Trekking pole/pack seated shooting

[Lawnboi]

Show me the way. I have done some shooting with trekking poles, tried the quick stix and wasn’t really a fan. But have not dedicated the time to be as consistent with them as I’d like.

This year I have a hunt I’m really considering leaving my tripod at home. I’m very versed in tripod deployment and shooting, and until this year could normally justify carrying the tripod.

Is it possible to get as steady on sticks/pack as a tripod? How are you carrying/deploying?

Weighing my options, not having to lug around a tripod this year would be nice if I can become proficient enough with trekking poles.

 

[Wacko]

 

[Lawnboi]

Someone’s got to have more than a video with quick sticks.

I’m more interested in wrist straps because I do not care for the quick sticks attachments I have currently.

 

[Wacko]

You do the same thing. Just loop your trekking pole straps over the handles. Use the straps to cradle the rifle forend.

You can get even more stable with a tree or thick bush behind you too.

 

[ztc92]

Someone’s got to have more than a video with quick sticks.

I’m more interested in wrist straps because I do not care for the quick sticks attachments I have currently.

I don’t have any videos but can share some thoughts/tips from S2H courses and subsequent practice. When we got this position dialed in at the course it was nearly as good as prone in terms of groups and hit rates.

- Loop the wrist straps over one another to create a cradle for the rifle. Pick a middle length and use the angle of the sticks to set your height, which is much faster that trying to adjust stick height.

- Use support hand to hold the stock in a C-clamp and also clamp onto the sticks as well. If you do this right and pull the rifle into your shoulder it will allow you to stay in the scope and cycle the bolt without breaking position.

- I still struggle with how best to position the backpack in the rear. Terrain and sitting position affect it a lot. When done right, the pack serves the same function as a rear bag, supporting the stock during recoil and allowing for subtle adjustments in elevation.

Best of luck!

 

[Lawnboi]

I might need some pictures. I went out with the 22 today and shot a bunch of seated with trekking poles.

It was ugly. I’m used to near prone stability and zero reticle with the tripod. I’m don’t think I was any faster than my tripod honestly.

So for those that are good with this. How are you hooking your straps? The obvious advantage to the straps over the quick stix is the ability to quickly adjust elevation.

Interfacing with the pack seems pretty straight forward clamping the stock and stabilizing on the pack frame, but I’m still pretty wobbly, maybe 3 tenths wobble. Are people using their support hand on the butt with the pack? Or supporting the forend with the sticks?

I also remember why I don’t shoot much rimfire after shooting the22 today.

 

[Pilsner]

I might need some pictures. I went out with the 22 today and shot a bunch of seated with trekking poles.

It was ugly. I’m used to near prone stability and zero reticle with the tripod. I’m don’t think I was any faster than my tripod honestly.

So for those that are good with this. How are you hooking your straps? The obvious advantage to the straps over the quick stix is the ability to quickly adjust elevation.

Interfacing with the pack seems pretty straight forward clamping the stock and stabilizing on the pack frame, but I’m still pretty wobbly, maybe 3 tenths wobble. Are people using their support hand on the butt with the pack? Or supporting the forend with the sticks?

I also remember why I don’t shoot much rimfire after shooting the22 today.

I am in the same boat - I need pictures! I've tried this myself a year or so back and it was an abject failure. Due to some physical/health issues I don't shoot prone anymore and need to learn to utilize my pack and trekking poles better.
-Doc