I'm no long range sniper, so a monopod is all I need on most trips.
I know NONE of you knows what I'm talking about here, but I'm somehow simultaneously a big spender on hunting gear AND a cheapskate. So despite owning a Primos Trigger-stick tripod, a Triclawps gun mount for my Sirui tripod, and a mix of bipods from Harris and Swagger, I just use my hiking stick.
I took a Cascade trekking pole from Costco, drilled a hole in the top, and epoxied in about a 2" length of 1/4-20 all-thread. I left about a quarter inch sticking out. On this I mounted a V-style rifle yoke I got off Amazon, some generic brand. I think it was $15.
I hunt with the yoke mounted so I'm ready for any snap-shot need. (My last two elk were taken this way, standing.) One was 90 yards away, the other was 160. I'd say I'd be confident out to about 200 yards with this setup but 150 is about the sweet spot. For anything longer I shoot off my pack.
This means I also always have a monopod handy for glassing, which is nice when I'm hiking with my 15x56's - some support is nice for them but they don't always require a tripod like a spotting scope would. This particular model also has a double-height grip, so I can leave the stick tall enough for shooting while shifting my hand down for a more comfortable hike. I never adjust its length, I just leave it "tall" all day. If I'm shooting at an angle and need it shorter, I step forward a bit so it's at an angle.
Thanks man. I recently saw a pic of a hunter setup that way and I think I'm going to try something like that, just placing a Yoke on the top of my Trekking Pole.
I've been bringing along the thin Qwik-stiks.. and I like them a darn lot when trying to shoot rabbits or other small targets like ground squirrels. But I'm kind of thinking for this particular Alpine area I have in mind for deer... since I need to pack my tripod with me as well, and the climb is tough, and there's *usually* a tree nearby up there to hold the rifle onto the side off. Thinking ditch the Qwik-stiks and use the trekking pole or the pack. And also can just tilt the outdoorsmans Pistol Grip head over on it's side as well if some kind longer opportunity presented itself, and gave enough time to setup for. But usually the encounters are closer distances.