Currently practicing for a hunt in April. I'm using a six inch circle at 100 yards, printed on the standard 8.5 by 11 paper. At 200 yards I'm using the whole 8.5 by 11 paper as the target.
I should add that I'm using iron sights, Lyman #66 reciever site on the 45-70 and the buckhorn sight on the 405.
Jim

Are you practicing with shooting sticks?

Regards,

Terry

That should work...If you can hit those targets off hand then shooting from any kind of a rest will be a cinch. Always remember a tree, rock or what have you is always a good idea if you have the time. If you can shoot off sticks then thats a good option, but they can be slow and I personally can't shoot with them for some reason unbeknowns to me, wish I could.

WOW!

Ray
I'm with you, shooting with sticks seems like I'm hauling my teepee around with me. Of course it may be that I want to be able to take flight with minimal encumbrances.
Jim

Rusty
I don't hit the 6 inch circle every time, 4 out of 5 shots but I do hit the paper the circle is on, at 100 yards. The 200 yard target is more of a problem but I don't miss by much.I have plenty of time to get where I do hit the paper each time.
Jim

I just got back from Nambia and the one thing I wish I had done more is practice with sticks. The average shot for me was probably 175 yds (some as long as 250), and with a 20 mph wind that is tough for a Georgia boy that is used to shooting less than 100 yds from a fixed stand. When I go back, I'm going to get the Stoney Point Tripod, practice with it, and then take it with me on the hunt. Ask your PH how far the average shot will be and if carries sticks. He'll let you know what to expect.

I'll 2nd that, practice from sticks. I missed a shot @ a very good waterbuck about 125yds off sticks. I got another shot a day later but I sure hated missing that bull.

From what I'm reading here there's not many snap shots like we have at Whitetail here in Virginia.
Well, I'll get busy with the shooting stick and I'll keep shooting off hand just in case I find the need.
I share membership with the outfitter, a shooting club, here in Virginia. I've seen him preping clients for their trips and they are always shooting off sticks or leaning on the posts.
There goes my Stewart Granger impersonation.
Chuckle.
Jim

During our hunt in RSA in May of this year our PH Gary VanZyl was very adept at getting a set of Stoney Point shooting sticks set up as he was describing which animal to shoot.

It didn't slow me down any, the shots were so close that in the US I'd have just fired off hand but since the sticks/support was already there I used it anyway. I was glad I'd practiced with both two and three legged shooting sticks.

Just be comfortable shooting your rifle and the rest will fall in place.

Good luck
Rick

Jim,

An important skill for trophy hunting is the ability to deliver the shot in the time available. I usually use field expedient positions, and don't wory about shooting sticks. It is more important to learn to deliver the shot quickly, and then to learn to extend the shot to longer ranges.

I would start training at even 25 or 50 yards, and work to delivering the shot off-hand in within 1.5 seconds.

Most of the animals I have shot in Africa have been in the 75 to 175 yard range. I don't worry about the longer shots because usually you have more time to make them.

jim

I would reccomend shooting 1000 22LR rounds within a few weeks of your departure. Use every position for practice, Of course shoot your travel gun too. Shots in all hunting can vary greatly, my average distance in RSA was 147yds. Some were close others were not. Also if you wound a deer in the states there are no Fees to be paid. To maximize your success running, jump shooting ,snap shooting etc. may all be required. Practice a lot it is part of the fun. Have a great trip.

To tell you the truth Jim, I'm just damned impressed you can see that 81/2X11 piece of paper at 200 yards, much less hit it with a 45/70. That front bead must cover it pretty good at that range! At my age it's all I can do to see that far. My hat's off to you!

Arky,

I thought an old squirrel hunter like you didn't need to practice.

We stalk and spot exotics and wild pigs. I use the 'Walking Stick'. I got it from Cabelas and I believe that it is a Stoney Point. I love to use it as a walking stick and it makes shooting easier. It's very easy to use and a help in walking. It's not perfect, as a rest, but better than offhand for me. I can hit beer bottles, 3 out of 5 at 100yds, and about the same on milk jugs at 200. I do use a scope. You might want to try it. capt david