While I agree with the old African hunters advice of, "Get ye as close as ye can laddie, then get ten yards closer." sometimes it just is not possible. The area where usually Iraw an elk tag has humongous open meadows, some several miles wide and as much as seven miles long. Once the shooting starts, the elk head out into these open meadows and getting close enough for a shot literally takes an act of God as they can see you coming from a mile (or more) away. If one gets a shot, it just might have to be a very long range shot. Not the choicest of conditions, believe me.
So, I practice for those conditions, just in case. I'm lucky enough to be able to shoot at a range where targets can be set out to 500 meters. I practice out to 100 meters sitting and offhand. From 200 meters to 500 meters from the sitting position. I don't much care for the kneeling position but do shoot a few targets with that one as well. I'm not about to shoot prone with either the .300 Win. mag. or .338 Win. mag. I use for elk.
The last time I drew a tag, the only shot I got was at 530 yards laser measured. I wasn't too happy with the situation, but it was the second day of Arizona's four day elk season (they're so damned generous with how many days you get to hunt.
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I was well practiced from my range time, had a good sitting position, no wind to speak of and the cow elk I had the tag for was standing still, as was the rest of the herd. I was behind a small bush, the last bit of cover. I took the shot and the cow elk dropped on the spot. The only thing that griped me about the whole deal was the herd bull had the biggest darn rack I've ever seen on any elk. In the binocs, I counted a nice 7x7 rack. naturally, I had that cow tag. The bullet hit about six inches below the spine and bout two inches back from the line of the shoulder. Serious practice does pay off.
Before any flames erupt. I would have much rather gotten closer. I prefer to see the whites of their eyes. If I draw a tag this year, I will certainly have to get close enough to see the whites of their eyes as a serious shoulder problem (artritis/bursitis???) has kept me from being able to shoot my magnums. Even the mild 7x57 is quite uncomfortable, but that's as light as I plan to go. Depending on what the doctor says, I may even not put in for an elk tag.
We'll just have to see.
Please remember, the above does not mean I endorse taking long range shots. What I do suggest is, do the practice to enable you to make it should it become necessary.
"Get as close as ye can laddie, then get ten yards closer." That's darn good advice.
Paul B.