This is topic Shootin Sticks in forum Predator forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by Andy L (Member # 642) on July 27, 2006, 05:15 AM:
Im sure this has been covered at some point in time, but hopefully yall can steer me in the right direction. I want to buy some shooting sticks. Is there any particular brand or type to stay away from? Any particular type to absolutely get? Any ideas?
I have used a bipod the last few years and they seem to limit you quite a bit. I would appreicate any help.
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on July 27, 2006, 05:57 AM:
Thats a tough one Andy. Everybody seems to like something different. I use the Snipepod. From my view the SP is kind of a cross between sticks and a pod. If buying a set of sticks though, I think I'd go with the Verne Howey sticks. All Predator Calls ***** them for around $40.
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on July 27, 2006, 06:53 AM:
I like the ones by Stoney Point that 'scope down. I belive that they also have an add-on that turns it into a tri-pod availble.
The truth is though, my homemade yucca stalk sticks work just as well and cost nothing.
Posted by bigben (Member # 864) on July 27, 2006, 07:11 AM:
I have a set of the bungee cord type ones that snap together like a tent pole. they are great it it isn't close to or below freezing. the aluminum tips freeze into the ground and then it is a pain to get them out.
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on July 27, 2006, 07:41 AM:
I use the Vern Howeys and like them. I used snipe pods before that, and I like them, but they aren't durable enough for beating snakes or dogs if the need arises. I think you have an airedale Andy? If so you'll need the ones made by Merv Griswold for E.L.K.. They are steel rods, and are the only ones for airedales. Fiberglass just wont hold up on an airedales hard head. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on July 27, 2006, 07:55 AM:
BigBen; Take your sticks to an archery shop and ask to see some slip on rubber blunts. Should solve that freezing in problem.
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on July 27, 2006, 08:53 AM:
Cal, I seem to remember you saying a while back that you "wore" out a snipe pod. My thought at the time was, "how in the heck did he wear a set out?" After all, I have had my SP for at least ten years and they aren't close to being wore out. Now that you mentioned that you used them for snake control and a dog discipline tool it makes sense. It shows that a good set of sticks can be used as a multi-tool that no one should be without.
[ July 27, 2006, 08:55 AM: Message edited by: Lonny ]
Posted by JoeF (Member # 228) on July 27, 2006, 09:31 AM:
I've got one of the fiberglass collapsable monopods that is great for shooting a rifle off of. For me personally, it is worthless for a pistol, I do better off-hand. (?????)
The monopod is great because it is long enough to be used as a walking stick, a great asset on rough terrain when you have a gimpy knee.
I had to laugh when I read Cal's post. I can imagine that an airdale would be beyond its' capabilities. Its' functionality on beagles is just barely acceptable....
On the other hand, I have found it to be quite adequate for loading cows and calves.
I think I need to get a set of crossed sticks for setting down on a coyote stand.
Posted by bigben (Member # 864) on July 27, 2006, 09:52 AM:
I use to have the problem with my sticks freezing. I work in a machine shop and I made new ones that does not sink in to the ground no more. this helps out with the freezin problem.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 27, 2006, 10:05 AM:
Yikes! How can you hunt where it freezes?
Posted by stevecriner (Member # 892) on July 27, 2006, 10:18 AM:
I love the predator snyper styx. They work great.
Posted by Rob (Member # 75) on July 27, 2006, 10:39 AM:
[ July 29, 2006, 09:41 AM: Message edited by: Rob ]
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on July 27, 2006, 10:58 AM:
I made myself a set like you find from ELK Inc and they work great. Recently acquired a set of the new style Predator Sniper Styx from Brent Rueb here in Kansas and they work really great. They work as both a bipod, and have a shorter third leg that can be deployed for a tripod in that occasionaly looooooong shot situation where you need the extra stability.
Brent makes them with a shoulder strap to make them easier to carry, even though they're so light, it's no bother keeping them in one hand.
One thing is for sure, once you learn how to use them, you never leave the truck without them. At first, I would frequently have to make a short hike back because I'd forget them. Nowadays, I'd sooner leave my boots then go in without my sticks. If for no other reason than they're handy to lean my feeling-older-every-day ass on when I need a breather trying to keep up with my gunner. I really gotta teach that boy the merits of walking dwon that hill and screwin' all those cows.
Posted by Joel Hughes (Member # 384) on July 27, 2006, 12:35 PM:
I use shooting sticks and, like Cdog, now that I am so used to them, I can't bear to leave the truck without them. I own both predator snyper stix and stoney point. The PS stix are really nice and work great, but the stoney points are my favorite. I really like the ability to extend and retract the legs. Setting them up on each stand to match the terain takes just a few seconds and makes me more comfortable compared to the fixed-length type. I also like to sometimes make a stand on my feet when I feel that to be advantageous for the setup. My stoney points will accomodate that type of stand as well, as they can be extended to as tall as me. I've also used them extended this way to help steady me with my binoculars when spotting a hillside for deer, etc. I do like the idea of the pivoting cradle on the Howey. Someone should come up with the best of both worlds. (if they don't already exist?) Pivoting rifle cradle, AND extendable legs. Good luck on your search. Just like with most everything else, we each prefer something different depending.
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on July 27, 2006, 01:00 PM:
Lonny, the part that wears out on the Snipe Pod for me is the little set screw that adjusts the tension on the ball joints. It is so tiny that I either strip it out or apparently the end that touches the ball wears off fast and eventually I can't get any tension. But they really are too light for dog tuning and snake control. The ones of E.L.K.s are just too dang heavy. The predator sticks from Kansas are Ok, but I like Howeys idea the best because if you turn following a coyote you aren't putting pressure on the side of your forend.
Posted by PAyotehunter (Member # 764) on July 27, 2006, 01:26 PM:
quote:
Yikes! How can you hunt where it freezes?
Its great! You should come out sometime.
Posted by bigben (Member # 864) on July 27, 2006, 02:10 PM:
I still haven't figured out how you guys would wanna hunt with sweat runnin down ever where. man october can't get here fast enough.
Posted by dog243 (Member # 911) on July 28, 2006, 03:47 PM:
Got the Snipe Pods and they are great.
Yes come on October.
Posted by Andy L (Member # 642) on July 28, 2006, 04:55 PM:
Thanks for the replys. Where do I find these Vern Howie sticks? I looked on APC and they only listed one kind and that werent them.
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on July 28, 2006, 05:36 PM:
Andy, I just checked APC to make sure. He has the Verne Howey sticks listed. I did a search on APC for "Verne Howey Sticks" and they came up. Even said right on the description of the sticks that they were "hard to find". ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Call AP Jones,(the head guy at APC)he will find them for you.
Cal, I know exactly what you mean about those tiny fricken set screws...
Posted by PAyotehunter (Member # 764) on July 28, 2006, 05:40 PM:
Here is a link to shooting sticks. Verne Howey shooting sticks is at the bottom of the page, $39.95.
Posted by PAyotehunter (Member # 764) on July 28, 2006, 05:42 PM:
oops forgot the link, here ya go.
http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=apc&product_name=Shooting+Sticks
Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on July 28, 2006, 06:09 PM:
i use shooting sticks from E.L.K. products. two steel rods with a fuel line hose and a couple nuts for the pivot. I've tried most of the others and this is the one that works good for me. 
[ July 28, 2006, 06:11 PM: Message edited by: TA17Rem ]
Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on July 28, 2006, 06:12 PM:
2nd pic. 
Posted by Andy L (Member # 642) on July 28, 2006, 06:15 PM:
Huh, when I went to APC, I just got the top one. The link worked, thanks. The page didnt load for some reason before? Thanks again....
Posted by Rob (Member # 75) on July 28, 2006, 06:54 PM:
You can buy them directly from Vern..
Lavern Howey
P.O Box 87
Granger, Wyoming
307-875-8928
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on July 30, 2006, 07:54 AM:
You'll like those sticks Andy. I've been using them for a few years now, and forsaken all others. Not only does the swiveling head allow smooth panning on a moving coyote, but the way the top piece bridges the two legs, makes the whole setup more stable than "crossed" sticks.
- DAA
Posted by Tim Behle (Member # 209) on July 30, 2006, 10:09 AM:
Andy,
I met and spoke with Vern yesterday and described your predicament. He said that being as you had an Airedale, he wouldn't recommend you using his sticks as they just wouldn't hold up. He suggested you get a couple of pieces of rebar either 1/2" or 5/8" 30-36" long.
But I bought a pair of his sticks for me, and like everyone says, there the best I've ever seen!
Posted by Nahuatl (Member # 708) on July 31, 2006, 09:53 AM:
After using the Stoney Point tripod w/tailpiece, I'm a believer. It holds your rifle/shotgun at the ready hands-free for calling in either sitting or standing position and doubles as a camera tripod for photos. The tripod actually breaks down into a mono-pod and a bipod. Tripods were actually banned at the last Memorial Hunt cold barrel shoot, because they give an unfair advantage over those still shooting a mono- or bi-pod. I bought the whole package at Cabela's and it saved a lot of dough over buying the individual parts from SP.
Posted by Andy L (Member # 642) on August 21, 2006, 05:23 AM:
I just ordered two of the Vern Howies from APC. Funny thing, I went to their site and again, they werent listed. Just the top listed pair only. I had to go back to this thread and go in from the posted link to get them.
Weird.
Cant wait to try em out though!!
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