250 in Scotland.

I find shooting deer completely different to paper punching. My priority is to minimise the chance of injury. I don't want to have to hold over. I havent got a scope that i could dial elevation on and wouldn't want to. Wind is an important factor once range increases. I'm shooting off sticks, often with cold hands. It's couldn't be any more different to laying down prone or sitting at a bench knowing that there are going to be no consequences apart from missing the paper if I get it wrong.

 

[HonestJohn]

It’s admirable the OP posted such an honest account of the stalk. I hope he takes all input as constructive and not as criticism, as I’m sure we all aim to be constructive and not judgemental.

 

[sy247]

It’s admirable the OP posted such an honest account of the stalk. I hope he takes all input as constructive and not as criticism, as I’m sure we all aim to be constructive and not judgemental.

Absolutely agree. I made a mistake and spined a muntjac the other day. What we do isn't an exact science. These things happen. Learn from the experience and move on.

 

[AGR]

The good thing if it got away alive, is the other two were likely kids that would have been left orphaned a wee bit too early.

Really?

 

[HonestJohn]

Really?

Yes, if the one shot at was a mature doe (mentioned), and two more were visible (likely followers), it would indeed be good if it was a miss. Unless one thinks depriving kids in January is a good idea of course

 

[SaOsborne]

Once you get out to that sort of range wind becomes the biggest elephant in the room (or field). I can range and dial in drop and am confident at that, but guessing wind speed and drift is so much more challenging. I too have taken shots on roe out to 320, but as you have found, it rarely works out well for either party. On one occasion, I dialled in great, little wind, took the shot to see the animal turn as I squeezed, straight in the haunch, a follow up and despatch later, suffering for the animal, no more , its not fair, reasonable or responsable, I learnt my lesson a few year ago and wont be repeating it! I was out a fair bit in December, but found pushing beyone 150 a no go as most days I had strong winds gusting at between 10-15 Mph and higher on some, really making me cut distances to avoid risk of injury. There is allways another day.

 

[ashray]

my mentor<god rest his soul> insisted that if i could not get to 100 yards OR LESS leave the shot for another day. i managed deer for 17 years and found his advice extremely good. i am thankful i stopped deer stalking four years ago as i now see thermal, night vision ,john wayne types out "STALKING" trying to cull deer at stupid ranges but that the way stalking has gone.

 

[Mr. Gain]

Yes, if the one shot at was a mature doe (mentioned), and two more were visible (likely followers), it would indeed be good if it was a miss. Unless one thinks depriving kids in January is a good idea of course

This surprises me. Round here (English Midlands, followers in January are often almost as big as their mothers). You would mostly think twice before Christmas, but Jan-March, especially with roe bevvied up in large social groups, the options look rather different.

 

[Bo Diddley]

Yes, if the one shot at was a mature doe (mentioned), and two more were visible (likely followers), it would indeed be good if it was a miss. Unless one thinks depriving kids in January is a good idea of course

I'd generally shoot the followers as well. They go in the freezer, good eating.

Can't see the point of making hard work for yourself by shooting roe at long range, with the possibility of a bodge job.