I'm thinking about getting some shooting sticks for my wife. Something that can double as a hiking staff as well. She has very weak knees, so it would help her out with that. She shoots a rifle, and giving a little support for longer range would be great.

I don't want to get something that takes forever to adjust, or sticks that are going to fall apart after a season or two either.

What sticks have you used, liked, or hated?

Thanks

I use sticks nearly all of the time. I have several sets made up in different lengths for various scenarios.

I went the cheap route. I bought (2) 6 foot bamboo plant stakes at Lowes and cut them to the length I wanted. Added some hockey tape to the top as padding in the "V" and to provide the hinge. They cost me something like $5.00 to make and have lasted several seasons. They also make a fine walking staff when picking my way through the rocks.

Add some foam padding around one leg to keep them from banging together and making noise when walking. Easy Peasy.

I looked at some of the commercial offerings when I was thinking about getting a set but decided the cheap route was the way to go until I decided if I liked shooting off of sticks or not. Turns out my $5 set of shooting sticks give me everything I need to execute a well placed shot, so I stuck with them. That was several seasons ago.

I have Bog-Pod shooting sticks and like them very much. I will use them whenever possible.

I've been using a Gander Mountain bipod for a few years. It's lightweight and steady, but it's starting to show significant wear. Also, it's not quite sturdy enough to double as a walking stick.

I've heard those Primos Trigger Sticks and Bog-Pods are nice. Haven't used them myself, but they might be worth a try.

I have one and it is heavy. Too heavy to be dragging around the bush. I use a monopod on occasion which doubles as a walking stick but would not be the best for a rifle shooter.

Bog Gear

If you want something cheap and easy to make:


It can be used with or without the bag in the fork (this bag is filled with very light packing material).

I also have a camera tri-pod that works OK (worked well enough for a 165yd antelope and a 287yd antelope), but I plan some modifications to it in the near future:



I've got about $1.50 in the homemade wood tripod and maybe $20 in the camera tripod.

I have yet to use the homemade wooden version, but initially, it seems to be quite a bit sturdier than the camera tripod. It also doubles as a walking stick and can also be used as a monopod if desired.

Feel like I've owned them all (except the Primos Trigger Stick) - love the Bog Gear.

I made mine out of bamboo. mine are 4 ft. long. I haven't used them a lot because I usually sit in a tree stand which has a passed shooting rail.

I've made a few sets. I make them out of old cross country ski poles. Take the "Pods" off the bottom, dill & run a bolt through both poles 6 inches down from the handles. Run a strap through the grips, and you have it. I ran the strap trough an old section of bicyle inner tube/ Works great and they are strong enough for a walking stick. Have bambo & graphite sets. I get them @ second hand stores. CHEAP!

In my video Handgunning Mule Deer and Pronghorn Antelope that I sent you rt there is a whole chapter on shooting positions. In it I demonstrate the use of shooting sticks and stress how useful they are as a "walking stick." I do use them often and killed my 5X5 bull elk with my .475 Linebaugh using a pair of Stoney Point Polecats in 2011.

In reality, sometimes (if you have bad legs like I do) they are worth almost more as a walking aid.

Primos triggerstick monopod. Works great as a rest and walking stick.
Also you can take off the v rest and use it for a camera or spotting scope.

I use and love them. Monopods, bipods. I really love a homemade set of sticks for my sharps express rifle.