I just use a 1907 type sling on my Model 70 Featherweight, 270 Win., prone, setting or kneeling, depending on conditions.
This is what I am talking about!
I agree with some of what is said here^, sneaking up on animals is some of the most exciting experiences in hunting. I remember my brother and I on hands and knees creeping amongst a heard of 30 or so elk, to get a look at the big bull. The ability to stealthfully close the distance on an animal is a skill key to hunting. But who is a better hunter; the one who can sneak into bow range on a bear, or the one who can do that, AND take the shot from long range if needs be? On more than one occasion I have had to make a shot from cross canyon or otherwise because the terrain and conditions simply would not allow a stalk. I hold nothing against those who choose to stalk closer, I often do myself. But the ability, practice, and equipment to conect at longer distances is as valuable skill as stalking.
I did not say better hunters, I am more impressed with someone who shortens the distance to tip over an animal or at least try. Glassing an animal across slope, make the plan, climb, traverse in bad weather in hard terrain to close to under 300, work a crease in open tundra to under 250, impresses me more than someone who glasses, works to get into a shooting position and takes the 800 yard shot. With what I have seen over the last few years, its the later as technology and shooters have risen: 300RUM with 25x nightforce for a sheep/goat hunt Vs Mdl 70 / ADL 30.06 with fixed 4 power. Its not wrong just does not impresses me or what I am about, I am simple man with simple principles but I admit I do use high speed high techno kit because it is lighter that allows me to move with ease and speed, speed is safety and also I got it free or paid to use it so I must.
I guess its hunting season and I already tire of; I took a double ear, curl, etc at 750 yards, high wind, sleet, no boots on, etc.
The days of hunters throwing on their pack frame and rifle, hike 10 miles, trickle charge, glass stalk, shoot, pack it out is what I am talking about, Kraig said it, "I just use", hunting is hunting not shooting in my opinion.
Almost gets my vote, most bow hunters have a 375 back up. I helped with a female Pope and Young Brownie and Polar bear entry and I do believe she had some Africa prints in her love me book, a sight to see her stalk, plus she could stick an arrow in an aspirin at 50 yards in all weather after a long stalk.
back to the original scheduled question:
