Interesting topic. Back in 1980, the first time I went to Colorado on a Mulie and elk hunt,many the following 4 years I sure wish I had been better skilled at LR shooting over 300 yards. Would have had several more mounts. I LOVED archery hunting, and because of the up close and personal nature and skill involved to accomplish that!!!
Went on a Coues hunt on the San Carlos about 12 years ago. My Indian guide told me he was trained in the army to shoot 1000 yds with open sights and when we glassed up a good buck at 800 yards with multiple does below him and lots of open country between us he gave me a rash for not feeling comfortable shooting at that distance with my scoped .270. I made a decision to do something about that.
Part of the hook for me in Coues hunting is the LR locating and stalking, but I've now shot 4 @ 500+ yards and 1 at 650yds because I felt like I had a better chance for success shooting where I was at on an opposite hillside than going down in a canyon, up the other side full of brush and hope to still find him or have an open shot. I've found that for me, practicing a LOT at 500-600 yards has increased my confidence of a humane kill and much better success rate then trying to relocate the animal after a home as mentioned.
The 407" elk and the 202" Mulie would have never happened for me without being confident and able to shoot LR. Now if I can just get out of the 90's and over into the 100's on a Coues. Got a Dec tag this year in 31 and hoping to make that happen this year.