Tips for getting a steady shot in the backcountry.

[Jason Snyder]

Always surprises me how many people wont shoot offhand

I do, but I feel in the field I’d pretty well limit it to 100 yards.

 

[zdoyle123]

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!

I have some little contraption that allows my trekking poles to lock together and form shooting sticks. Wiser Precision makes it. Pretty slick. Seated position, rifle on the sticks, pack under my chest and right elbow like a rear rest. Very solid.

 

[Happy Antelope]

I have about 15 in stock right now if anyone needs one.

 

[MulemanMT]

I use shooting sticks, rest against a tree or sit down and put my elbows on my knees. I lay down and use my pack as a rest if the snow is not to deep sometimes too.

 

[CentennialState]

+1 for quik-stixs. You do have to adjust your pole height to set up the shot but they are light and give your trekking poles a whole secondary function, thus reducing overall weight of your kit

 

[Fireflyfishing]

Always surprises me how many people wont shoot offhand

I shot a deer this year offhand with my 7 mag. He was 40 yards away and was unaware of my presence. I knew I could make the shot and did.

What’s your max range shooting offhand? Mine realistically with most of my rifles is 100 and in.

If the animal isn’t alerted to your presence, and you have time to get a more steady shot, why take the shot offhand? I would always error on the side of taking a resting shot if the opportunity is presented…which it is 90% of the time…for me anyways.

 

[wyosam]

Practice. Practice with only what’s in your pack or you’re willing to add to it. Practice getting steady in improvised positions, then breaking the shoot (live and LOTS of dry). Practice all heights, because you may need standing due to vegetation etc. whether hunting or just hiking with a rifle in the offseason, pick scenarios- “if I had an opportunity at an animal standing in x spot, how can I make that shot?”


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[def90]

Take a military style long range shooting class and learn how to use a sling as well as learn a few bone on bone shooting positions.

 

[rodney482]

tons of options for a bipod… it’s all about that rear support…. my internal frame Kifaru Timberline works great.

 

[roosiebull]

QuikStix up front and pack as a rear rest. I have also started packing and using a medium Phoenix shooting bag. Only weighs a few ounces and clips on my pack. Great for a prone rear rest, put it on top of branches, rocks, logs, etc….

Sticks up front and pack for rear is a really versatile option. I did carry a Molinator (sp?) and a light rear bag(forget the make, but nothing special)

First year I’ve carried bags, but both weigh nothing so it wasn’t a problem. I ended up shooting a buck using the bags off a down log, so I guess I’ll keep packing them for now (I think both bags are 6-7oz total)

 

[Weldor]

I switched to Viper flex shooting sticks, they are super steady. Took me awhile to get used to using them. They work is all I can say. Used trigger sticks for years also.