Shooting sticks-are they a must have item?

[zulu01]

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.

[MarkCO]

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.

[barney fife]

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.

[Robb]

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.

[Stevensje]

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.

[sniper7]

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.

[Irving]

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.

[henpecked]

There not a "must to have" if your moneys tight. Harris bipod does work nice

[Mtn.man]

30+ years of killing,,, uumm hunting never ever had em.

[trlcavscout]

Never used them for anything but coyote