Tips for getting a steady shot in the backcountry.

[Schoolhousegrizz]

Of course there are times when I can get prone in the backcountry in the mountainous terrain and I almost always make the shot. There have been a few times lately where I just can't seem to get as steady as I want. I've used trekking poles, bipods but If I can't get prone my shooting range diminishes by at least half.

Anyone got any tips or tricks or equipment out there that has worked for you? I would love to hear it. Thank you so much!

 

[Bowhuntone]

When using your trekking poles loop the straps together and cross the poles to make a hammock for the forearm and then use backpack to steady / rest the butt on to get rock steady

 

[Jason Snyder]

Practice sitting, standing and kneeling in the offseason.

I’m pretty comfortable shooting out to 400 yards from a seated position, over the top of my pack. If you can get a front rest and a pack at the rear it’s even better.

I find it’s pretty rare for me to be able to shoot from prone because of topography and/or vegetation.

 

[Schoolhousegrizz]

When using your trekking poles loop the straps together and cross the poles to make a hammock for the forearm and then use backpack to steady / rest the butt on to get rock steady

I was messing around with that very thing in my front yard the other day. Getting weird looks from the neighbors . I have looped the poles together on the trekking poles, but you are right the back still needs to be steady. I'm going to practice this, thank you. I've even done it before where I put my tripod at the butt and it has worked. Sometimes it feels like I don't have time but I guess that is when you don't take the shot if you don't feel ready.

 

[FOS373]

Practice sitting, standing and kneeling in the offseason.

I’m pretty comfortable shooting out to 400 yards from a seated position, over the top of my pack. If you can get a front rest and a pack at the rear it’s even better.

I find it’s pretty rare for me to be able to shoot from prone because of topography and/or vegetation.

^^this^^

The more comfortable you are being uncomfortable, the better everything will be.

I’ve always kind of joked that you should do a bunch of burpees or jumping jacks just before practice shooting to get the heart rate up.

 

[Wrench]

Carry a small saw to clear a shooting lane or make a rest. A long endless paracord sling can be looped around a tree, from a branch....etc. you simply have to make yourself shoot improvised position shots to make it happen. You then learn to limit your range based on your platform.....if prone and a rear rest give you 800, a bag on a stump gives you 600 a tree sling may be 300.

 

[waspocrew]

Like others above, practice in the offseason is going to pay a ton when it counts. I try to get prone if possible, but if I can't try building support with poles up front/tripod and using your pack for a rear support.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I went arca rails on rifles to clip into tripod but that FHF V attachment that goes on a tripod legs works pretty well. Duct tape it on, sitting and using a pack for rear support, could consistently shoot 400 yards without issue. Got me a lot more stable than crossing trekking poles. The biggest thing is practice though.

 

[StuckoYota99]

Carbon fiber tripod with a 40mm head.
arca rail and I use my bone saw to cut shooting lanes.
Rock solid standing, sitting, and prone.
I'll also use a small lightweight shooting bag for a rear rest.

Check out modern day sniper tripod shooting videos on YouTube

 

[Silver Wings]

I don’t know what your access to an area to practice is, but that is the real key to getting better and having a solid feel for your capabilities in various positions. I bought a .223 this year to get in more practice cheaply. It’s made a huge difference in my capabilities and confidence. I have max distances based on position and wind locked in…if I can’t get inside that distance I don’t shoot. I hope to add distance for next season with more practice, but I’ll base that on my performance between now and then.

 

[Schoolhousegrizz]

Well thanks so much everyone just what I was hoping for. Keep them coming