The BC Wildlife Federation has a Code of Ethics for Hunters:
1. Ethical hunters respect the animals we hunt, and, when we hunt we do so responsibly;
2. Ethical hunters are students of nature, learning as much as possible about the game pursued, its habitat, habits and life cycle;
3. Ethical hunters support the concept of “Fair Chase”;
4. Ethical hunters are skilled in the use of the tools of hunting. When we shoot, we do so accurately and safely;
5. Ethical Hunters are true conversationalists who believe in the sustainable use of natural resources. Our interest in wildlife and the environment includes non-game and endangered species.
When it comes to Taking the Shot an ethical hunter will ask the following questions:
1. Is it completely safe to take this shot?
2. Have I properly identified the species?
3. If yes, is it legal to shoot this species? (ie: a 6-point elk);
4. Do I have an opportunity for a good shot and a quick, clean kill?
5. If I shoot, can I recover the animal considering its location, the time of day and the time that may be needed to retrieve it?
If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then and only then will the hunter take the shot.
I fully realize that as a hunter in the forested west coast mountains of BC that a long shot is likely 300 metres at best. Where-as in central Canada a short to medium shot probably starts at 300 metres and extends out to say maybe 450 metres. The two hunters are acclimatized to their local conditions.
However I’m seeing folks here talking about taking shots at 700 metres plus. How can anyone maintain with absolute certaintly that they can make a quick and clean kill at those distances?
The reference to military snipers was made previously. These are professional marksmen whom regularly practice at those ranges. They however are still area shooters – center of mass. If they kill the target outright that’s excellent BUT if they maim or wound the target thats OK too because the target has still been effectively neutralized and taken out of action.
HUNTERS DON’T DO THAT. We want quick and clean kills and that’s the end of it.
Hunters are not professional marksmen but some of us are pretty darn close to that. They are the exception not the rule. They understand the effect of wind drift , the relationship of velocity and energy VS , distance, bullet rotational velocity, terminal kinetic energy and bullet expansion, etc… They are marksmen that deploy marksmanship principle, breathing, natural point of aim, trigger control and so on. Even with all of these attributes a 700 yard shot is a gamble according to the code of ethics identified above. This is basic stuff.
Most hunters do not fall within this skill level. Frankly most of the people that frequent these forums visit the range on the occasional weekend a few weeks before hunting season opens just to check their zero. No one should be gambling with the code of ethics. The fact that you asked me about them means that they are evidently low on the priority list for many hunters out there. It should be of utmost importance.
OK so I’m an anti now? I disagree with you on ethics and now I’m an anti? I volunteer my time to the promotion of safe and ethical hunting and shooting sports that some may consider radical. My web page is even dedicated to it.
Riflechair.com
This web site is designed to promote the safe and ethical use of firearms for sport, hunting and competition within Canada. Thank you for visiting Riflechair's site and enjoy!
I’m also a member of the Association of BC Forest Professionals which has its own code of ethics. Ethics are foremost on my mind. Give your head a shake. Just because people disagree does not make one of them an anti-hunter or anti-gun.
I still don't believe you are actually seeing people taking 700 yd shots. I also don't believe you have a higher ethical standard than the rest of us, and this falling on your sword for the sake of bambi is pretty funny.





















































