Hey everyone, Greg Ray here with Outdoor Solutions’ long-range shooting schools. Today, I’m sharing some essential tips on how to get steady while hunting from a tripod. This is a technique we teach in our schools, and I personally use it in the field when hunting out west. Whether you’re shooting from a sitting or standing position, mastering tripod use can make a huge difference in your accuracy. Here’s what you need to know.
One of the first things I always look for when setting up in the field is some form of back support. Whether it’s a backpack or leaning up against a pole or tree, having something behind me helps a lot. Even if it’s not perfect, it’s better than being completely unsupported. Stability starts with finding that comfort zone before you take your shot.
When you're shooting from a tripod, it’s easy for your elbow, or what I like to call the “chicken wing,” to start floating around. This introduces a lot of unnecessary movement, which can make a big difference in your accuracy—especially in windy conditions like we often have in West Texas. To combat this, I carry a lightweight shooting bag. It’s a simple fix, but resting your elbow or the rifle’s buttstock on the bag locks everything down and gives you a lot more stability.
Instead of carrying a bipod, I take two lightweight shooting bags into the field. One supports my elbow, and the other rests under the rifle’s buttstock. They’re easy to pack and make a huge difference when it comes to steadying your shot. With these bags, I can settle in and stay much more solid on my target. I’ve found this system to be more flexible than using a bipod, and it works great in various conditions.
Here’s something that I always tell hunters: practice shooting from your tripod at the range before you get into the field. A bench at the range is great, but real-world conditions are different. You need to practice shooting from a tripod, using bags or whatever support you can find, like a rolled-up jacket or backpack. This helps build muscle memory and gets you ready for those moments when everything’s on the line in the field.
Hunting isn’t always ideal, and you’ll rarely have perfect conditions. I’ve hunted in plenty of windy environments, and I know how much of a challenge that can be. The key is to adapt. When the wind is blowing or the terrain is uneven, you need to adjust your tripod and position accordingly. Keep practicing in different conditions so you’re prepared for anything nature throws at you.
Using a tripod for hunting is one of the best ways to improve your accuracy in the field. By getting comfortable, eliminating unnecessary movement, and adding some lightweight support, you’ll be able to take more steady shots. Practice these techniques at the range and in real-world conditions, and you’ll see the results when you’re out hunting.
Give these tips a try the next time you’re at the range, and let me know how they work for you!
