(I have a need to build stuff. Let me just get that out of the way.
)
I have not been flexible enough behind my bipod, so there have been times when a coyote's coming in that I have had to reposition it. At least once, that movement caused me to get busted and lose a 'yote. Maybe its happened to you.
It is awkward, at times, to pick up both legs and support the rifle... Just too much movement.
A better solution is to use a monopod, perhaps, because it is a simple lift and reposition. That certainly is workable, for some, but I wanted more.
I wanted the stability of a bipod, and the ease of placement (and re-placement) of a monopod. So I came up with this hybrid. I haven't seen anything like it on the market, but that doesn't mean it isn't out there.
Here it is:
It looks like a 2-tine pitchfork. I like having the metal point to project into the dirt. It makes the platform rather stable. I often hunt over soft dirt, and it is secure enough that I can leave the rifle resting on its perch without necessarily holding the stick to stabilize it.
I made the perch adjustable height. I pull back a "trigger" on the left side to disengage the lock mechanism. I normally rest the rifle off the right side. (I am a rightie.)
In the picture is the "bipod" and my
seat. It is two Ikea step-stools ($3.95) back to back, with a foam pad on the working end.
I field tested it today, and it did well. I had one stand where I had the luxury of standing in the shade of an old tool shack (or some such). It was just tall enough to serve me as I stood.
As for the hunt, I had coyotes in my sights
three times, but didn't lay one down.
As I snuck up to my favorite sniping point, I caught sight of a critter on an opposing hillside, but with the rise of my own hill between us. (My powers of observation improve.) I was literally looking at him through the grass, afraid to expose much more of myself, as he was sitting, looking my way. The grass I was looking through was real short, so there was every probability that my bullet would have struck the ground before it crested the hill (because of scope height). I had the M2D boonie hat (and jacket) on, so I presented pretty well as "grass" (or so I think).
I crept a yard or two forward and set up over my new mono/bipod. He was out there about 100yds just sitting, looking my way. But I had the disease. My adrenaline was still pumping so I preferred to wait for a surer shot. Of course, he got up and moved away, still in view. I whistled to stop him, and he obliged, but too briefly. I couldn't get the shot off before descended out of my view.
So, I know he is close in the area. Gotta be quiet. As I crawl under a hot wire fence, my e-caller remote fell not more than 8" to the dirt. That was enough noise. I looked up to see my 'yote booking out of town.
So I set up to call. After a five minutes I spotted a pup on a hillside 220 yds away. I drew a bead on the little guy, but he was such a small target that I wasn't confident of the shot. I waited for the adrenaline to pass (I have a problem with that), and he walked back into the brush nonchalantly.
That's two...
I continue calling another 15 minutes or so and two pups emerge, about 200 yards out. They weren't interested in the sounds my e-caller was making. I took my best shot, and missed cleanly. They look
small out there... Still, it would help if I were a better shot. Maybe had I a prone set up, I would have been steady enough to make the clean shot. He might'a moved as I shot.
I explored some new areas, but saw no other dogs after about 8am. So much for these being the "dog days of summer".
