When to Use a Hunting Tripod
Aug 23, 2024
When you’ve won that exotic hunt lottery that promises a good, long trek through the wilderness with the very slim possibility of bagging a majestic beast at the end of it, you’ll have to bring your A-Game. When it comes to hunting some of the most challenging creatures in North America, a solid hunting tripod can be your best friend. Whether you're up against the sharp-eyed pronghorn or the ever-elusive coyote, a stable shooting platform can make all the difference between bagging that trophy or going home empty-handed. Let’s take a look at some of the critters that practically demand you bring a tripod along for the hunt.
Coyote
Coyotes are notorious for their sharp senses and quick reflexes. With their keen eyesight and an even keener sense of smell, these canines can detect a human presence from as far as 350 yards. That’s why it’s best to keep your distance when hunting them. Found in a variety of habitats across North America, from dense forests to open plains and farmland, coyotes are particularly challenging in wide-open spaces where there’s little cover to hide behind. A tripod becomes invaluable in these situations. It allows you to set up far enough away to avoid detection, keeping you out of sight and smell while providing the stability needed to make that long-range shot. Whether you're waiting them out or calling them in, a tripod helps ensure that when the time comes, you’re rock steady and ready to take down this cunning predator.
Elk
Elk, massive and majestic creatures, often inhabit rugged, mountainous terrain. These big boys are notorious for keeping hunters at a distance, often requiring shots well beyond 200 yards. Their habitat, filled with rocks, brush, or both, offers little in the way of natural shooting rests. Whether you're glassing a distant ridge or lining up a shot across a valley, a tripod is essential for surgical accuracy. It provides the stability needed to drop a bull without the risk of compromising your shot on uneven ground.
Aoudad
Aoudad, or Barbary sheep, much like their domestic caprine cousins, are some of the greatest gymnasts of the animal kingdom, deftly navigating rocky cliffs and steep terrain. Native to North Africa but now found in parts of the American Southwest, these animals live in some of the most inhospitable landscapes you can imagine. Hunting them often means taking long shots across vast canyons where there’s absolutely nothing to prop your rifle on. A tripod not only stabilizes your shot but also lets you set up on the uneven, rocky ground that these sheep call home. Without one, you’re going to be struggling to keep your crosshairs steady while balancing on a precarious perch.
Pronghorn Antelope
If there’s one animal that’s synonymous with long-range shooting, it’s the pronghorn antelope. Found in the wide-open plains and deserts of North America, these speedsters are notoriously hard to get close to. Their sharp eyes and incredible speed mean that you’re likely going to be taking a shot from a long way off, often at distances of 300 yards or more. With no trees or large rocks to use as a rest, a tripod becomes essential. It allows you to make those precise shots across the open landscape, turning what could be a frustrating hunt into a successful one.
Mule Deer
Mule deer are the quintessential big game of the American West. Known for their large ears and bouncing gait, these deer are often found in open, rugged terrain, from high desert plateaus to mountain meadows. Hunting mule deer often involves glassing large areas and taking long shots across valleys or open hillsides. A tripod is your best bet for stabilizing those shots, especially when circumstances force you to shoot beyond 100 yards. Plus, it keeps your rifle at the ready while you wait for that perfect broadside shot.
Prairie Dogs
Now, prairie dogs might seem like a small, easy target compared to the others on this list, but don’t be fooled. These little critters are the snipers of the animal world, popping up just long enough to tempt you into a shot before diving back into their burrows. Found in the vast grasslands of the American West, they present one of the most challenging shots you’ll ever take, often at distances that require pinpoint accuracy. A tripod is a must-have for this kind of precision shooting, helping you maintain a steady aim while you wait for your moment.
Bison
Bison are the heavyweight champions of North American game animals. These massive creatures roam the plains in large herds, and while they might seem like an easy target due to their size, don’t be fooled. They have keen senses and can cover ground quickly when spooked. Hunting bison often means taking long shots across open prairie, where even the slightest movement can throw off your aim. A tripod provides the stability you need to place that critical shot in the vitals, ensuring a humane and effective harvest.
Conclusion
When it comes to hunting these challenging game animals, a good tripod becomes almost a necessity. Whatever large game animal you’re after, a tripod gives you the stability and confidence to make those long-range shots count. So, next time you’re gearing up for a hunt, don’t forget to pack a tripod—maybe a sturdy aluminum or carbon fiber model from Kopfjäger—you’ll be glad you did.
