New to pistol hunting, how do most shoot it, bipod, sticks, off-hand?

[smong2000]

First off thanks to 'the forum'  for inspiring me to get an Encore 7-08 .  I have been loading for it and now can shoot nice MOA groups off the bench at 100 and ring the 200 yd gong every time.   Now I'm trying to figure out the heck how I would hunt with it.  Probably not many people shoot these off-hand, do they?    And can I get some ideas how most of you shoot it when really hunting.  Do you guys carry shooting sticks, bipods, tripods, or just hope to find a tree to rest against.   I'm talking about whitetail hunting, mostly still hunting or tracking in northeast hardwoods so you get the idea that I'm not in a stand or blind very much where I can have a stationary rest.  Shots tend to be 60-150 yds.  Thanks

[SD Handgunner]

I generally hunt from a ground blind. As such I use either a set of crossed shooting sticks or if the situation allows I use a bipod. However when walking shelterbelts or sloughs I use a walking staff. Mine is a home made affair. I removed the basket from the bottom of an old sky pole. I then drilled a hole in the top of the handle and inserted a Y Shaped piece of plastic to rest the forend of my Contenders in. This is not as stable as crossed sticks or a bipod but gets the job done out to reasonable ranges.

Good luck.

Larry

[Keith L]

I have a Stoney Point walking stick that has a yoke that replaces the knob when I want to use it for a monopod.  It is not as good as a solid rest, but can work in a pinch.  You may want to look into the various slings available too.  Using a sling can firm up a hold plenty as well.

[ShootnStr8]

I hunt deer from a climbing tree stand with a shooting rail.  Nevertheless, the deer have always shown up when I'm standing and in such a direction that I have had to make the shot offhand.  The distances are never over 75 yards. 

For groundhogs, it is on a small tarp with sand bags. 

Blessings!

ShootnStr8

[jhalcott]

 Practice shooting from a standing UNAIDED position as much as you can. HUNT with a bipod or walking staff with a yoke. This will give you a LOT of confidence when the shot opportunity arises. I use any and every "natural" rest I can in the woods, trees ,fence posts even another hunter if he'll let me. Since you KNOW from practice the gun/load is accurate from a bench,it's time to get away from the bench! You will develope the skill needed to take deer in a short while.

[xphunter]

When shooting from a groundblind I will use a table of some kind.  I use a Harris bi-pod alot, shooting sticks, and shoot off of my pack.

[Ladobe]

With all my specialty pistols, for long range varmint hunting I use portable benches and BR bipods (like them much better than bags, mechanical rests, etc).   For all other types of hunting I use slings for carry and shooting that I designed and had made for me.   They are more than enough of an aide in offhand shooting for predators to big game, so I don't have to carry sticks or pods.   As suggested, lots of practice with whatever system you choose to use will make all the differnence when hunting.

[GameHauler]

With all my specialty pistols, for long range varmint hunting I use portable benches and BR bipods (like them much better than bags, mechanical rests, etc).   For all other types of hunting I use slings for carry and shooting that I designed and had made for me.   They are more than enough of an aide in offhand shooting for predators to big game, so I don't have to carry sticks or pods.   As suggested, lots of practice with whatever system you choose to use will make all the differnence when hunting.

Could you post a pic of your sling setup?

Mike

[Grumulkin]

I will shoot up to 50 yards off hand.  From 50 to 100 yards, I'd want some type of rest like shooting sticks.  For over 100 yard shooting, I would like a bipod and/or the prone position or a sand bag.

[chupiw1]

If there are any pistol silhouette matches in your area, I would start trying them out. Thats what i am soing to do pretty soon after i find myself an older contender.  I am pretty lucky where i am located, in Phoenix, AZ there are quite a few matches to attend.  This is what silhouette was originally set up for. Practice for off season hunters.  You have to shoot unsupported, and it should be great practice for you and your handgun. There are matches that are suitable for most hangun types, within reason. Just a suggestion.

[hunterspistol]

  Offhand? How about 40 or 60 round silhouette matches offhand?  I shoot offhand, and kill snakes and skunks that way. I like sitting on the tailgate of the pickup best. According to my books, sitting is actually the preferred position to shoot from when hunting. Not sure how well that works for most.
    But, like you, I'm working my way into hunting more and more, good question to ask. I congratulate you on your choice of question.


   This really is a good forum, I like having the experienced gents share information with us.

[Redhawk1]

With my Encores, I will usually use Stony Point shooting sticks. I have shot a few game off hand with my Encore's.

[onesonek]

I shoot off simple X-stix I made myself. If the range starts pushin my comfort zone, I'll use a second set under my grip hand or wrist for added stability.

Dave

[Catfish]

I have a 27 in. high by-pod on mine. It`s just the right height for setting on the ground and resting the grip on your knee.

[eodusa]

Who makes such a bipod?

A bipod that is high enough from a sitting position is just right.

[ftw]

I always try to use something.
I bought a set of "Trekking poles" at the Thrift store for six dollars, they are 48" long and have a metal point on the bottom. I drilled a hole in the top and screwed in a rubber coated U hanger hook from the Building supply store. The stick works well to prop the Contender when I am walking or standing and watching.

I made a short set of X sticks from those flexible tent poles. I epoxied a couple of target arrow points in the bottom so they won't slip and these work well when sitting on the ground or a short stool, chair etc.
I have tree stands with rails that I brace on but I will shoot off hand if the deer is within about sixty yards or so. I always will use a support if I can, It just makes me steadier.

I always carry ratchet clippers in my pack and in a pinch, I cut a sturdy sapling with a Y in it and just trim it to fit the situation depending on what I am sitting on.

I had a sling on one of my Contenders and actually found I could get pretty steady by adjusting the sling so It pulled tight when I had the pistol extended. I sold that set up and just never used a sling again even though it had worked before.

[Ladobe]

If there are any pistol silhouette matches in your area, ...

Actually, the Creedmore position commonly used for IHMSA Unlimited (for example) is a very solid "unaided" positon that works well for handgun hunting - if you have time to get into it.   Nothing to carry but your hunting handgun - just drop into the positioon and shoot.   

I've used it many times for long range shots in the squirrel/dog fields and when predator hunting.   Almost like having a portable shooting bench along on the hunt.   I don't hunt big game anymore, but if I did I would use it for that too if the game cooperated.

Might be worth a consider...

[blhof]

I usually carry a walking stick/monopod and also use available trees ect. if possible.  Get a sturdy stick that you can use for a walking stick also, there are some good colapsable ones; don't go cheap as the sturdier the better.  I've used the stick with point pushed in ground and in sitting position on prairie dogs out to 80+yds., and took deer while standing with the stick at 100 yds.