Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: acnewman55 on May 10, 2013, 03:13:59 PM

Title: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: acnewman55 on May 10, 2013, 03:13:59 PM: What do you use for a rest when preparing to shoot yer mule deer?

Attached/detached bipod?

Monopod/shooting stick

Just rest it on a pack, tree-branch, etc?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: jrebel on May 10, 2013, 03:18:49 PM: Have both a bogpod bi pod and an attached bi pod. Use both, just depends on the situation. I have also used my pack and a tree. So pick you poison...they all work well.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: elk247 on May 10, 2013, 03:19:08 PM: 450 grain shooting stick, going 280 fps. Twang-flop.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: vandeman17 on May 10, 2013, 03:28:35 PM: I have never used any type of shooting sticks or bipods. Not saying I wouldn't want one but I have always either just used my knee, pack, stump, tree branch or whatever to make my shots. I have considered getting a bi pod for my rifle but never did it since I am almost strictly an archery hunter now.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: gaddy on May 10, 2013, 03:36:04 PM: have used trees or picked up walking sticks along the way. used to have a stetson hat that the rifle just layed perfect in over a log or on the ground if needed. loved that hat.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: fillthefreezer on May 10, 2013, 03:59:29 PM: pack, rock, tree, knees, trekking poles, tripod, pard's shoulder. no shooting sticks or bipod.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: 3nails on May 10, 2013, 04:02:17 PM: Pivoting bipod. Several good makes out there. I've made shots using them that I never would have made otherwise.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: hoyt2002 on May 10, 2013, 04:11:21 PM: Usually use a bi pod. This year i had to use the tripod from my spotting scope to make the shot.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: adamR on May 10, 2013, 05:22:49 PM: Trigger stick mono or bi pod depends on how far I'm walking
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: Eli346 on May 10, 2013, 05:38:44 PM: I actually carry a collapsible shooting stick but all my shots have been off of a backpack.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: steen on May 10, 2013, 09:07:25 PM: I've used a bipod but tend to forget it and didn't want to invest in another so I went back to my old faithful, a pair of dowels with a big rubber band or two around them. If I lose them they are cheap to replace. My kids prefer them also. I've used a fence, rock, off hand but the sticks have won out.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: huntnphool on May 10, 2013, 09:21:33 PM: I used a Canon 500mm f4 IS two years ago and a Swaro spotter last year. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: coachcw on May 11, 2013, 07:23:03 AM: tall trigger stick incase you have to make a quick shot and the make a decent walking stick. on my lightweights I don't use a bipod just use my pack or a tree , a barb wire fence works ok too just not to many of them in the back country ! if yur hunting close to the truck a bi pod works good there just don't carry well.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: HuntandFish on May 11, 2013, 07:33:59 AM: I used to think that shooting sticks were a ridiculous accessory for low land yuppie hunters :chuckle: but I have come across the need for them several times over the past few years. So I would be interested to hear what you guys use in steep high country terrain, where a back pack or even using your knee is not an option due to the steepness of the hill. So what LIGHT shooting sticks are long enough for this type of terrain?

Thanks,
H&F
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: coachcw on May 11, 2013, 07:47:20 AM: the problem I have had with light weight sticks is they wobble . you just need to get out and shoot off you pack and play with the trigger stick . if you need to take a off hand shot the tall stick will really help you out . :tup:
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: Taco280AI on May 11, 2013, 07:55:20 AM: Harris bipod
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: JohnVH on May 11, 2013, 08:05:16 AM: harris swivel bipod, proven to over 500yds

depends where you go, around here you dont really need one that much
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: wsmnut on May 11, 2013, 01:47:56 PM: Gotten to really like the Bogpod tripod.
Very steady and you can get an adaptor plate
For your camera/spotting scope. Changes
back to the shooting yoke in a second.

Wsmnut
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: browney5er on May 12, 2013, 06:22:04 PM: I carry a Harris bipod in my pack but generally I shoot off my pack.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: Kowsrule30 on May 12, 2013, 06:26:18 PM: Usually my knee, some type of natural rest, or off hand... Only shot off my pack once.... Never used a shooting stick of any sort...
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: Jingles on May 12, 2013, 06:46:07 PM: Have used everything from tree branches to leaning against a tree and boulder to the saddle on my horse
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: huntnnw on May 12, 2013, 10:18:04 PM: bipod or pack...bipod should be on any beginner rifle..its a great tool for getting a good rest in seconds and steady. I watched a new hunter who didnt have a bipod on her rifle and her boyfriend try to set up shooting sticks on 4 bucks ..mind you these deer were at 50 yards to start and a short story and 10 min later and these deer meandering out to 300 yards she never got a shot...she couldnt get steady or on the deer..a bipod this woulda been over in about 30 seconds
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: wilsongideon on May 12, 2013, 10:24:18 PM: swivel type bipod just a short one for longer shots so its not so cumbersome you cant shoot freehand with it thats backcountry...now for sage country shooting sticks are the ticket I have never used them but wished I had them on numerous occasion
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: youngbull on May 13, 2013, 10:00:14 AM: Try polecat bi pod or tri pods a slick system that mounts to you front sling swivel for a secure mount and very durable and a lot less tgen primos 36_59 inch adjustments for sitting or standing well worth the price
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: WAcoueshunter on May 13, 2013, 10:08:33 AM: I have a screw on "V" rest attachment for my tripod. It's a good option that doesn't carry a lot of extra weight, but requires time to set up for a shot. Usually it winds up being my pack, knees, a rock, etc. The last one was resting over a stump.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: sakoshooter on May 13, 2013, 09:35:16 PM: Homemade shooting sticks for many, many years now. Years ago I got laughed at all the time for carrying them, Now they're all over the place.
Ya just can't beat an accurate shot.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: get one leakin on May 13, 2013, 11:03:29 PM: We use the collapsible shooting sticks from bi-mart. They are lightweight and where we kill em that's a must. They are great in really uneven terrain. They spend the fall in my day pack and I haven't shot all my deer and elk over them but dam sure most. Nothing beats a good solid rest especially in long shooting conditions. I do use my pack if possible but in those steep conditions its tough. You work all season to get in position to take that one shot and I like to be as versatile as I can stand to pack. In my experience bi pods are too heavy and throw the balance of my rifle off. Plus the shooting sticks are less than $40 at bi-mart
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: JoeE on May 13, 2013, 11:35:48 PM: I use a tall bipod...24-36" I think?? I can't remember the exact height. But other than prone my favorite shooting position is open leg sitting and with the bipod extended all the way out I can use it in the sitting position. But I've also used plenty of packs, stumps, logs, wobbly limbs and whatever else I can find.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: coachcw on May 14, 2013, 12:58:41 PM: I typically shoot off hand out to 400 yards then get the sticks out :chuckle:
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: xXLojackXx on May 14, 2013, 07:45:28 PM: I don't know that I would set my .338 Edge on top of a Swarovski spotter and pull the trigger haha

Quote from: huntnphool on May 10, 2013, 09:21:33 PM
I used a Canon 500mm f4 IS two years ago and a Swaro spotter last year. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 14, 2013, 08:55:10 PM: 99% of time I have a bipod attached to my rifle. For prone shooting. Anything else and I use a log/pack whatever's... but much prefer prone off bipod.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on May 14, 2013, 09:00:11 PM: I use Harris bipods I have tried some cheaper brands, but they just don't hold up in my experience.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: finnman on May 15, 2013, 08:07:31 PM: I use shooting sticks for open country deer hunting, for wolves anything that's available!!
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: BiggLuke on May 16, 2013, 12:29:34 PM: if by Backcountry... you mean hiking way out from the roads....
Definately avoid a bi-pod attatched to your gun.
That S*** gets really heavy half way in.

in my own opinion.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: acnewman55 on May 16, 2013, 02:18:15 PM: Quote from: BiggLuke on May 16, 2013, 12:29:34 PM
if by Backcountry... you mean hiking way out from the roads....
Definately avoid a bi-pod attatched to your gun.
That S*** gets really heavy half way in.

in my own opinion.

That is exactly what I'm asking. Trying to compare the weight savings to the necessity. With zero deer hunting experience I don't know how common prone/seated/standing shots are, so I'm just looking for general feedback on what folks use.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: mossback91 on May 16, 2013, 02:21:34 PM: Quote from: coachcw on May 14, 2013, 12:58:41 PM
I typically shoot off hand out to 400 yards then get the sticks out :chuckle:

You use turrets or the "walking the bullet in" method at long range?
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: BiggLuke on May 16, 2013, 02:41:57 PM: fences, trees, rocks, and stuff are the best way to steady your shot. and there are allways trees or fences to shoot from.... mostly.
but honestly, unless you take a shot at a running animal, or a reeeeally long shot, shooting sticks dont give you much added bonus. they are just an extra thing you have to pack in. I would say the weight in you pack is better for food and water on a long hike.

If it's a really long hike in, and you think you will be taking a long 400yd or longer shot, you can allways cut some sticks in the field and use the sitting method. Just put the 2 sticks as an X and hold hold em steady.

Other wise mostly you'll take a stading shot. or have an oportunity to sneak up to the animal from cover, then use the cover to shoot from.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: BiggLuke on May 16, 2013, 02:44:16 PM: plus... cutting actual sticks in field will bonus as sticks you can use to prop open the carcass while you debone it 20 miles in. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: Skillet on May 16, 2013, 02:47:46 PM: Quote from: acnewman55 on May 16, 2013, 02:18:15 PM
Quote from: BiggLuke on May 16, 2013, 12:29:34 PM
if by Backcountry... you mean hiking way out from the roads....
Definately avoid a bi-pod attatched to your gun.
That S*** gets really heavy half way in.

in my own opinion.

That is exactly what I'm asking. Trying to compare the weight savings to the necessity. With zero deer hunting experience I don't know how common prone/seated/standing shots are, so I'm just looking for general feedback on what folks use.

I use an extendable shooting stick with the Y top. It doubles as my "monopod" for my big bino's that double as a spotting scope.

EVERYTHING I take into the backcountry needs to have as many uses as possible.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: BiggLuke on May 16, 2013, 03:11:40 PM: and doubles as walking stick.... yeah, I did the same thing.
But kept leaving it in my truck, because the benefits never out weighed the risk.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on May 16, 2013, 03:52:09 PM: Depending on where he is hunting a good natural rest may not be available not everyone hunts on the westside where there are trees everywhere. I as stated above use bipods because they are out of my way until I need them, and where I hunt long shots are fairly common with no natural rests readily available. I would consider myself an above average marksman thanks to the USMC, but I will take the solid rest of my bipod over my knees, or elbows any day of the week if it means an ethical kill.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: saylean on May 16, 2013, 04:00:02 PM: I carry a bipod on my 300 WSM, even in the back country, but most of my shots are like 70 yards or less...so I mainly carry it on there so I can set the gun down and rest for a bit....as I dont carry a sling with it.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: fillthefreezer on May 16, 2013, 04:45:52 PM: Quote from: acnewman55 on May 16, 2013, 02:18:15 PM
That is exactly what I'm asking. Trying to compare the weight savings to the necessity. With zero deer hunting experience I don't know how common prone/seated/standing shots are, so I'm just looking for general feedback on what folks use.
if you do decide to go with shooting sticks or a bipod, make sure to get cheap so when you bury it 7mi into the backcountry cus youre sick of carrying it youre not a ton of $$$
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: 400out on May 22, 2013, 10:01:51 AM: I us a walking stick now works great for shooting and binos rest.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: huntnnw on May 22, 2013, 10:40:32 PM: nope..Ill carry my bipod on my rifle no matter what...I bet I can find something else your packing you dont need or somehting you could buy or make lighter to justify a bipod
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: wilsongideon on May 23, 2013, 11:03:57 PM: Quote from: huntnnw on May 22, 2013, 10:40:32 PM
nope..Ill carry my bipod on my rifle no matter what...I bet I can find something else your packing you dont need or somehting you could buy or make lighter to justify a bipod

:yeah: :yeah: x2 I didnt have a bipod for a few years, shot free standing and kneeling and such. Then someone let me try out their bipod and I have carried one on my gun ever since, packed in 7 miles this last year to shoot a deer. I packed it out to I figure on using it so burying it wasnt really a option.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: mad impulse on May 24, 2013, 09:10:43 AM: I use the side mirror of the old Dodge. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: JoeE on May 25, 2013, 01:38:19 PM: Quote from: mad impulse on May 24, 2013, 09:10:43 AM
I use the side mirror of the old Dodge. :chuckle:

The most stable shooting platform there is!! Just be careful when shooting off the hood not to leave powder burns in the paint.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: Alchase on May 28, 2013, 07:53:12 AM: I carry Stoney Point bi-pod shooting sticks in my pack, 16" to 38" collapsible. They hardly weigh anything, and can be setup in seconds.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: huntnphool on May 28, 2013, 09:03:53 AM: Quote from: Alchase on May 28, 2013, 07:53:12 AM
I carry Stoney Point bi-pod shooting sticks in my pack, 16" to 38" collapsible. They hardly weigh anything, and can be setup in seconds.
+1
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: Jrzbullelk on May 28, 2013, 09:16:53 AM: I use my shooting sticks and my pack just depends on the situation i guess, i just make sure i practice with both too :twocents:
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: Broker on May 28, 2013, 08:17:40 PM: Quote from: JoeE on May 25, 2013, 01:38:19 PM
Quote from: mad impulse on May 24, 2013, 09:10:43 AM
I use the side mirror of the old Dodge. :chuckle:

The most stable shooting platform there is!! Just be careful when shooting off the hood not to leave powder burns in the paint.

I was actually given that piece of advice years ago from an old guy from the Midwest that I ran into on my first antelope hunt. He was dead serious when he told me to make sure and put a shirt down before I shot so I didn't ruin the paint on my truck :dunno:

I use a harris bipod. It's quick and will swivel a fair amount if you have a target that is moving. It's worth much more than it weighs when it's time to shoot in my opinion.

I tried the primos trigger activated walking stick bipod deal one year. Personally, I thought it would be fine for a fairly close shot by not much better than offhand. To many moving parts for me to try and shoot much over 150.

I prefer shooting prone with the harris bipod.
Title: Re: Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?
Post by: Old Man Yager on May 28, 2013, 09:44:33 PM: Stoney point shooting sticks. I wrapped them with camo tape, keeps them from banging together. They are easy to loose though, I left a set somewhere in Vail 3 years ago!!