Hill stalking - what do you use to carry your rifle
- Thread starter Acm
- Start date
devon deer stalker
Well-Known Member
My hunting partner who came to Montana with me used a Harkila back pack, every single zip failed during the 2 weeks we were over there, he was less than impressed, such a pity as the design and material they use is great, they just need to use YKK zips.
Traditionally carried in the slip, bullets in magazine but nothing in chamber only removed from slip and bullet chambered on final approach, if you have booked accompanied stalking then the stalker will normally carry your rifle
and again you will only be given it when he wants you to shoot.
If its your own ground or unaccompanied then its entirely up to you how you carry it, never used the back pack thing but have had quite a few Nordic clients and it seems to be popular with them.
and again you will only be given it when he wants you to shoot.
If its your own ground or unaccompanied then its entirely up to you how you carry it, never used the back pack thing but have had quite a few Nordic clients and it seems to be popular with them.
bambislayer
Well-Known Member
If stalking myself with a stainless synthetic, I use double backpack slings, decent scope caps. If using a "better" rifle or with guests I use a "brady" or similar canvas type slip. Shop around for one that will hold a rifle with mod and bipod if you use them.
I have fitted double straps to my Brady slip, and it's really comfortable to carry. If stalking on the hill , you should have plenty of time to take a rifle out the slip, it always gives you time to get your breath and compose yourself. I would be wary of buying before tring a slip, there are some really cheap ones out there that are extremely uncomfortable to carry.
You will still need good scope caps and a bullet wallet with at least 10 rounds + whats in your rifle mag if possible a spare mag is good. Most Stalkers will ask you to fill the rifle mag but nothing up the spout.
With guests, I always carry the rifle. Some guys do, some don't . you may have a ghillie who will carry the rifle. I always carried the rifle because
1. I know exactly where it is and what state it's in. [don't take this personally, stalkers get 100s of guest from all over the place and it's just easier and safer.]
2. Conserves ghillies energy for dragging!
3.Conserves guest energy for taking the shot and getting up the hill.
4. Always done it!
Let the stalker know exactly how many rounds you have, even show them. I've taken a guest word for it , then been without ammo 5 miles from house and 100m from stag.
Most of all enjoy it and field any questions to the Estate or Agent that you are dealing with. Alternatively ask on here.
bambislayer
Well-Known Member
could have saved a heap of typing!Oh should add, I have seen a slip made in Germany that was rap around can be removed from rifle(held closed with strong magnet) in less than a second it has no carry strap you use the rifle sling, great piece of kit when used with the double slings as described by bambislayer, keeps the rifle dry ,clean and protected yet instantly available.
Bushwear had them in previous catalogue though not in present one, though they may still be able to supply.
Bushwear had them in previous catalogue though not in present one, though they may still be able to supply.
Thanks, that will be it right enough, thought it was a useful piece of kit when I saw it.
I have just bought a AIM 50 ,Fits my T3 custom ,with a 25"barrel and ATEC maxim moderator no problem .
When walking long distance on the hills it has a pair of rucksac style straps .
very comfortable.
When walking long distance on the hills it has a pair of rucksac style straps .
very comfortable.
bewsher500
Well-Known Member
Brady Canvas and Leather slip(no zip) with a 2" wide leather strap fitted to it (no buckles at all), slung over the chest.
Could (and have) walk all day like that.
Full magazine, empty spout, chambered when on final approach.
No bipod, no moderator or other jewellery to impede removal from slip
No inconvenience to preparing for the shot as I can not think of a single shot I have taken that was made in haste because a deer had "appeared" in range.
Could (and have) walk all day like that.
Full magazine, empty spout, chambered when on final approach.
No bipod, no moderator or other jewellery to impede removal from slip
No inconvenience to preparing for the shot as I can not think of a single shot I have taken that was made in haste because a deer had "appeared" in range.
Last edited:
goathunter1
Well-Known Member
Used the Harkila backpack on the hill this year. I think it's a great thing. Walking easy, crawling easy. The only slight drawback I might suggest is that I can not get the rifle out of the backpack all that quickly if I stumble on a beast. No doubt I'll get slagged heavily for even suggesting such a thing can happen. Go to it.
View attachment 21690 I use a biathlon type sling, albeit a very heavily constructed one, you never know when you might need to harness summat heavy!!
I have one of these for when I'm on the hill.
Just be aware that, when carried rucksack style, the barrel end of the bag will project a good 6-8" above your head (presuming you're carrying it "barrel up").
From bitter experience I now make sure I take one arm out of one strap as I near the top of the rise, so that the bag is then carried on the other strap over the other shoulder with the bag horizontal. It's still comfortable to carry but far less like a flag waving to all the local deer.
Other than that it's a top piece of kit. This September the stalker and I crawled 600 yards along a burn to get to a suitable position for a shot, with me dragging the bag through all sorts of crap along the way. Rifle was still bone dry when we got to the grassy knoll. It has enough pockets for everything you're likely to need during the day as well.
willie_gunn
I have one of these for when I'm on the hill.
Just be aware that, when carried rucksack style, the barrel end of the bag will project a good 6-8" above your head (presuming you're carrying it "barrel up").
From bitter experience I now make sure I take one arm out of one strap as I near the top of the rise, so that the bag is then carried on the other strap over the other shoulder with the bag horizontal. It's still comfortable to carry but far less like a flag waving to all the local deer.
Other than that it's a top piece of kit. This September the stalker and I crawled 600 yards along a burn to get to a suitable position for a shot, with me dragging the bag through all sorts of crap along the way. Rifle was still bone dry when we got to the grassy knoll. It has enough pockets for everything you're likely to need during the day as well.
willie_gunn
I was aware of the extra height when its on yer back ,but couldnt really find anything else that was going to be fit for purpose.
I have a week stalking in december so that should try her out .
crawfordjohn
Well-Known Member
Nigelloh on two of my rifles.Ideal.
Similar threads
