How far is too far when it comes to rifle shots on big game?

In this episode, I sit down with Jayden Miller of West Elk Precision to break down what actually determines an ethical shot in the field — and it’s not just a number. We dive into zeroing properly, shooting positions, wind, cartridge selection, bullet performance, and how your real-world skill level changes everything.

We talk about the difference between shooting paper and shooting animals, how to test your true limits before season, and why ego ruins more hunts than bad equipment. Jayden also shares real-world examples from this season — including a 760-yard bull — and we unpack what went into that decision.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I take this shot?” — this episode gives you a framework to answer it yourself.

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0:00 – How Far Is Too Far?
0:19 – Meet Jayden Miller (West Elk Precision)
3:00 – What Counts as Long Range?
10:45 – The Importance of a True Zero
18:00 – Shooting Positions & Real-World Data
29:30 – Wind, Environment & Confidence
41:45 – Caliber & Bullet Performance Explained
58:00 – Breaking Down the 760-Yard Elk
1:12:00 – Ego vs Ethics in the Field
1:22:00 – Final Thoughts on Ethical Distance