Cheap and easy shooting sticks

[Cucuy]

Heading to Namibia in July for first safari. Stateside I use a Primos trigger stick tripod. I was planning on taking it, but I’m looking to reduce my pack list. Since I won’t be the one setting up the sticks over there, if I can shoot just as well on multiple types then I’ll just use whatever they have. I needed a traditional design to go with my Primos for practice. Commercially, there isn’t much trad tripod action available outside of African Sporting Creations. Beautiful sticks, but I can’t justify the cost. Here’s my shade tree effort with the help of AH and other sites:

3 0.75” diameter 6 ft dowels from Lowe’s ($20.69 with tax)
Paracord (free, who doesn’t have some Paracord in stock?)
Less than 10 min

Cut 1 handwidth from middle pole. Didn’t feel like measuring.
Tie them according to animated knots dot com tripod lashing knot.
Enjoy.

They’re very stable and I would definitely hunt with them locally. I may stain/seal. They ain’t pretty, but they work!

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

Heading to Namibia in July for first safari. Stateside I use a Primos trigger stick tripod. I was planning on taking it, but I’m looking to reduce my pack list. Since I won’t be the one setting up the sticks over there, if I can shoot just as well on multiple types then I’ll just use whatever they have. I needed a traditional design to go with my Primos for practice. Commercially, there isn’t much trad tripod action available outside of African Sporting Creations. Beautiful sticks, but I can’t justify the cost. Here’s my shade tree effort with the help of AH and other sites:

3 0.75” diameter 6 ft dowels from Lowe’s ($20.69 with tax)
Paracord (free, who doesn’t have some Paracord in stock?)
Less than 10 min

Cut 1 handwidth from middle pole. Didn’t feel like measuring.
Tie them according to animated knots dot com tripod lashing knot.
Enjoy.

They’re very stable and I would definitely hunt with them locally. I may stain/seal. They ain’t pretty, but they work!

View attachment 657666

This is what we use here
We make them ourselves they work great and not an issue if someone stands on it or it breaks

Triggersticks do not like dust, which we have in abundance of in african bush
We had a few sets over the years i think maybe the longest lasting was 2-3 months then they either get bent, or stop extending or get stuck extended or collaps on you for no reason……no thx

The dowels work best

 

[AZDAVE]

Learned to tie that hitch back in boys scouts in the 60/70's.

 

[cajunchefray]

Thanks for the advice!
I’ll look up that knot tying website.