Hunting Sticks

[dmcilvaine]

I have never hunted with sticks before, however, I am looking into an African Hunt and from what I’ve read I need to learn how to shoot from them. I have looked at several different types some wood, some carbon fiber some aluminum. What are the primary considerations when choosing sticks there are some African hunting sticks that look very traditional, but they weigh about 3 pounds and the carbon fiber weigh a lot less. I don’t know if it’s a major consideration. Also wondering about buying the ones that are the most compact versus the longer ones. I’ll be traveling from the United States to Africa so there’s always the airline consideration as well. I appreciate your input!

Dave Mc

 

[Bearkat]

My PH uses sticks from Nordiske. Unfortunately you cannot get them here and bringing them home is a pain due to the length, even when collapsed. Upon his suggestion, I just ordered a set of Rudolph Optics PH Sticks.

 

[375er]

I am a fan of Viper Flex myself.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I have never hunted with sticks before, however, I am looking into an African Hunt and from what I’ve read I need to learn how to shoot from them. I have looked at several different types some wood, some carbon fiber some aluminum. What are the primary considerations when choosing sticks there are some African hunting sticks that look very traditional, but they weigh about 3 pounds and the carbon fiber weigh a lot less. I don’t know if it’s a major consideration. Also wondering about buying the ones that are the most compact versus the longer ones. I’ll be traveling from the United States to Africa so there’s always the airline consideration as well. I appreciate your input!

Dave Mc

Dave, your tracker or PH will be carrying the sticks so weight is not a concern. I don't travel with sticks. Two guns, checked bag, and carryon daypack are all I want to mess with. I use what the PH provides. It's worked out well enough. Before going to Africa I had never even seen shooting sticks. I adapted to them instantly but I already had extensive experience hunting.

 

[Happy Myles]

Don’t worry about taking them with you. The PH will have what they are used to using. Get three sticks or pvc pipe and tape them together with rubber or surgical tubing. Point one stick toward the target and start practicing at the range and dry firing at home

 

[Sideshow]

I have never hunted with sticks before, however, I am looking into an African Hunt and from what I’ve read I need to learn how to shoot from them. I have looked at several different types some wood, some carbon fiber some aluminum. What are the primary considerations when choosing sticks there are some African hunting sticks that look very traditional, but they weigh about 3 pounds and the carbon fiber weigh a lot less. I don’t know if it’s a major consideration. Also wondering about buying the ones that are the most compact versus the longer ones. I’ll be traveling from the United States to Africa so there’s always the airline consideration as well. I appreciate your input!

Dave Mc

Hey Dave. What are you hunting. Sticks are a very personal thing. In the UK we use them a lot. Have a look at this thread.

S

Post in thread 'Let’s be honest….accuracy off the sticks'

Feb 23, 2025

Found this and thought it might help for those in the market.

• Sideshow

• 

Also this might help with your choice.

His choice do pack right down so will fit within your gun case.
Good luck in your search. I’d take my own like a lot of guys here. You pay all that money and go all that way, why trust in what you don’t know if you can take it out of the equation and use something that you know.

 

[Sideshow]

Not sure why it came up twice.

 

[Andrew Short]

I have a set of African Sporting Creations sticks. I took my set and used them everyday on my hunt.

 

[wyosteve]

Based on the recommendation of a kind gentleman on this site last year I bought some Gunstix. They were a game changer for me. Weigh about 2.5 pounds and collapse to 32 inches.

 

[ryno111]

Just bought viper flex journey +…highly recommend (and they’re packable).

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

For an inexpensive, homemade set of sticks, you can go to Home Depot and get three 6 ft tomato stakes for about $20. I them got a pack of castration bands (who knew there was such a thing) at Tractor Supply. These are essentially small, super duper rubber bands. Use several of these to keep the three sticks together and you have a cheap practice set of sticks.

Vigoro 6 ft. Heavy Duty Plant and Garden Stake 5504 - The Home Depot

Add an amazing look to any garden in your home space with Vigoro Heavy Duty Plant and Garden Stake

www.homedepot.com

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-castrating-bands-pack-of-100?srsltid=AfmBOop1fLHpaJf9aLich9-5vUV7TGqzFoDH6EFJc9dCBdSeCORDQmIQ

Video of a two stick version, but 3 stick works the same way.

 

[Russ16]

Hey Dave. What are you hunting. Sticks are a very personal thing. In the UK we use them a lot. Have a look at this thread.

S

Post in thread 'Let’s be honest….accuracy off the sticks'

Feb 23, 2025

Found this and thought it might help for those in the market.

• Sideshow

• 

Also this might help with your choice.

His choice do pack right down so will fit within your gun case.
Good luck in your search. I’d take my own like a lot of guys here. You pay all that money and go all that way, why trust in what you don’t know if you can take it out of the equation and use something that you know.

I’m in the process of trying to buy his choice form him but international payment is complicated.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

For an inexpensive, homemade set of sticks, you can go to Home Depot and get three 6 ft tomato stakes for about $20. I them got a pack of castration bands (who knew there was such a thing) at Tractor Supply. These are essentially small, super duper rubber bands. Use several of these to keep the three sticks together and you have a cheap practice set of sticks.

Vigoro 6 ft. Heavy Duty Plant and Garden Stake 5504 - The Home Depot

Add an amazing look to any garden in your home space with Vigoro Heavy Duty Plant and Garden Stake

www.homedepot.com

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-castrating-bands-pack-of-100?srsltid=AfmBOop1fLHpaJf9aLich9-5vUV7TGqzFoDH6EFJc9dCBdSeCORDQmIQ

Video of a two stick version, but 3 stick works the same way.

I guess it will be a while yet before our Home Depot up here brings the tomato stakes back out. -7° C today. Castration bands? Very smart idea! But I don't need a whole package. Maybe I'll see if I can scrounge up a used one in a sheep pen.

 

[Sabre]

If you want to practice with a set at home and be able to take them with easily, Gunstix are great and they collapse for easy transport.