These were not hunters. These were slobs. No better than the jerks who play fantasy sniper and take shots at elk from 1200 yards. Often the elk is wounded or unrecoverable. Wanton killing is not hunting.
Taking an elk from 1200 yards is no more unethical than taking a running shot at an elk in the woods at 70 yards.
It all depends on knowing the limitations of yourself and your equipment.
Both involve the possibility of wounded game getting away.
In fact, all hunting involves the possibility of wounded game getting away, or it is not hunting.