Are shooting sticks a definite must have item for my first Elk hunt? Mono or bipod? I was planning on getting some but the cost of getting geared up for hunting is way higher than I expected.
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Are shooting sticks a definite must have item for my first Elk hunt? Mono or bipod? I was planning on getting some but the cost of getting geared up for hunting is way higher than I expected.
Depends on where you hunt. I have used them on maybe 5 big games animals of about 120, I think 2 elk of about 30. When you have them, you use them more. If you carry a pack, I use that a lot as well as trees and rocks at times. Binoculars, a good knife, pack and boots are far more important than shooting sticks. Practice shooting sitting with the weak side tricep on the weakside knee. I use that more than anything else and it works past any distance a first time hunter should be shooting elk at anyway.
Skip the expensive stuff, it does not make you a better hunter, just more crap to carry.
Typically elk hunts come down to a few seconds of opportunity surrounded by much hiking. If you see elk and have time to think, think about a stable shooting rest, trees, rocks, buddy's back, pickup hood or shooting sticks. If the shot is under 100 yards you should be able to make an off-hand shot, if it's over that use a rest, but the shot has to be made quick, elk are very adept at avoiding humans. Personally I carry shooting sticks pretty much every where I go, they add weight and are awkward but when you need them they are nice.
Okay, I agree with the fellas above in terms of stable rests/backpacks/shooting cross legged etc, but I also carry shooting sticks tied to my pack. Sometimes a solid rest isn't around, sometimes late in the day, sun is going down and I'm shivering so bad that an ethical shot is tough to make and some sticks, if you have time to set up, can make a difference. Still hunting, where you park under a tree for instance, you just set up, sit and wait, they're great. I don't use them much but they are handy.
Personally, I use a mid height Harris bipod attached to the rifle. Quick to use if there isn't a natural rest. I try to minimize the crap that I carry, shit gets heavy and is hardly ever used. Good binos on chest straps are more important.
I've tried them and they are good for sitting or if you have time to set up, but a lot of times that doesn't happens with elk.
Mono-pod can double as a walking stick of you anticipate rough terrain. I didn't carry one this year, but I didn't ever have a shot either.
There not a "must to have" if your moneys tight. Harris bipod does work nice
30+ years of killing,,, uumm hunting never ever had em.
Never used them for anything but coyote
Obviously, there are a lot of opinions on the matter. Mine is just get as much practice as possible shooting prone, sitting, kneeling and offhand. I think you'll get a lot more mileage from a good sling (both in carrying and stabilizing the rifle).
If you feel you haven't spent enough money and need more things to carry, knock yourself out.
I have a set. Mine are made from a pair of fiberglass tent poles (the kind with the bungee in between the section). I just tied them together with para cord a couple inches below the end. Then they adjust to a couple different lengths, weigh almost nothing, and are pretty accessible.
ive used them a couple times for longer-ish shots on smaller-ish targets, such as the tiny little central Texas deer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zulu01
No. For your first elk hunt, forget the sticks. Too much weighty crap to burden and distract you from the task of finding elk. They would be more useful for pronghorn hunting in tall grass and sage, much less so in most Colorado elk country.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zombie Steve
Agree 100% w/Zombie Steve, four-position practice with a good sling is better, faster, and a sling is already part of your hunting gear. No extra cost, weight, or fiddling around. Go as light as you can and limit your gear to what's necessary for survival.