Just wanted to share with you guys how I have prepared for taking the once in a lifetime shot at the next world record coues on my up coming hunt!
I went out for a final practice round this last thurs. to build up the confidence and prove to myself what my limitations are going into this hunt.
THATS STEP ONE: GET OUT AND PROVE WHAT YOU CAN DO BEFORE TAKING SHOTS ON GAME!
I have made several trips before this making sure the rifle was sighted in out to 800 yds. I actually shot all the ranges out to 800 (I did not rely on ballistic tables).
Here is how I set up for the final one shot one kill practice (groups mean nothing the day of final practice).
I also set up this howling coyote statue. I've been wanting to shoot this thing for years...
The circles on the target are 5'' in diameter and the deer sillouette (sp?) is the actual size of a mature coues buck (12'' chest).
I did my best to manage the swirling winds and later in the day the winds would prove my limitations!
Here's a pic of my Browning 300 wsm.
Here is the first few shots...
The numbers written in the circles are yds. For the third circle I needed to shoot a group first without holding for any wind to see what adjustments I needed. I then shot a second group holding for the wind from the last group BUT FAILED TO DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE WIND WAS EXACTLY THE SAME BEFORE SHOOTING THE SECOND GROUP! This was at 500yds.
Having understood the error I just made I knew I was ready to attempt a one shot one kill on the deer at 500 yds.
I hit the deer in the chest within 4 1/2'' of my aiming point which is under MOA so I was happy with that shot. But did I just get lucky? I needed to know so I ranged the much smaller howling coyote at 468 yds and let one fly...
Now to answer the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION: WHAT ARE MY LIMITATIONS? I attempted a one shot one kill on the deer at 760 yds. 3 different times in constantly changing winds. These were not terrible wind conditions (2mph-8mph). That doesn't seem all that bad right? Well I missed both right and left of the deer due to the unpredictability of the wind. This was a valuable lesson for me and definitely told me I'm not ready to take this shot on live game! I didn't take pictures of the last 3 shots but here's the view I had at 760 yds.
Just wanted to share what works for me. I'm no expert just a guy who enjoys shooting and hunting. I'd love to here what works for you.
That world record buck better not get within 500yds. of me or he's goin down!
Good luck on your hunts and shoot straight!
