Backpacking Muzzleloader Support

[Netherman]

I drew a September muzzleloader elk tag this year and wondering what rest would be best on a backpack hunt that I suspect will be mostly in the dark timber.

My first thought is that I’ll want something that can be used standing for a “run and gun” calling situation. For that I’m thinking standing height bipod/sticks, tripod (seems too heavy and bulky), or a monopod.

Im leaning towards the argali trekking poles with the attachable rest as it would be the lightest option but interested in some more experienced opinions.

 

[fishslap]

I killed a moose off the argali poles with my Lyman gpr 54. Gotta keep it full height and may need to space your feet out or bend at the knees a bit but way better than packing around other options IMO.

 

[Bugger]

The BOG deadshot bipod is what I carry for walking around standing shots. Pretty light, super rigid, and works great as a rear rest behind a tripod too.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...roduct-shipped-today-product-description-link

 

[mtnbound]

I drew a September muzzleloader elk tag this year and wondering what rest would be best on a backpack hunt that I suspect will be mostly in the dark timber.

My first thought is that I’ll want something that can be used standing for a “run and gun” calling situation. For that I’m thinking standing height bipod/sticks, tripod (seems too heavy and bulky), or a monopod.

Im leaning towards the argali trekking poles with the attachable rest as it would be the lightest option but interested in some more experienced opinions.

For me MZ shots in the timber are probably 75yds on average. If I am still hunting (MZ is November) the shot is often quick and wouldn’t have time to set anything up. Being a September tag you can do some calling to bring an elk in so I would just use my pack as the shooting platform again its going to be a close shot so a bipod or sticks is just fiddle factor. I do have the Wiser Precision mount on my poles but I rarely set them up for shooting close range.

 

[Wrench]

I too would shoot off my pack.

I carry trekking poles so if I had the time to deploy them....I might, but at 75yds.....I'd shoot off hand or off a tree. Elk are big targets.

 

[5MilesBack]

Rut hunting in the timber.......just shoot freehand. It should be close shots.

 

[Hnthrdr]

The primos trigger sticks work well for what you are describing, now would I want to back pack them in probably not, but for day hunts they aren’t bad

 

[Kenai_dtracker]

No need for a rest at all, if you are thinking run and gun, especially in the timber. Snap to the shoulder and shoot. I would practice quick and effective shots over any shooting stick situation.

 

[atmat]

The primos trigger sticks work well for what you are describing, now would I want to back pack them in probably not, but for day hunts they aren’t bad

My buddies and I used to have a handful of these tripod versions at a deer lease out east. We saw many many failures. I wouldn’t trust them for a backcountry elk hunt.

 

[BasicUtahrd95]

Not quite standing height, but the Wiser Precision Quick Stix trekking pole attachment system has worked extremely well for me for multiple rifle and muzzleloader kills between 150 and 400 yards. Typically used my backpack as a rear support for the longer shots.

 

[teamwhitebelly]

dark timber = trees lean up against a tree

 

[Slick8]

All good options listed above.

I could see having some sort of a rest via Tripod, walking sticks, quick sticks for long shots that may be a possibility. Also practice taking a knee and using your pack as an option.

I'd spend lots of time with a rim fire or bolt gun like a 223 if you have one with sights to extend your off hand abilities. This is something most of us don't practice enough at and therefore struggle with. It will be your best friend this year.

 

[Slugz]

Backpacking in = stay light. Less is better.

As others said. Tree, down timber, backpack or freehand.

 

[Netherman]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Most of the answers are aligning with my thoughts. i.e. concerns over actual need, fiddle factor, and weight. I'm glad there weren't a pile of people pushing for a multi pound tripod or bipod.

I'll be practicing, but I liver shot a cow a few years back offhand at 80ish and have that in the back of my mind. I'll be looking for a deal on an argali setup as those poles don't weigh any more than my current ones so I'd only be adding the weight of the rifle (muzzleloader in this case) yolk.

the weight won't kill me and if the fiddle factor burns me I'll be sure to report back and have a story to point the next guy to.