Thread: Debate - Do we need bipods for hunting?

The first "PRS" match I shot was the first one held in Otorohanga.
One of the guys in my squad didn't even bring a bipod, just had his pack and a 2 point sling and shot very well.

A good 2 point sling (and properly set up sling mounts) is far more practical than a bipod in the field/hunting. Obviously need to practice a fair bit to get proficient but you can shoot bloody well with just a sling, certainly good enough for 90% of hunting situations.

I always have a sling on my rifles and feel "naked" without one.
Being able to do things hands free is also a huge advantage.

Depends what type of hunting you do. If you walk in to a shooting blind to park up and watch a face at extended distances, they play their part. On the other hand, if you re always on the move while hunting probably not so much and your pack or a naturally made rest would do for a longer shot. Or stalk in close.

By going to the Te Puke shoot a few years ago I found I shot a lot better off a bipod than a daypack, so I take a bipod if hunting open country (tops, farmland)

given a choice I'd prefer to shoot off a bipod, but 90% of the time I'm either carrying a rife, the tussock is too long or the slope I'm on is weird.
so in reality I end up just shooting off my backpack or use my sidling stick to help steady

Personally not in the bush as it's just something else to get caught on everything and the shots are close range anyway. If hunting on an open farm then absolutely, I can shoot better at longer ranges with a bipod.

Davros head ???

Am I the only one who doesn't spend $600+ on a bipod and makes do with a Nikko Stirling or Buffalo River type bipod? Does the job....

I also use an cheap harris type bipod. But need to practice with a sling and use that then a small tripod instead of a bipod. As it will be useful for more situations with awkward hills, taller grass, sitting and standing etc.

Originally Posted by bumblefoot

Am I the only one who doesn't spend $600+ on a bipod and makes do with a Nikko Stirling or Buffalo River type bipod? Does the job....

Harris bipods/clones or other cheap bipods do the trick but more expensive do have advantages.
Whether it's worth payin $1600 for a double pull Ckyepod is up to the individual but a $60 bipod isn't the same as the $1600 MDT.

It’s horses for courses, but the magnetic quick attach system used by Spartan and some others solves the problem of bipod getting snagged up in the bush & so easy to attach when needed & weigh next to nothing. Walking sticks or pack when tussock or scrub too high. The Mtn gear is very nice but also pricey

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.

Most of the deer i shoot are at some distance, most are 400 yards or beyond, I hunt places where i target slips and clearings, so generally will fit my bipod and suppressor for these shots. My 7mm SAUM is a very light rifle, so the DPT with 6 baffles takes the sting out of it when prone. However I certainly do pick up the odd deer while walking into my hunting area, or when walking from one vantage point to another one.

I generally never have my bipod and suppressor fitted to my rifle while walking, I hate carrying it with a big long suppressor and bipod fitted, instead, i keep them in my pack and fit prior to making a longer shot.

When shooting off a bipod while hunting, i will always try to use something i have with me as a support as a rear rest, a rolled up jacket, or my fleece gloves stuffed into my camera case makes quite a good rear rest (If fact thats what i did when i made my 994 yard deer shot) any sort of rear rest makes a huge difference i find beyond say 350 yards. I just use the old swivel Harris bipod with spikes on the feet, pretty solid.

Shooting off a pack can work well for closer distances, but i like being able to load the rifle with my shoulder which helps me keep it steady for the longer shots. I was up the ruahines on Wednesday night, and setting up to shoot a deer on a face slightly above me at 400 yards, with the lay of the land etc i was shooting from, i had to have my bipod legs sitting ontop of my pack to get enough height.

Originally Posted by dannyb

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.

The only thing I would add to this is to sight in and practise with the same method you use for hunting. If you want to use a bipod, sight in with the bipod. If you prefer to use a pack for a rest, sight in on a rest.....

Shot a lot of deer with a bipod, shot a lot without. Sometimes I use it, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes i’m hunting places and ranges where I want my bipod for the shot, sometimes i’m hunting places and ranges I don’t want my bipod.

I figure since practically all my hunting is bush stalking I practice almost all my shooting offhand for snap shots. My last attempt was a 6" group of 5 @100m (bottom right, ignore the .308 hole below the bull) using two different loads. should do me right at 50m or less without a bipod. So no, no bipod for me - I'll use a pack if I need to do long range and borrow one for sighting in.

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