Monopod/ shooting sticks for western hunting

[Kramerica]

Planning my second trip to Colorado for a elk hunt this year. My first go at it I learned a lot. #1 takeaway was in most situations a bipod doesn’t get me anywhere near high enough to see over the vegetation. I don’t really have the money to get a nice light weigh Tripod. So I’m looking for some input on a good monopod or shooting sticks

 

[dkhunt14]

Check out BOG POG. Different models and accessories that can be switched around. Matt

 

[Mark W]

I use a Primos Trigger Stick.

Depending on the terrain a tall 27” to 28” bipod also works for me from a seated position. That’s how I shot the pronghorn in my avatar at almost 500 yards.

 

[MS50]

If you're considering a monopod, I suggest you try one before you buy. My experience is that it takes a lot more practice to get proficient than it does with shooting sticks. I was unable to practice enough to get proficient.

 

[Flouncer]

I agree with all said above. Tripod was about $120 I think. Can't hit shi@t with stix even. And this year will be my 4th !!

Edit: I got this one after I realized that even with practice I sux with stix . .. .

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RN0JA0/?tag=accuratescom-20

 

[Bc'z]

I have a pair of stoney points.
Telescoping legs, can be set up as mono or bipod configuration.
Doubles as a walking stick.

 

[K9TXS]

McFadden Ultimate Tripod

The McFadden tripod is the one I really like, but it's not for everyone's type of hunting for sure. Very stable shooting platform. I bought a used one and added the Bog wide body rest on the front of the McFadden.

The McFadden weights around 15 lbs so it's not easy to carry around. You can use it kneeling sitting or standing.

 

[1911nut]

The Swagger bipod is worth looking at. It weighs 24oz.
It works good on a coyote gun for long shots sitting on the ground.

https://swaggerbipods.com/collections/hunter-series

 

[Kramerica]

Definitely would need to be light weight. I do more hiking then sitting. The tripods I was looking at were $1100 roughly. I don’t want to spend that right now. Good points on practicing with a monopod. I’ve used some cheaper monopods before (couldn’t put the full weight of rifle on it or it’d start running down) and I was okay with them but it definitely limited my distance I was effective at. I suppose I could look more for a longer legged bipod, that might work for most situations..

 

[Kramerica]

The Swagger bipod is worth looking at. It weighs 24oz.
It works good on a coyote gun for long shots sitting on the ground.

https://swaggerbipods.com/collections/hunter-series


View attachment 1090309

It’d be going on a 300WM. How do you think it’d hold up for that?

 

[1911nut]

It’d be going on a 300WM. How do you think it’d hold up for that?

The attachment is reasonably strong, the design allows flex so you can move right-left a bit with the feet on the ground.
With the feet forward, pushing the rifle forward gains quite a lot of elevation.
The unit is light enough so it should move with recoil just fine.

My friend who used one a lot this year switched from sticks and likes that you don’t have to carry a monopod or sticks.

This is from the Swagger site:
“The Hunter29 easily adjusts from 6 3/4" to 29" and is ideal for western hunters, spot-and-stalk situations or anywhere long shots from the ground are likely. No matter the terrain or obstacle you can trust Swagger to help you shoot with confidence.”

 

[dkhunt14]

Definitely would need to be light weight. I do more hiking then sitting. The tripods I was looking at were $1100 roughly. I don’t want to spend that right now. Good points on practicing with a monopod. I’ve used some cheaper monopods before (couldn’t put the full weight of rifle on it or it’d start running down) and I was okay with them but it definitely limited my distance I was effective at. I suppose I could look more for a longer legged bipod, that might work for most situations..

BOG POG has many different models and accessories and reasonable prices. Matt

 

[Bill K]

Check out the Bog Pog's. If possible use one and you will probably buy one. I like the tall model, as you can adjust from sitting to standing and have a good solid rest. And it does have many attachments, if you want.

 

[K22]

First - forget the monopod - it simply does not provide enough stability.

Second - after trying all manner of commercial shooting aids I adopted a shooting cross stick system as my field shooting aid. The commercial ones did not fit my needs, either too short, too much flex, too flimsy, too cumbersome to adjust, etc. So for less than $20 I made my own and custom fit it for my size and application. (I shoot from the sitting position off a portable sportsman's chair but the system can also work standing if that's you're preferred shooting position.)

I ordered two pieces 1/2" diameter solid aluminum rod. I cut them to the desired length. Sharpened one end of each rod to a point. Placed 12" of 1/2" ID auto heater hose over the other ends. Bound the two sticks together with three wraps of 1" wide Velcro about 4" down from the top of the sticks.

Result - I have a durable, light weight, highly functional, easily adjustable for height shooting aid. Many times when you're hunting, especially stalking you don't have time to fool around adjusting the height of your shooting aid to make a shot. By simply adjusting the spread of the sticks I can change the height within a few seconds. During stalking I can be on target in less than a minute.

Two issues to consider - (1) it takes practice to become proficient shooting off the sticks especially for tiny targets in varmint and predator hunting, (2) the point of impact may be and often is different from shooting off a bench so check your sight in off the sticks and shoot enough rounds to validate that the sight in correct.

I use mine for all hunting - i.e. varmint, predators and big game. It works great.

 

[maxscm]

Bog Pod Tri-Pod.

 

[Bill K]

K22, what is the overall length of your two rods ?

 

[Toddmack]

I use the tall Primos trigger sticks. It's almost too tall for sitting, calling coyotes. Great for standing when i deer hunt. I think they go as high as 62" when fully extended.

 

[Intheshop]

Mine are almost the same as K22's....

Aluminum arrows with surgical hose on the top,lashed together. The stiction of the V with the rubber seems to be the secret.... the forend just isn't slipping and slopping around. The "flex" is adjustable, as the arrows come in a bunch of spines. Too stiff and the rig will jump,too thin are useless. Start with 30" 2315's....

We have literally barrels of used arrows,if you have an archery pro shop around,they will probably give you a cpl.....

Edit; they can be had in camo,oh yeah!... got to have the camo.

 

[AWS]

I've gone to using XC ski poles with the baskets removed. I use them as trekking poles and when it is time to ma stand just loop the wrist strap over the other pole(both) and it makes a perfect rest for the forend, just spread them out for height adjustment. They are cheap at goodwill stores and a can of krylon to camo them. They are great to use to get in and out of steep washes. Trekking poles work the same also.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

If I was gonna carry stix elk hunting I'd take my BogPod. Some people around here like those telescoping bipods that extend when you pull a lever and are connected to the front swivel mount. FWIW I don't use stix for big game hunting. I am located in Wyoming..