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Here's a short piece I've written as part of a new site we're building. Where it says 'I' replace with 'your PH'..... hope it helps!

Many hunters won’t have come across shooting sticks until they hunted Africa. When used correctly, they’re a great help. When used incorrectly, they’re a great hindrance. – So let’s look at the correct way to use them.

Shooting sticks usually come in two versions. Bipod and tripod, either way, the tracker will carry them and as we are getting close to our quarry, the hunter needs to be close to the tracker and sticks. As soon as the sticks get set up, you need to get your rifle on them. Try to place your left hand in the vee of the sticks and hold the stock where it feels comfortable As soon as the rifle is on the sticks, start looking for animal we’re going for. I’ll help you with this.

Shooting from sticks is in many ways the same as any other kind of accurate shooting. Get the geometry right and it’ll all fall into place. You need to form as many triangles with your body as you possibly can. (Assuming you're right handed) Stand with your left leg forward and your right leg to the rear and keep the knees straight. (That’s one triangle) Then make two other triangles with your arms and try to keep your elbows as high as possible. Hold the rifle reasonably firmly to strengthen those triangles and try to imagine you're almost trying to twist the stock in two opposite directions at the same time.

If you’re using a bipod, angle the top of the sticks towards you, and then lean into the sticks and the rifle, to form another triangle which will give additional stability. If you need to adjust the height on a set of bipod sticks, just move forward or back slightly as appropriate.

If you're using tripod sticks, lean into them but (IMO) it's a little harder to form such a strong triangle with them. If the tripod is too high or too low, the tracker will adjust them for you and if he can't get it right, just alter your posture slightly. I’ll be watching you on the sticks and if I think it necessary and if the occasion allows, I’ll lean into your shooting shoulder with my shoulder to give you even more stability.

Edited by shakari (03/08/08 04:13 AM)

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