Homemade Shooting Sticks

[shadowchaser]

So I broke my "expensive" shooting sticks and not wanting to drop another big bill I did some research and found a good youtube video.  It took me about 5-10 minutes and cost around $5.  I purchased everything from Tractor Supply.  I was able to drill out the broken bolt and retap the expensive ones, but I can't find small enough washers to take the play out of it.  Its like trying to ride on a turkey head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPQe2tCGAQk

I did make one alteration.  I used Velcro on the bottom to help hold them together when not in use.  It isn't super secure, but it does the job.  I might try to find some rubber stick pads and put the in the "Y" of the rest for added support.  I basically sat on the floor and figured out how much stick I wanted and cut them down.

Exact products were:
Post 4FT FG Electric(Wood)x 2 ($1.29 each)
Castrator Bands 100 Pack ($2.79)  I used a total of 5.

[Misterjake23]

Thanks for sharing that to the membership.  I'm sure a lot of guys will be looking to buy castrating bands!!  It just goes to show you what a little inginuity can do!!

[Bowman66]

Great idea. Thanks! I might have to try that.

[Papa1]

Great trick.  Did it several years ago ? H. D. rubber bands and 48" 1/2" dowels.  Spun and pointed them.  Used the fiberglass Fence wire rods but taped them because the glass, if you slide your hands, will feel like you insulated an attic w/no gloves.  Dick

[dreamcatcher]

Trying to ride on a turkey head, what a great analogy

[shadowchaser]

For some reason that's what came to my mind first. 

[scottm2012]

Having 3 sets of shooting sticks, one purchased (never used), one (same as the ops, used but very limited in maneuverability), and my last set (pictured below and newly designed, still need painted).

As you can see it is made out of a pair of crutches.  Fortunately, for me I have a clumsy spouse and a lot of pairs of crutches lying around.  This appears to be much more maneuverable than the electric fence post sticks and adjustable in height.



Here it is in the stowed position for movement.



Here is a close up in shooting position.  The piece that the light is clamped to you can use to rotate the stick and adjust angle of the light.



It literally cost me $1.50 and a spouses broken ankle.


The good thing is you can get these crutches at thrift shops on the cheap.  You will need one pair of crutches, a 3/8" u-bolt, scrap carpeting and camo paint job.

[shadowchaser]

Now there will be an increase in broken ankles among predator hunters spouses.

[scottm2012]

Now there will be an increase in broken ankles among predator hunters spouses.

Don't tell anyone where you got this from but, take the unsuspecting spouse for a walk on a known cracked sidewalk or of dirt road full of potholes.  It almost works every time.