How many people use shooting sticks?

[RightPlace-RightTime]

I use a bipod that swivels.  I love using it as i know i can make a clean confident shot.  The swivels work great on a hillside.

[arrowflinger]

I made a set of shooting sticks out of a couple of old carbon arrows and rubber hose, they work great. But I also like my bi-pod (harris). Just my 2 cents/

[robodad]

I just use a wading staff that I got at Walmart for $3 (regular $25) on clearance it is aluminum and fatter then my thumb, also has a compass on top and a lanyard so I don't lose it. Came with a nifty pouch it fits neatly in after I break it down to about a foot long. Really compact and lightweight, very nice for a walking stick as well, with a load on I need all the support I can get !!

[saylean]

No shooting sticks for me...i have a bipod on my tikka..but i mainly use that so I dont set the gun down in the dirt.

[M_ray]

I carry them and I have shot several of my bucks with them! I just don't like a bipod on my gun.

[Intruder]

serious answer now....what he said about carrying things around. 

That's always been my concern w/ sticks and why I went w/ a bipod.  Figure if I could sit or shoot prone the bipod works great.  If I'm standing the shot was gonna be close enough to shoot free hand.  I wouldn't be opposed to using sticks but I can't imagine they'd be nearly as solid as my Harris when shoting prone or sitting but they may be more versitile in respect to offering more shooting positions overall.   

[Gobble]

serious answer now....what he said about carrying things around. 

That's always been my concern w/ sticks and why I went w/ a bipod.  Figure if I could sit or shoot prone the bipod works great.  If I'm standing the shot was gonna be close enough to shoot free hand.  I wouldn't be opposed to using sticks but I can't imagine they'd be nearly as solid as my Harris when shoting prone or sitting but they may be more versitile in respect to offering more shooting positions overall.   

The advantage I see with the shooting sticks is you are not limited to the heigth of crap your hunting in. With the bipod you are limited to the heigth of the brush or sage and you can't shoot down a steep hill very good  because of the angle esp if you are on a hill trying to shoot across to another hill or valley. I looked real hard at the harris but decided against it for a couple of reasons, Weight being one and snagging it on crap if you are walking through thick crap., plus if you are free handing it you have the bipod in the way and the excess weight on the end of the gun which makes it harder to hold steady. Just my 

[Intruder]

I can't disagree with you on the downside points of having a bipod.  I've experienced everything you've outline.... 

[Ray]

If I'm standing the shot was gonna be close enough to shoot free hand.

I suppose that depends on what you are shooting and how far away it is. That concept does not always apply but might apply for you. I like to use them to hit ground squirrels or any small varmint at 100 + yards while walking around the prairie. That is usually a mighty small target to be shooting off hand and sometimes there are more than one. The shooting sticks come into their own when the targets start running. It's easier to get the body around to track them and then re-adjust in order to make that killing shot for the second the target might sit still. The bipod is a good concept but it has it's own set of limitations. Seeing over the grass is one obvious one in addition to mobility in the sense I just described.

[Intruder]

I like to use them to hit ground squirrels or any small varmint at 100 + yards while walking around the prairie.

No, I agree, wouldn't apply to ground squirrels.  My point was more a matter of big game no more than 100 (preferrably less than 75) yards away for making a good freehand shot. 

[Wea300mag]

I'm with everyone who don't like to carry them over long hunts. Short hunts or varmint hunting they are OK though.

[RubblesPH]

Used a mono-pod for the first time this year on my Spring bear hunt.  Worked great as a walking stick and adjused well for use under the tree I was sitting under.  Got rid off the heavy bi-pod that was mounted on my gun and the walking stick really helped in the steep nasty stuff.  I throw my gun over my back or on my pack for taking extended hikes so it doesn't really seem like I'm carrying something extra.  I'm a believer.

[257 Wby Mag]

I use The Pole Cat, have 2 sizes, one you can sit down or neel and shoot, the other is the stand up set, used those down in New Mexico for Oryx. Won't leave home without em' !!!

[rosscrazyelk]

I now carry sticks after learning the hard way. I was in Idaho and had a bull at 300 yards with bushes as tall as me all around. Had nothing to rest against so good not get a good shot. Sticks would of helped greatly.

[MountainWalk]

i use a walking stick, but have never shot game off of it. seems like when its crunch time and its time to put an end to things, i either have plenty of time to get a more proper more solid rest, or there is not enough time to set the height properly or get set or whatever. ive had several hunters who carried them, and thats just what they did, carry them. they took the game without them. ended up not carrying them later in the hunt.

its kinda sad. America used to be a nation of Riflemen. we didnt need all sorts of aids and crutches to get good solid field shooting. i practice as much as i can offhand or off of a tree.i do think sticks are great for stationary hunting.