Any Legs Are Much Better Than No Legs!

by Larry Weishuhn

“Quit poking me with those stupid sticks!” came the warning as my buddy again raised his rifle .... to shoot off hand, at the 8-point buck some 300 yards in the distance. I poked him once more with the “shooting sticks” I carried, (In this instance two 1⁄2 inch wooden dowels about 48 inches in length joined together with a single piece of rawhide about eight or so inches from one end) but still he paid me no mind.

Gathering his nerves, and just before he shot, he turned around and threatened to shoot me .... if I poked him again. I simply shrugged my shoulders and waited and watched. My companion’s shot eventually ricocheted off a rock about two feet to the left of the buck. As he reloaded I shoved my “shooting sticks” his way I again. “NO!” was all he said before he fired the second shot .... which cut and dropped a small limb just in front of the buck’s nose. Once again my friend reloaded and pointed his rifle in the direction of the buck, which now seemed to be totally oblivious of the fact that he was even being shot at! The third shot sounded, and neither of us knew where the bullet went - but the buck was obviously unscathed .... and shortly disappeared.

With that I sat down, spread my homemade bipod shooting sticks, like I had seen in many paintings of the “buffalo runners” and old photos of African “White Hunters” (this was the term used before everything became so politically correct and the world started calling them professional hunters) and tracked a second fine buck that had just burst out off the brush due to all the commotion. I propped my rifle in the crux of the sticks, held the crosshairs about a quarter of the way down from the buck’s shoulder .... and gently touched off my .270 Winchester. I saw the buck buckle and start to fall before I heard the resounding “whop” of the bullet hitting home.

Long a hunter, now over 50 years; long an outdoor and gun writer and wildlife biologist - now something over 30 years; an occasional guide and outfitter, seminar presenter, television host, and a past mule fancier ... I’ve learned many lessons when it comes to hunting and shooting. One of the most important being .... everyone is a better shot with a good rest, especially when shooting at game. Many years ago I made the general statement often, “When I'm hunting, I keep one eye open for game and the other open for a good rest.” Knowing of course how important it was to shoot from a solid rest. Shortly there after I realized that statement - and the technique itself needed to be modified. Why did I reach that conclusion? ... Well as you might imagine the answer was - and still is, as simple, and as basic as it gets. You, me, - heck every sportsman, is a better hunter when they can keep both eyes open! ... when looking for game.

So, with experience comes knowledge, and with that experience and time of course, comes better mouse traps. My advantage in the woods is now the new BOG-POD Tripod (Model RLD3) which is now always at my side. Regardless of where or what I hunt, I now make the following statement, “I’m a better hunter than I used to be, 'cause I use both eyes to look for game and to concentrate on movement. AND .... I always carry the perfect rest to help me make the first shot count, even in the most difficult situations!”

Throughout these many years of using “shooting sticks” I’ve also learned a few things about " my personal comfort level " when it comes to using rifle or gun rests”. For me, while hunting big game, three legs in the form of the BOG POD Tripod model is my choice .... and a whole lot better than a two legged rest. (I like the bipod when I'm chasing turkeys or coyotes where I prefer the speed and slightly lighter weight of the BOG-POD Bipod. ... Model RLD2)

But when I'm covering lots of country, I like the stability of three legs and the duel purpose of using them as a rest for my binoculars and spotting scope. Regardless, and no matter what version you might prefer, it important to remember that you've got to be confident and comfortable with all your equipment. It's the only way to give yourself the best chance for success. It's my firm belief that good pair of BOG PODS, coupled with a little practice at the shooting range, will give you that confidence, and make you a better hunter - just as they've done for me. Check out the whole line - make your own choice - one leg, two, or all three ... but trust experience always. My experience tell me that whatever model best suits your hunting style, is what you need to carry ... and is way better than using no legs at all!

Larry Weishuhn