I was asked the other day as to why I use a staff all of the time while hunting with my longrifles. I have used one for many years,and also have found it to be rather indespensible. I am a little over 6 foot so mine is just a little over my eye in length with the butt on the ground. It is basically a pole that is light,and stiff,with a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches. Each end has a nail potruding about 2 inches from each end. The handle is wrapped with rawhide and this also keeps a leather loop in place which has the loop in a downward position. Similar to a ski pole. After the rawhide has dried,I put varnish on it,to weatherproof it. I use the staff while walking and found that it gives me a much steadier shot when used as a rest for the rifle,or handgun. I might also mention that my left had has a heavy glove on it to act as a cushion It is just a simple matter to slip the rifle,or pistol frame onto my wrist, with the staff in an upright position. With a little practice,this is very fast and also stable. I also use it while sitting beside a tree. The staff is placed next to the tree at a 45 degree angle and the nail on the top is placed into the bark of the tree. It comes in real handy as a firm rest for this position also. I cant tell you the number of times I have ended up on the ground after falling with a full back pack. That staff is kinda handy to use as an aid to getting back upright. stay safe.........King
