Tips for getting a steady shot in the backcountry.

[GSPHUNTER]

When I'm shooting off my shooting stick, I try to find a stationary object like a small tree to rest the stick against. Doing that makes for a much more steady shot. Other than that just do lots of shooting, or even dry firing from all positions.

 

[SloppyJ]

This is the biggest reason I signed up for the S2H class. I want to reduce the learning curve and get some tips to become faster at it.

Right now i use a tripod but setup is SLOW and not very likely if it's a quick opportunity so I don't want to rely on it. Lots of good advice here so far.

 

[Bubblehide]

I typically shoot off my backpack while sitting. I have also shot from a tripod using an arca rail on my rifle. Both work well. But as has been pointed out, you need to practice in terrain like you hunt in. In many cases, speed and efficiency makes the difference between harvesting an animal, or watching it walk out of site. I also practice standing shots, as I often take such while hunting pigs.

 

[Marble]

My longest shot was off my backpack leaned against a tree. 640 yards. 2 hits, 1 miss. I've done this a few times where the pack is leaving against a tree and in shooting up hill. Works fairly well.

Most of the time, it's just placing my rifle against against the tree. Killed several animals put to 500 with this method.

I have used my bipod several times, taking my bino case off and making a rear rest out of it. This works really well, but it takes time, movement a little fine tuning.

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[elkliver]

has anyone tried cutting 2 18 or 24 inch pieces of 1/2 inch PVC to put bipod legs in when shooting in tall grass or brush? I need to get out and try it but it seems like you might still be able to put pressure and load the bipod. put the pack at the rear

 

[robtattoo]

I use a cheap carbon tripod with a 38mm Arca ball head. 2 of my guns have Arca rails at the front that I can clamp in directly.
I bought a pair of cheap Arca adapters on Amazon for $8 & picked up this swiveling 'V' rest for another $12 (I think) & I'm set for everything now!

The tripod isn't tall enough to comfortably shoot standing, but I don't find that to be any inconvenience.

 

[dusky]

In my practice this summer I found that I need to think of myself as Play-Do; I need to smoosh myself into the terrain so that I'm holding myself up as little as possible. Mold myself to the boulder and use a pint sized game changer for front and web of hand for rear. Seated, post the fore-end atop a tripod, hug my right leg, my left hand atop my right knee, and the butt in the web of my left hand for rear support. Dry fire practice has helped me a lot. Last year I missed my only opportunity on an elk that season because of my lack of practice in unconventional positions. The practice helped me get my elk this year. And I'm excited to practice more. I'd like to become less and less gear-dependent.

 

[insanelupus]

I would advise getting closer.

Personally, that's the most sure way to increase my ability to put rounds on target as I age.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

I carry and small bag that I keep 3 rolled up game bags in to use as a rear bag.

 

[Spence1875]

Be in good shape, practice slowing ur breathing after a quick burst of energy and practice shooting from varied positions.

I use T3s and have a T 1 22. Same stock and trigger. Practice offhand and sitting all the time with it.

I also have a cheap rubber V on a plate that I can slip in tripod depending on hunt.

For spot and stalk I use my pack or Stoney point collapsible sticks I carry on my belt. With a sling and the sticks I am good to about 300.

Ps I hate fixed bipods on anything but a bench or varmint gun. Clunky and heavy to me, but some love them.

 

[rookieforever33]

Since I started using a tall bipod mounted to my rifle I find seated shots much easier. Instead of holding my forend and sticks I pull my left arm into my body and support my right elbow on my knee. Or I use my pack as a rear rest and use my left arm to steady it. Not having that left arm out away from my body freed it up to come in and steady my core a ton.

 

[Poser]

Practice extensively during the off season. Since moving out West, I've yet to take a flat shot on any animal. Every shot has been a rather steep angle. My most recent elk shot was +27 degrees.

I use the Wiser Precision quick stix. I have also taken to carrying an ultralight shooting bag which I can drape across the quick stick or use in various other setups such as on the back or top of my pack or as a rear rest. Thing is, you have to practice these scenarios.

 

[wyosteve]

Based on a recommendation on another site, I picked up a set of 'GunStix' a few months back and they are a game changer for me. They collapse down to 32 inches and weigh about 2.5 lbs. Adjustable from sitting to standing position. They support the forearm and stock so essentially like using prone or a bench, but you can do it standing. Used them standing last week to take an oryx at 275 yds.

 

[HingleMcCringleberry]

From seated:Trekking poles crossed, pack filling the void at the torso. Off the top of you pack with a single trekking pole to support the rear of the gun.

 

[Hectocotylus]

has anyone tried cutting 2 18 or 24 inch pieces of 1/2 inch PVC to put bipod legs in when shooting in tall grass or brush? I need to get out and try it but it seems like you might still be able to put pressure and load the bipod. put the pack at the rear

Wiser precision quick stix and quick clip


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[OMF]

Lots of good advice here. Practice is what really has helped me in figuring out how to set up my pack as a rest, positioning, etc.

(p.s. if anyone found a shooting stick in north central CO up in the mountains not too far south of the great state of Wyoming's boarder, pls. let me know. Askin for a friend...)

 

[mtwarden]

Our range has several separate ranges, one being a 200-500 yard range. There are seven lanes, each with a cement bench. Last year getting ready for my sheep hunt I spent several weeks at that range.

Everyone I saw there was shooting from the benches. I was getting some strange looks as I was proned out, sitting or kneeling- using my pack, bipod and tripod. Some guys did come over and ask why I was doing that and when I explained I was getting ready for a once in a lifetime hunt, they got the idea. Even had few guys abandon the benches and join me in shooting from the ground

After that experience at the range I knew I needed to continue that practice for other than “once in a lifetime” hunts.

Having the tools with you to make better shots is important, having the practice using those tools is more important yet.

 

[mtnbound]

Practice more in the positions you suck at. I have the Weiser Qiuk sticks but I’m not carrying them at the same time so I have to drop my pack to get them so those and a tripod are not very practical unless you are going to be stationary for a while. The MDT triple pull bipod is pretty quick but expensive. Most of my shots have been standing against a tree or kneeling so those are the ones I practice the most on.

 

[hunterjmj]

Our range has several separate ranges, one being a 200-500 yard range. There are seven lanes, each with a cement bench. Last year getting ready for my sheep hunt I spent several weeks at that range.

Everyone I saw there was shooting from the benches. I was getting some strange looks as I was proned out, sitting or kneeling- using my pack, bipod and tripod. Some guys did come over and ask why I was doing that and when I explained I was getting ready for a once in a lifetime hunt, they got the idea. Even had few guys abandon the benches and join me in shooting from the ground

After that experience at the range I knew I needed to continue that practice for other than “once in a lifetime” hunts.

Having the tools with you to make better shots is important, having the practice using those tools is more important yet.

I've gotten the same looks. Bench is great for sighting in but kid of useless for hunting scenarios. I just do what I do and people can look at me like I'm a weirdo.

 

[Koda_]

I have a range membership but I like to practice on public land where I hunt where brush, positions, wind, trees, slope angle, rain, sun, all create the obstacles we might find on the hunt. The range is good for load development, zeroing, and finding my exact drops at distance but thats about it.