Who has used or considered using trekking poles on hunts in Africa? I have found that with each passing year my balance seems to deteriorate a bit. While it makes for great film footage -- me slipping and sliding down hills, trying to balance on a log crossing a stream, etc. -- I worry that at some point it will be more than a slip and something will end up twisted or torn. I always carry my own rifle, so I also worry about the trekking poles meaning I have keep the rifle slung but that may just be a trade off that I have get comfortable with. I was curious if others have either used them in Africa or considered using them and what your thoughts are.

They are a huge advantage in rough terrain but they have their disadvantages as well. Yes, you will have to keep your rifle slung and it's common for your sling to want to slide down your arm.

Another pain is what to do with them when you need your rifle. They can be used as shooting sticks when seated but are not conducive to the type of shooting usually encountered on a safari. I'll admit to throwing my poles down is disgust after fumbling with them and a rifle while elk hunting.

Only you can manage your own mobility but I think that starting with a single pole or walking stick may be less unwieldy. If you do decide to use poles, I would work out a system whereby you hand them off to a tracker when you get close to needing your rifle.

Mike, I haven't used them in Africa, but I did try trekking poles on a Montana Mountain Goat hunt, and they did help. However, like woodhits mentioned, they do have trade offs. The pair I used were purchased at REI, and they are an adjustable pair. With a twist-lock, I can lengthen or shorten the poles to suit a particular need. This is a nice feature if you're going to be in varied terrain. However, I found myself pushing so hard at times that I pushed them back in to a shorter length when I didn't want to.

I would definitely use ONE pole, not two, at first. I think you'll be fine with one pole, and you can always try using both if one doesn't seem enough. I doubt you'll even find a need to using both poles on an african hunt. Even on my mountain goat hunt, which was trecherous terrain, I went with a single pole after the first day. Both poles were more of a nuisance than an aid when carrying a rifle.

I first heard about using a pole clear back in the early 80s, from Jack Atcheson Sr. He used a ski pole when elk hunting, and I wish I'd tried one a lot sooner. For nearly all uses, I think a ski pole would work just fine, even though adjustable trekking poles are kinda neat.

If you're hunting in rougher, steeper terrain, I do think you'll find a pole beneficial.

Having hunted in the Sanoran country of west Texas, and New Mexico for many years where mountains are rugged, and dangerous if you happen to fall at the wrong time, I use one of the things hunters in that part of the world have used as long as hunters have existed there. This country is prone to long cross canyon shots, or on the flats where nothing grows to use as a rest for shooting. I have one of these Yucca walking staffs standing in the corner of my den/trophy room with a Cookson’s wildebeest tail hanging from the top of the shaft as we speak. Like Mike says as we get older the body gyro seems to slow just enough to make you a little wobbly on your feet and a light staff is a plus to mitigate that.

In the early spring after some soaking rains and the Yuccas to bloom! The Yucca grows a bloom shaft very rapidly usually about six feet in length. This shaft is about an inch and a half in diameter at the base, tapering to about ¾ inch at the top end. If this shaft is cut from the Yucca while it is green, and placed in your attic or hung on the wall of your garage where it will be hot till dry, what you are left with is a very strong walking staff that is as light as a feather. If you put a walking cane rubber end cover on the small end it makes a fine walking staff, and can be utilized as a shooting stick, or used to steady your binoculars. The cost is is the amount of gas your burn getting to where the large Yuccas grow, and they will last a life time.

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I hunted elk with a soon to be 70 year old. He had one of the tripod shooting platforms with the three legs fastened together for a walking stick. He had practiced a fair amount and simply removed the, velcro wrap, from the sticks and had a tripod shooting platform. Worked well for him, so well, I now have one and am planning to use it for elk next year.

Where we hunt deer and elk here in Idaho, we are almost always boning out our animals and packing heavy loads (60-100#) back to the truck in slippery or hilly terrain. They become a necessity then for good stability and safe walking.

I have a pair of trekking poles that were given to me by my son, that I absolutely love. They are strong, lightweight and have a great locking system which has yet to slip when I put lots of pressure on them. Fits in a backpack or guncase just fine, and are adjustable from 28-54 inches.

I have taken one of them along on several safaris, namely my leopard hunt with dogs in Namibia and an elephant hunt in Zimbabwe. In both cases, it was great in the hills and rocky mountains but of little use on flat ground or sandy rivers. The carbide tip anchors on the toughest rocks and is great for leaning on after a steep climb to catch your breath again. I have used it to move the occassional rattlesnake out of the way on trails here in the early Fall.

Here's some pics to look at. The flip-up cap and bright white LED are nice for coming back after dark too. Cork impregnated rubber molded grips are slip-proof in the wettest weather.

I have a pair that I purchased from REI. Black Diamonds and great trekking poles! They have the carbide tips and also have a rubber cover for the tips when in areas that the carbide tips might damage. Not a bad investment. Very light and useful. Similar to Blank's photos above, but with the hinge locks.

I used a BogPod for crossing rivers in Alaska 3 months after knee replacement surgery, but I had to use them at their shortest length. A pair of shooting sticks would be more durable. Check out Hell's Canyon Custom Rods for their fancy walking staffs, too.

Upon the recommendation of my orthopedist, I bought a pair for my last Ele hunt. Only used one but found it very helpful for a hip injury. Not a big fan of the twist locks so I found a new version at Cabela's that have a hinge lock - they work great!

During my time mountain climbing trekking poles where extensively used BUT I would not consider them suitable for African hunting conditions (level, bushy terrain).

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Who has used or considered using trekking poles on hunts in Africa? I have found that with each passing year my balance seems to deteriorate a bit. While it makes for great film footage -- me slipping and sliding down hills, trying to balance on a log crossing a stream, etc. -- I worry that at some point it will be more than a slip and something will end up twisted or torn. I always carry my own rifle, so I also worry about the trekking poles meaning I have keep the rifle slung but that may just be a trade off that I have get comfortable with. I was curious if others have either used them in Africa or considered using them and what your thoughts are.

Sounds like you need some proprioceptive work Mike. Leave the trekking poles in the mountains....

Brett

I used a single walking stick in Africa last year in the rain forest in Ghana. It was a great help and I am planning on using one this year in the Ethopian mountains.

Mac, the black powder writer Sam Fadala called his yucca walking and shooting staff his "Moses stick." Wish we had yucca near here. Aspen, once dry, make a strong and light stick.
Mike, if you use the poles and end up slinging your rifle, at least you won't by sweeping your PH every two minutes when you get your hunting video back.

I have used/using Bog Pod tripod sticks for awhile now. They are great to shoot from, but I don't like that much bulk for a walking stick. Usually someone else carries the Bog when in Africa so there goes the balance thing. On my Argentina trip last year I took my aluminum, three section, hinge lock walking stick(use this one everyday while hiking). It has a threaded stud atop for attaching a camera, binos, or a V-shape shooting platform. It worked like a charm as I didn't have to change a thing when the chance at my Buff presented itself. Not only did it make a stable gun platform, but was nice for glassing and made a steady hold for the camera for the trophy pics. Of course it is not "AS" steady as a tripod, but after some practice don't think I am giving up much shooting accuracy with this mono pod setup. It will go along on "every" trip now and yea at 69 years young the "steady as you go" is starting to need a boost as some have mentioned. As for trekking poles, I have used them on a few backpacking only treks and they help in that scenerio, but don't like them when the rifle or bow is along for the adventure.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

Also, for that "rifle strsp sliding down your arm" problem may look at the Gunslinger Rifle Holster.

I have used one several times while hunting in the hills in the Eastern Cape. It can help contol your rifle while on your shoulder, and a fringe benefit is that it can transfer some of the weight to your belt. I have only used it attached to my belt. You can adjust the location on the belt to suit your needs.

Les

I have used yucca as stated above, also try salt cedar or tamarisk (sp). Peeled and dried it is very strong and not to heavy.

You may also think about some exercises to help with your balance. I do balance exercises regularly and it helps a lot.

They are very useful for walking long distances or climbing in rough terrain. I use them in hiking and climbing tips and they make a big difference. Especially doing down a rough rocky trail with a heavy pack. Mine are the Black Diamond carbon fiber ones from REI. Hey fold up into a compact package by using an internal cable, sort of like pop-up tent poles.

perhaps carrying your own shooting sticks in one hand and use that to aid your balance.

quote:

Originally posted by Muletrain:
Mine are the Black Diamond carbon fiber ones from REI. Hey fold up into a compact package by using an internal cable, sort of like pop-up tent poles.

I ordered a pair of the very same yesterday. Sounds like they are not only compact but light too. I seem to recall that the weight for both together is something like 9 oz. Also some with both a rubber and carbide tip. Black Diamond has them on sale on their website for ~$105.

Thanks for the input. I am going to take them, keep them in the day pack and use them if the circumstances dictate.

http://www.blackdiamondequipme...e-trekking-pole-2012

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Mac, the black powder writer Sam Fadala called his yucca walking and shooting staff his "Moses stick." Wish we had yucca near here. Aspen, once dry, make a strong and light stick.
Mike, if you use the poles and end up slinging your rifle, at least you won't by sweeping your PH every two minutes when you get your hunting video back.

Bill I lived in El Paso, Texas for some years, and the big dagger Yuccas are all over the desert there, but do not grow where I live now In the D/FW area. I may go out to El Paso in the spring to visit my son and grandkids, if they are blooming when I get there, I'll cut a few, and send you a couple shipped in a piece of PVC pipe with caps after they are dried. If I had more than the one I still have I'd be gald to send you one! They work real well when pistol hunting used as a steady rest!

I like the walking staff pictured in this thread for Africa. A lot of the hunting in Zimbabwe and some in Zambia have some prtty rugged hills and a walking staff would be good idea for us old farts in our late 70s.

.........................................................................Old fart

I suggest that you look up videos for Nordic Walking. The videos show the proper placement of the poles during treking to get the maximum use of the arms in the walking process. I fooled around with the poles when I first got them and could not figure out the best way to use them. The videos cleared it up.

Plant pole tip opposite of the forward foot. Plant on the ground at the center of gravity of your body, not out in front of your body.
Push off.
Keep the poles in the same pace as your feet.

Surprising how much more efficient walking becomes using this method.

I use these titanium goat poles in bad terrain. Love them and very light. 3.5oz per pole.

http://www.rutalocura.com/trekking_poles.html

I'd say use the shooting sticks.

I've been using poles more and more for backpack hunting in steep terrain. I was reluctant for a long time, but the benefits are amazing.

I took a pair of Black Diamond poles to Tanzania in 2011, for a friend's hunt on Mt Loosimingor.



I didn't use them much, but they did come in handy at times....especially when we climbed Oldonyo Lengai!

I have used this Stony Point telescoping stick one year in Africa when I had a hip problem. I have also used one to cross streams in Alaska. The Primos trigger stick is another good one.



However there have been many more times that I just cut a stick while walking. I select one with a fork on the thinner end so I can use the fork to rest the rifle in. Usually after the first time doing this those always observant trackers find and cut one for you before you get 50 yards from the truck.