Are bipods very useful for hunting?

[Ajj828]

I just bought a tikka t3x today in .30-06 and I'm super super excited to shoot the thing and also hunt deer with it next season. My question is, are bipods really that great for hunting deer? For all of you who have bipods do you find yourself using them all the time in the field? I'm not sure if I should purchase one because that's more money that I could use for other hunting stuff that I need this season. I'm thinking I need to just practice without a bipod to see how my shot is.

[JimmyHoffa]

Depends on the hunting style.  For the reprod and old growth on the westside I think they are more trouble than they are worth.  For the high hunt, they can be great.  I suspect they are effective on the eastside of the state.

[Wolfdog2314]

I carry a "kneeling height" extending bi-pod in my pack. When I'm sitting/waiting/watching I'll get it set up to correct height and my rifle resting in it.  Really steadies my rifle for whatever range of shot. I feel a whole lot more comfortable having it especially in those situations where I'm already set up sitting down waiting for something to pop out.

I've tried attached bi pods to my rifle but just the smaller length prone ones. I like my rifle lighter, and don't have my situations that I've been in to shoot an animal prone.

[syoungs]

I was able to shoot prone on an antelope one time, every other time was kneeling, sitting or standing. I keep a set in my pack and attach em when on a stand, I'll leave em on if I'm just hiking to a glassing spot on the Eastside cause it's easier.
Overall I think they are important pieces of kit. Off brand Amazon ones are usually good enough to try em out and see if they are for you, I've got a pair that's 4 years old and still works fine, just not as refined as some of my others

[Buzz2401]

The shorter "Harris" type bipods are worthless where I hunt but some of those taller ones would be nice if you want to lug around the weight.  I find if you have time to set up bipod you probably have enough time to find a tree or stump to use.

[kselkhunter]

I just carry the Primo trigger sticks, that double as a hiking pole.  Those work fine.  Or logs, deadfall, etc. have worked fine as a gun rest.  Depending on your terrain.  Honestly, most of my shots on game have come using a stump or deadfall as a rest.

[Eric M]

The shorter "Harris" type bipods are worthless where I hunt but some of those taller ones would be nice if you want to lug around the weight.  I find if you have time to set up bipod you probably have enough time to find a tree or stump to use.

They get heavy. Don't get a cheap one. The tall Harris ones will let you shoot sitting or kneeling. No expert but my answer would be "sometimes".

[uplandhunter870]

i have the 9" harris that extends to 18" i think. i hunt the east side, lots of open country. last 3 years i've taken 5 mule deer over here and 4 were shooting prone locked in on the bipod. i find mine to be a very valuable piece of equipment and you get used to the weight. it all boils down to personal choice, every hunter's rifle and gear is personalized to what they like. see if you can borrow one from a buddy or someone and give it a go.

[Turner89]

I have an 18" bipod on my 30-06. I've used it more times than not when I get a buck. It's also handy when setting your gun down. Like a guy said above you will get used to the weight. I broke one one day, so I took it off for the next day. It drove me nuts not having the extra weight, or the kick stand when setting it down. I bought a new one before I went out again......i love mine.

[Bofire]

I prefer shooting sticks
Carl

[Magnum_Willys]

Westside I've never used them prefer tree or steady sticks for longer shots.  Open space East its pack or bipod. 

My new Leupold 4 oz carbon fiber quick attach one should arrive tomorrow.  Attaches with a magnet. 

[dmoua]

I have the 6-9 Harris Bipod. It's useful if you make it useful. When I post up high I usually setup so I can take prone shots.

[trapp01]

I use a fixed Harris 13.5" to 27". I mainly hunt eastern wa so most shots are sitting or kneeling or on my belly.  The 13.5 gets me above the grass and if I need to get higher I'll extend it. Out of 10 deer, I've shot 8 of them off my bipod. I'd say I've come to rely on it. it comes second nature as soon as I see an animal, the bi pod comes down.

[TVHunts]

I use a fixed Harris 13.5" to 27". I mainly hunt eastern wa so most shots are sitting or kneeling or on my belly.  The 13.5 gets me above the grass and if I need to get higher I'll extend it. Out of 10 deer, I've shot 8 of them off my bipod. I'd say I've come to rely on it. it comes second nature as soon as I see an animal, the bi pod comes down.

I've shot my last 4 deer from same height Harris bipods but have found the swivel base to be very helpful. 

[Branden]

Shot a nice buck last year while using a bipod. It made for a rock solid rest, which was nice because I was getting a little excited by the time I got a shot. If I was hunting the west side I probably would not use one as much. East side or high country I would have one.

That Leupold looks a lot like the Javelin bipod I have.