Game doesn’t typically hang out at the same cleared flat range where you zeroed your rifle from in the prone or off the bench rest you most likely used. That shot you want to press in order to harvest that trophy deer, elk or whatever game may have to be facilitated with the aid of some type of rest that is elevated off the ground.
Uneven terrain between you and the target, rocks, brush and slopes will play a big part in making it a clear choice to have a tripod as a key piece of your hunting setup.
A suitable tripod will afford the hunter an extensive selection of shooting positions in the field to increase their odds of success:
Once PID is made the shooter must now efficiently transition to the most stable shooting position with their rifle that will allow him or her to press the shot with minimal external influence.
*It is recommended that you have positive identification (PID) of the intended target with optics that is not attached to a firearm i.e your rifle scope for safety sake.
Tripod Selection
When it comes to hunting the first skill set a person needs is the ability to observe with the aid of a spotting scope (preferred) or binoculars. To save on weight the same tripod you take your shot from can easily double as the platform to glass for game but make no mistake, though a shooting tripod can be used for non-shooting applications it is reinforced in all the right places to stand up to the rigors of the hunt.
A good shooting tripod is purpose built to take the weight and recoil impulse of a rifle being fired off of it. It should have three adjustable leg sections (twist or lever lock) that will facilitate shooting from the seated up to the standing positions. The legs of the tripod should be able to extend, retract and be tightened in position with no slipping. The feet of the tripod legs can have rubber/spiked feet. From the base (trunnion) the shooter should also be able to lock each individual leg at different angles.
Where the tripod legs meet together at the base or ‘head’ is called the trunnion with a sturdy ball head (40 mm +) which would be preferred. In either case a tripod made for shooting off of should have a trunnion designed to manage weight and allow for rapid and smooth adjustments.
Methods for Mounting
There are numerous types of tripod heads that will facilitate being able to use your spotting optic and rifle off of.
Yoke: This method is by far the easiest and cost effective and allows transition between equipment as it is used to rest the glass or rifle on but does not secure the rifle to the tripod.
Shooting Bag: A shooting bag secured to the tripod head is another method. The stable and flexible platform is ideal for hunters needing to change positions quickly.
Universal Clamp: Similar to how a vise works the rubberized devise can be tightened to secure and clamp directly onto the rifle stock or chassis without permanent modifications.
Arca-Swiss Mount: An ARCA mount will provide the most secure interface and lockup and still provide rapid-detachment when called for.
Training
First and foremost the shooter has to zero their rifle from the prone (preferred) or a bench rest to establish that the shooter, rifle and selection of ammo are capable of doing under the most advantageous shooting position. The zero will establish the baseline for shooting off the tripod.
Once you’ve zeroed and before you fire the first shot off the tripod get a feel for the different positions you might use – siting with your butt on the ground, sitting on a camp stool, keeling and, finally, standing. By setting up in each position you will have to manipulate the tripod and learn the levers, knobs and locking mechanisms.
Because your tripod can be used to glass and shoot off of below are a couple of examples for training before the season opens and, ultimately, use one or both methods during the hunt. Another method would be to have a dedicated tripod for your glass and one for your rifle. One method is any better than the other. It all comes down to finding out which one works for you:
Example 1
Have spotting glass mounted on tripod and the rifle on the ground. Glass area for possible targets; observe target. Remove spotting glass from the tripod, mount your rifle onto the tripod. Shoulder rifle and confirm PID with rifle scope, make any fine adjustments, range, and press shot.
Example 2
Have rifle already mounted and secured to the tripod. With spotting optic glass area for possible target until you identify one. Shoulder rifle and confirm PID with rifle scope, make any fine adjustments, range, and press shot.
The Range is Cold
Before shooting tripods were a thing snipers and hunters were shade tree engineering camera tripods with hand fabricated saddles that they would mount on their camera tripod to facilitate the needed shot to varying degrees of success.
Being brand agnostic, Silverback Gunlocker doesn’t recommend a specific kind but we do carry shooting tripods at our store in Canyon and Miguel can certainly give you the concerns and considerations for the different types available. Stay safe out there and see you at the range or at the store!
DARREN A. BRITTO
TRAINING DIVISION MNGR
SILVERBACK TRAINING SYSTEMS
SILVERBACK INDEPENDENT, LLC
