shooting sticks (monopod)

Just starting to use and get accustomed to them in preparation for a possible future Antelope hunt in southern Alberta. Not many 'trees' in that terrain to use as a rest.;)
On one of my last shopping trips at P&d, I picked up a set called Polecat telescoping, Explorer Bipod model, 25" - 62". They're made by Stoney Point. Haven't tried them very much yet but so far so good.:)
 
Use 'em all the time, they're called a fence post.;) Kiddin' aside, I've looked at them and considered them. Then I got to thinking that the bush is full of them, free of charge...so I could never see the point of buying one. Shooting sticks would be better I think. But then I have to admit that I cannot recall a situation where I thaught "geez, I wished I had something to rest my rifle on", I've always been able to improvize.
 
A friend has made his own light weight monopod from a set of fiber glass tent poles with the elastic cord in them. Short and easy to pack . They unfold and lock with a flick of the wrist.
 
I got a Stoney Point just before last season for 2 reasons. I am not a good off hand shot and need a support. Recently I've been hunting in more open areas where my requisite tree is often not at hand so I got one to help out. I got a monopod because I now also need a hiking stick as I've developed a bad limp on my left side. I'm very pleased with how it has worked out. It does take some practice to learn some steady positions and height requirements to make a good shot and the support I get for hiking is fantastic. I delayed getting one thinking it would be in the way, noisy, hard to pack, for old men, etc. but because of it's collapsible nature this has not been the case and if anything it makes my movements more controlled and quieter.

Jack Brigginham ( the American that does the hunt videos) suggested it to me (actually lent me his to try) as he uses treking poles all the time now -even when bow hunting - for the stability it gives him during the walks in and out.
 
Goose25,
I shot Rowland Ward bushbuck and waterbuck off a Stoney-Point mono-pod and went as far as buying one to play with after that. Do I like them? Oddly enough, not very much. The shots that I took, I could have made offhand. African style shooting sticks are a lot steadier, if you can talk someone else into carrying them. I've got good useage out of Stone-point shooting sticks and homemade ones from sitting, and old fashioned position and sling shooting has worked out fine for me. Trees and improved rests seem to fill in the gaps.
If you need or want a walking stick anyway, give it a try.
 
I'll be heading out to a new area for deer hunting this fall, and I hear there are alot of fields, grassy swamps, beaches and open space's for long range shots with little or no tree's... Thought a monopod might help, but I'd like something compact for the plane ride.


???who hunts whitetail on a beach??? I might.... I hear the deer at anticosti love to goble fresh kelp as they take long romantic strolls on the beach.:D
 
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We use shooting sticks when hunting coyotes , and I regularly use my ramrod while hunting with my muzzle loader.

The thing about a high monopod ( standing shot) that some don't realize, is that unless it is braced against your foot it can be very tough to get a steady shot off.
You have to put the base against your foot, then hold the monopod towards the end of the forend of the rifle, thus creating
a tiangulation (tech term) of stability.

Simply holding the monopod upright is not generally sufficiant.
Cat
 
catnthehatt said:
You have to put the base against your foot, then hold the monopod towards the end of the forend of the rifle, thus creating
a tiangulation (tech term) of stability.


Cat
Click to expand...


Catnthehatt,
That makes a lot of sense, I'll be giving that that a try when I get back to my stick and rifles.
 
I use the Stoney Point "PoleCat" telescoping bipod/shooting stick set. Very easy to use and adjust, rock steady and the PoleCat serves as a great walking/hiking stick when crossing difficult terrain like gravel/shale slopes or brooks/streams with algae covered boulders for a bed.
 
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