When shooting bags won't work

[AZHTR]

Fundemental question from out West - What do you guys use to hunt/shoot long distance from in tall grass/bushes/terrain when shooting bags won't work?

I took my nephew on a coues deer hunt last year, he shot his deer at 550 yards (one shot) off of shooting bags. This year he drew another coues hunt and shot a deer at 525 yards (one shot) however, the terrain was tall grass/shrubs. I rigged a couple of tripods in line to rest the rifle upon and for him to feel comfortable to make the shot....,...but it took us around 25 minutes (Deer was bedded)

He shoots my rifles and I don't use a bipod, only because I cannot keep my accuracy going from the bench/bags to using the bipod. (I struggle with "loading" the bipod correctly)

I've been trying to come up with some type of "shooting support system" using my current glassing tripod. The last pic is the most stable, but looking at a hillside 700 yards away it's not as solid as it "might" look.

Coues deer hunting is up and down terrain and I'm trying to limit extra weight in my daypack!

Suggestions welcomed

 

[Marky_mark]

arca rail and a high quality tripod

 

[Bob Wright]

My buddies Outdoorsman's tripod has that rear support too. But to set it up it takes time if they are bedded or feeding around and not in a hurry. I think what you have is good for that purpose. I find it hard to shoot off many unsupported tripods. I guess practice makes it better.

 

[Koda_]

shooting sticks are simple and effective and will get you above the vegetation.

 

[RB II]

arca rail and a high quality tripod

This is what I would recommend. Shot an antelope last year at 415 off of a tripod with arca rail head/arca rail on my 7SS rifle. Amazingly steady.

 

[AZHTR]

"Rear Support" seems to be my issue. 600, 700, 800 yards I can see my heartbeat in the scope. I try to minimize holding on to the rifle. The Arca rail looks nice, but I believe supporting the rear of the rifle would still be my issue.

I'm an old man now and I'm not sure how i would do dragging around a super heavy tripod. I do have a Manfrotto/Bogen I could try!

 

[Jakeweb09]

in Alaska I shot a caribou while clipped into my tripod, and used my buddies tripod leg as a rear rest, just crank it up a little extra high and hold the tripod with your non trigger hand, and pinch stock into it

 

[Bob Wright]

I hate it when I am forced to choose leaning against a Saguaro to steady my old frame.

 

[TucsonFX4]

I use these and love them.

GunStix - GunStix

Thanksgiving Day Sale!!Save 10% now thru Thanksgiving Weekend Dealer & Affiliate Enquiries Welcome!! GunStix!! A unique quad leg design of shooting sticks that provides an extremely steady front and back rest for your rifle, providing bench rest like accuracy in the field! Weighing just over...

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Successful one shot kills (from standing position) at just over 500 and just under 500.

 

[Ol' Red]

I like to lean against a solid tree, but I live and hunt in Wyoming. Sometimes that can involve mile or two hike, so I try to stay on high spots and shoot over my pack. I am sure there are better options, but I don't like to pack a lot of extra weight when hunting. Following for better ideas.

 

[AZHTR]

"GunStix" I like that design........But I believe I woukd still need "one more leg" on the rear

 

[med358-boise]

I use a lightweight front collapsible tripod (before I found one I liked I made my own from trekking poles see 2nd pic) and my daypack across my thigh or if a taller pack it can be between your legs to support the rear butt stock. Here are sample photos of the technique and set up. Play around to see what is most comfortable for you.

 

[AZHTR]

I do hunt with a packframe. I should try an utilize "it" for rear support.

 

[P7M13]

I hate it when I am forced to choose leaning against a Saguaro to steady my old frame.

Take heart, the saguaro is probably older than you, and hates it when older gentlemen lean up against it.

I've never had to take a long shot at game, though I practice for them.
For years I would practice in the Tillamook forest, shooting across a canyon where I hung gongs at 300, 400 & 500, and another where I could shoot 800. I would use boulders or pin my rifle up against a tree.
I had bipods on my favorite rifles, and never once used them, and took them off.
A friend gave me a monopod shooting stick but that was only a little more stable than offhand.
I use shooting sticks now where I'm crouched on a knee and the stick are canted toward me. I don't know the brand, they were a gift from my brother. They took me some getting used to as far as ergonomics.