Thread: Debate - Do we need bipods for hunting?

something that has been going through my head a bit lately...

In competition I use a bipod a lot, but do we need them hunting? (e.g. open tops, farmland etc)

They are an expensive item nowa days and am often pretty happy to shoot off a shooting bag or my pack.

is a lightweight tripod more useful?



this is a discussion point, am neither for or against

Handy for sighting in, but not much use in the bush. Just extra weight and opportunity to get snagged.

Identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss (right?) and I'll be missed.

Personally i had never even used a bipod in 20+ years of hunting untill recently, the last year or so. Started by using one shooting at the range combined with a rear bag. After learning about the process of using a bipod correctly combined with a rear bag, i use it all the time now and wouldnt go hunting without it, unless im bush stalking only. Ive shot plenty of animals over the years from all sorts of strange positions/rests and made it work but i feel like if you invest in a good bipod and learn how to use it correctly combined with a rear bag, its only going to improve your accuracy and consistency as far as shot placement & ethical kills + its a great confidence booster seeing your shots go where you actually want them to go. I also find it much easier for managing recoil / keeping on target for a follow up shot or seeing where the animal goes. Not always as easy when resting across a pack etc with a heavy recoiling rifle.

This horse has been flogged to death here time and time again, do what you like, do what works for you. Shoot off a pack, $20 fake harris or several hundred $ backlanz, MTN or javelin who gives a shit as long as you shoot well at your intended range using your intended method

Personally i use different methods for different needs, javelin for lightweight bipod, carbon tripod with davros head for hilly or long tussock and free standing or using natures rests whe the need arrives.

A small study tripod with a good bag is more versatile when you have done the practice with it I reckon

Don't need but enhance the experience for me I am very happy to shoot off a pack have done for years but I can hit the deck just about anywhere and get a good rest off my current bipod

agreed mick, you and I both know what is possible with a tripod though

It may be a subject thats flogged to death but its an ever changing game with new gear and philosophies changing constantly. good lightweight shooting bags and tripods didn't exist until the last few years.

a modern hunting bipod like a MTN is a similar price to a carbon tripod.

I havent tried a tripod personally but have considered giving one a go. I just wonder how steady it would be on the longer shots with no support under the back of the rifle apart from an excited human, compared to a bipod/rear bag setup.

Last deer I shot utilised my leki walking pole with the rifle stock resting in the fabric hand loop of the handle. Could not get my pack close enough to rest on and the tussock was too high to take a prone shot, so used a kneeling position / walking pole combo. Worked a treat! Depends on terrain/ vegetation cover you hunt in as to their effectiveness.

Originally Posted by kiwi303

agreed mick, you and I both know what is possible with a tripod though

It may be a subject thats flogged to death but its an ever changing game with new gear and philosophies changing constantly. good lightweight shooting bags and tripods didn't exist until the last few years.

a modern hunting bipod like a MTN is a similar price to a carbon tripod.

Don't look at the price of the backlanz tripod you'll cry I did its $500 darer than what I expected and I expected expensive the mtn may be similar in price to some carbon tripods but will beat it by weight by at least a kilo in most cases

RUMPYs son can beat the walking pole ...he shot his first wallaby with Dad holding forestock up with his rifle barrel in bottom of hand,his rifle grounded in tussocks upright, lad was standing I held buttstock on top of his shoulder,he did the aiming bit and squeased trigger for great shot..... that was few years back,my stock was too long for him,the other weekend he pulled off a goood 200ish yard shot supporting rifle over the top of my upright frame pack. his first shot was standing in tall tussocks,the other day sitting in short tussocks.
agree with Dannyb...you just "make it work" whatever you have got.

2x walking poles makes a good makeshift bipod.

Not aware of any tripods approaching 300-400gm in weight like a bipod? Although they are very practical otherwise

Originally Posted by gimp

2x walking poles makes a good makeshift bipod.

Not aware of any tripods approaching 300-400gm in weight like a bipod? Although they are very practical otherwise

Or 140g if you have the MTNGEAR one.

Anyone played around with wiser precision sticks or similar (hiking pole attachment).. reckon they'll be my next gear purchase.

https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/quick-stix

Originally Posted by gimp

2x walking poles makes a good makeshift bipod.

Not aware of any tripods approaching 300-400gm in weight like a bipod? Although they are very practical otherwise

I use my walking poles as a bipod - great in the steep stuff and I am carrying them anyway ...

Not so practical for hunting (for CNI bush) but the AliExpress Arctise carbon tripod I have is brilliant if you set it right down with a rear bag. I have to say I do struggle somewhat in a standing position with it though, need to hang a weight I think