Back-country Mule Deer - - Do you use a Bipod or Shooting Stick?

[BULLBLASTER]

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.

[SemperFidelis97]

I use Harris bipods I have tried some cheaper brands, but they just don't hold up in my experience.

[finnman]

I use shooting sticks for open country deer hunting, for wolves anything that's available!!

[BiggLuke]

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.

[acnewman55]

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.

[mossback91]

I typically shoot off hand out to 400 yards then get the sticks out 

You use turrets or the "walking the bullet in" method at long range?

[BiggLuke]

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.

[BiggLuke]

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. 

[Skillet]

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.

[BiggLuke]

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.

[SemperFidelis97]

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.

[saylean]

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.

[fillthefreezer]

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 $$$

[400out]

I us a walking stick now works great for shooting and binos rest.

[huntnnw]

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