Thread: Debate - Do we need bipods for hunting?

I like to have the option. Shooting from a pack can be difficult in steep undulating tussock country, which is the majority of stuff I've been hunting down south.

In addition to the bipod, I pretty much always tramp with a walking pole and have now upgraded to one of the telescopic photography walking sticks and screwed a yoke to it. This was recommended by others in previous posts in the forum. Ive found it really handy for shots at animals that are high above or below, typically where the bipod or pack rest restrict aiming far enough up or down. Also have found it really handy for taking quick shots while on the move. I feel comfortable shooting to ~150ish m from it while standing, something I'd never consider doing without one. Easy to adjust length from 0.5 m to 1.6 m in a matter of secs. Lower = more stable, from seated position, higher for standing and to see over scrub etc. The walking pole was around $30 on sale at Macpac and the yoke was ~$10 from aliexpress. It's obviously not as stable as the split type shooting sticks but at a fraction of the cost it was an easy addition, especially given I was already using walking poles for general travel and fly/tent setup.

If I was exclusively bush hunting I'd probably ditch the bipod but would likely still take the walking pole/yoke as it helps minimise falling over on the steeper downhills and sidles. Hopefully the future knees will thank the present me for taking such great care.