Foxing from quad sticks

[BenBhoy]

I've never quite got on with quads for fox but want to keep trying as when I shoot paper from quads I get good results & i like the weight of them. I have one very heavy tripod with clamp & trigger sticks with clamp (light & maneuverabl but not as stable).

Wondering what's people's technique/method when using, especially if using caller. I find them awkward (compared to clamp on tripod) to reposition if fox enters unexpected.

I get that thing get better with practice but just after some tips. Cheers.

 

[nf-fuse]

I think it depends on what the situation is. Generally you aren't stalking in to foxes but if you have to walk around a lot sticks are easier. Tripods are better if static.

With quad sticks it's the old one leg off the ground and turn on the one leg. I'm not brilliant at it but you do your best.

 

[Dave_45]

Quad sticks are a pain when foxing as you have to move the sticks 95% of the time and risk the little darling being spooked and bolting

 

[Smellydog]

Just a tripod for me, I like mobility.
Trigger sticks are all I need.
Staying calm is the best thing.
Let the ret dance around all it wants, eventually it will settle, then you just need a nice trigger.

 

[Bo Diddley]

Persevere with the sticks, Ben.

Both have different qualities. I'm happier taking the longer shots from quad sticks, rarely take the tripod foxing, but I use it all the time ratting with the PCP.

Once you get used to flicking sticks open, it's so quick and quiet, they make a good walking staff in the dark as well.

 

[Spikelet]

You say you have a heavy tripod, I went from what I considered to be a heavy aluminium Bog Death grip to a carbon fibre tripod. It has made my outings so much easier.
I found the inability to quickly move quad sticks too restrictive, so despite the more stable platform they are reserved for deer

 

[BenBhoy]

to be a heavy aluminium Bog Death grip

Thats what I have. Love the stability & 360° pan but heeeaaavvvvvvyyyy

 

[Liveonce]

horses for course for me, if walking sticks if static then tripod. With thermal spotter generally have time to spot the fox coming and deploy the sticks. Works for me and the fox.

 

[7Miller]

Almost all of my shooting is from quad sticks, be it deer or foxing.
I like the mobility of sticks compared to a tripod, especially as my rifle is a heavy set up.
The only issue I have had with sticks is when I get to a position and want to stay stactic for half hour or so, and then have to hold the rifle on the sticks all the time, or leave it on the sling over my shoulder, but I've just upgraded and got a 5th leg, so I'm now able to set it up and leave it alone, allowing me to scan with a thermal easier as well as putting my hands in my pockets of its cold.

At the end of the day, it's all down to what you prefer to use and which you can get a stable rest with. I've been amazed how accurate some people can be from quad sticks at range.

 

[Crowlcat]

i was thinking the same thing other night so i left my tripod and clamp in car and borrowed some quads sticks i was foxing and found that the quad sticks was a pain i was stood in some low bramble and i had to lift the sticks up above the the cover to maneuver them and in the dark made it a lot harder it will be tripod and clamp from now on when foxing

 

[old keeper]

I've never got on with quad sticks, mainly because on steep ground, they can be a real pain to set up, especially for quick fox shots.

For static shooting, I use Rekon sticks, which are ideal, and when on the move, Primos triggers do the job.

 

[Camdig]

Yes quad sticks are essential for me, no driving round fields up here too wet so on foot it is.
I will comfortably shoot out to 300m off quads, when 5th leg is deployed you can hang rifle off sticks while scanning aboote or simply rolling a fag

 

[bumpy22]

Quad sticks all the way benny boy. Had mine from viper flex when they were first made. Added a fifth leg for the further stuff. Also added a small arm off one leg for kneeling

Got a a brand new carbon tripod in my office used it once not for me

I ain't a photographer

 

[BenBhoy]

Got a a brand new carbon tripod in my office used it once not for me

You may as well give it me then, I'd pay postage obviously!

 

[Tim.243]

I've never quite got on with quads for fox but want to keep trying as when I shoot paper from quads I get good results & i like the weight of them. I have one very heavy tripod with clamp & trigger sticks with clamp (light & maneuverabl but not as stable).

Wondering what's people's technique/method when using, especially if using caller. I find them awkward (compared to clamp on tripod) to reposition if fox enters unexpected.

I get that thing get better with practice but just after some tips. Cheers.

A friend gave me a set as I was using a tripod, but like most things new it is a faff, what people struggle with is the pivot movement so I took an empty rifle and did an hours walk one morning walking a local sheep farm and worked that part out by picking out crows as they hop/walk so in that hour I sorted out that part by picking out one then moving around different angles to get on the next one.
Next my friend came and I set out 2 targets 100-200 and shot 1 quick reload and on to the next.
I now carry a 5th stick which is a piece of dog rose with some reflective tape which does a few jobs a marker pole when coming back for a deer in the dark (easy to find) as the tape is like a beacon even with the torch off the phone, a good steady if it windy, also I poke it in the ground and rest the sticks against it while waiting. Same set up for deer/foxes, for a long time I walked with one finger between the sticks as I would flick the front fwd.

 

[Tony Morgan]

Persevere with quads+5th leg, it's worth it for the added stability and gets easier with practice.
If standing, try find a fairly level spot clear of anything that will snag the feet when panning.
As Tim says, practise the set-up routine.
If leaving the rifle on the sticks, be careful not to bump it in the dark!

 

[Mike1979]

Trigger sticks for foxing and viper flex with the 5th leg for deer is what I use.

Sounds daft but maybe try getting the 5th leg then you can use the quad sticks as a 3 which makes moving easier or a 4 or a 5....

Or dont bother with the sticks and go prone or freehand (Smelly is the man for that)

 

[ShotKam 0]

I've never got on with quad sticks, mainly because on steep ground, they can be a real pain to set up, especially for quick fox shots.

For static shooting, I use Rekon sticks, which are ideal, and when on the move, Primos triggers do the job.

Are you direct to Arca on the Rekons and do you carry them in the bag when walking any distance ?

 

[Tim.243]

Persevere with quads+5th leg, it's worth it for the added stability and gets easier with practice.
If standing, try find a fairly level spot clear of anything that will snag the feet when panning.
As Tim says, practise the set-up routine.
If leaving the rifle on the sticks, be careful not to bump it in the dark!

I never leave the rifle on the sticks via a 5th stick as some do, just rest the sticks against my piece of dog rose, rifle on my shoulder swapping pockets to keep one hand walm lol
The follow me pictures from when Mark R would have a his rifle hanging off a tri-pod has been seen many times, I open my sticks quite wide which makes the V-V a lot lower and lift the rifle flat off my shoulder then lift the sticks to the height I want in one movement where if you watch a number of videos the rifle is on the front V/yoke and up in the air.

In all circumstances you assume a rifle/shotgun to be loaded

 

[Will the chippy]

Persevere with the quad sticks. Great for roaming around on foot. Good steady shots to 250. A mate uses viper flex tripod he loves them but they were expensive so he's convinced himself they are better. I've seen him miss some really easy shots. Panning on the tripod is good but setup is no quicker. As long as you don't setup with a leg of the quads in bramble it's easy enough to shift if necessary.