USE OF SHOOTING STICKS OR BIPOD

The past few years have seen a marked increase in the number of hunters who are using shooting sticks or a
bipod mounted on their rifle.    For the purpose of this article, I will refer to both of the above as shooting sticks.   

First of all, shooting sticks are a great tool and can be a huge asset if used correctly.   
Frankly, most of those who carry shooting sticks have neither practiced with them nor familiarized themselves with
this tool enough to be proficient in their use. When that happens, sticks are just one more gadget that takes
valuable time when that time cannot be spared and thus can prove to be an unsteady rest, which is
counterproductive to their purpose.

Recommendations:

  • I prefer a tripod style shooting stick or a bipod mounted on your rifle.

  • If you plan on using shooting sticks on your hunt, practice with them a lot prior to your hunt.   To be
    proficient with them, you must be able to:

                1. Set them up quickly and quietly with a minimum of movement

                2. Set them up to the correct height, whether kneeling, sitting or standing.   If you have the shakeout
style, this is done by spreading the sticks further or by not engaging the last section (or sections) of the shooting
sticks.  If you have the rotating locking type, you can mark each leg according to your position.

                 3. Know how to develop a solid three point base when you set up. If you are using a two legged
shooting stick, they should not be perpendicular to the ground.  The legs should be either angled slightly away
from you or angled slightly back toward you to develop a solid three point base.   I prefer having the legs at just a
bit of an angle away from me, as I like to lean into the gun for a solid rest.  Others may prefer to have the legs at
an angle back toward themselves and pull the gun back into a solid rest.  

Either way, PRACTICE WITH YOUR SHOOTING STICKS if you plan on bringing them out west.