Actualy i take no credit for much of anything if you notice, including how i hunt long range.
BUT, if you were ever so inclined to come east to hunt long range, you would find that virtually all of it
is done in a manner Shawn Corlock would refer to as (ambush style).
That would be picking a location you can cover lots of area then wait for an animal to show up.
Reason it is done that way in the east is because the terrain would dictate its the only way it can be done.
As for shooting from a bench, thats also the chosen method because the terrain as a rule is very steep and also completly tree covered.
So small portable benches are made which can be carried up to a mile or so, or a bench is stashed and left from year to year.
Sometimes flat rocks are used at some locations for building one. Most guys can (shoot better) from a bench, but i guess there are exceptions.
Also notice how the worlds best/acuracy oriented shooters shoot. Ive never seen one prefer laying on the ground next to a bench at a 1000 yd match.
Western hunters have the luxery of hunting in this manner, or by moving about and stopping to glass as they go. (another topic)
Eastern hunters who travel west and there are many, as a rule use the tactics they use back east. Especially if a 4 wheeler is permitted to help carry gear.
The choice of cartridges used would depend largly upon the distance involved. Yes you can use smaller lighter bullets to shoot long distances and if you hit an animal
properly it will kill it. But if youve ever (watched) a small bullet vs a heavy bullet at equal M V travel across a wide valley you wont need me or anyone to sell you on whats best.
One more thing thats never discussed. I would love to be 30 and be able to wander around as i chose to hunt. but im not and at some point neither will you.
Think about that and also how your life could change as a result of even your drive to work today. Or be ordered to slow down because that ticker you were issued isnt doing so good.
Would you prefer being a couch potato or eat crow? lol