Long Range Pursuit | S4 E10 Wyoming Youth Elk Hunt

Published on March 20, 2018
Duration: 22:00

This episode follows a youth elk hunt in Wyoming, showcasing the challenges and rewards of long-range hunting. It details the process from scouting and setting up camp to the successful harvest of an elk and subsequent field dressing. The video also includes a segment on building and utilizing shooting benches for long-range preparation, emphasizing comfort, stability, and adjustability for optimal performance.

Quick Summary

For effective long-range shooting preparation, a stable and comfortable shooting bench is paramount. Key design elements include a height of 34-35 inches, adjustable seating, angled legs for stability, and a large enough top to accommodate recoil. Practicing from such a bench builds confidence and ensures equipment performance for ethical shots in the field.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Hunt
  2. 01:56Scouting and Elk Behavior
  3. 03:45Locating and Identifying the Bull
  4. 04:46Post-Hunt Discussion
  5. 05:43Tracking the Elk
  6. 07:05The Shot and Recovery
  7. 08:02Post-Harvest Reflection
  8. 10:10Approaching the Harvested Elk
  9. 10:42Building and Using Shooting Benches
  10. 16:20Camp Setup and Hike
  11. 17:08Second Elk Harvest
  12. 18:00Field Dressing and Packing Out
  13. 20:44Concluding the Hunt

Frequently Asked Questions

What are key considerations for setting up a shooting bench for long-range practice?

For long-range practice, a shooting bench should prioritize comfort and stability. Key features include good bone support, a slightly angled torso position, a large enough top to accommodate arm movement during recoil, and a comfortable height (around 34-35 inches). Adjustable seating is also crucial for accommodating different shooter sizes.

How do hunters efficiently field dress an elk in the backcountry?

Efficient field dressing involves skinning from the middle of the back up to the ears, then making a circular cut around the belly and down the back of the legs. This allows for easier access to remove meat from the bone without necessarily detaching entire quarters, and also facilitates removing the cape and horns to reduce weight for packing.

What makes a shooting bench stable for accurate long-range shooting?

Bench stability is achieved through a wide leg base, with legs angled outwards rather than straight down. Adding ballast or weight to the bench, especially by using body mass on a cantilevered leg, significantly enhances stability. Gussets or truss designs connecting legs also prevent vibration.

What are the benefits of practicing long-range shooting from a bench?

Practicing from a bench is essential for long-range shooting as it provides the most comfortable and consistent platform to explore equipment performance and build shooter confidence. This preparation is vital for making ethical, accurate shots in the field during once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

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