Hello everyone, this is my first post here.
I'd like to get everyone's opinion on how they hold their gun while running a hand call. I primarily use pot calls and use a HS Strut seat to sit on. I'm a bigger guy so bigger my knee up high tonrest the shotgun on and try to use both hands to run the call is problematic.
Last year on opening day my first set I had a bird come in from behind at about 7 yards and I never got a shot because I had the gun across my legs while i was running the call. I'm wondering if anyone else had the same issue and If there's any solutions out there. Thanks in advance.
It's not easy. I try to balance the stock on my knee with the butt kinda on my stomach while calling. If I know that a bird is coming or close I get it up and ready and use mouth call.
https://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Specialties-Camo-Gun-Rest/dp/B00162OIUY
Davis this is what I have used the last 15 years or so, it helps keep it in place!
That's what I use, works pretty well.
Quote from: davisd9 on November 14, 2017, 02:24:47 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Specialties-Camo-Gun-Rest/dp/B00162OIUY
X3! I've also used one of these rests for around 15 years. I lock the shotgun's butt stock under my arm as I'm running a call and never had the gun slip. Then rest tends to slide down your leg if you run & gun, but if you plan on being stationary for a bit, they're hard to beat.
Jim
Thank you everyone for the replies.
I was looking for more of a monopod/bipod solution but I am going to give this HS strut rest a try. I found it pretty cheap on Amazon and I am gonna pull the trigger on it.
X3! I've also used one of these rests for around 15 years. I lock the shotgun's butt stock under my arm as I'm running a call and never had the gun slip. Then rest tends to slide down your leg if you run & gun, but if you plan on being stationary for a bit, they're hard to beat.
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This.
I'm a little less high-tech.................
I have this Y hickory stick cut just the right length and sharpened to a point on the bottom
P.S. WELCOME to the OG forums !!!!!!!!!!!
Whereabouts in PA you struttin' from ???
Thank you for the welcome!!!
I am from Nanticoke, about 20 miles south of Scranton. We got some really good turkey hunting up here and I'm addicted to flop'n them.
What parts are you from?
I'm right around 4 hours WSW of you........... Indiana/Armstrong county border area
Quote from: davisd9 on November 14, 2017, 02:24:47 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Specialties-Camo-Gun-Rest/dp/B00162OIUY
This is what I use. Have used one since they first came on the market. I have not found anything to work any better.
I just rest it on my knee. When the tom is getting close you typically should stop calling anyway and get into shooting form. They are very good at determining the direction of your call, trust me if he's hot he will come on into you. Over calling can hurt you.
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Quote from: davisd9 on November 14, 2017, 02:24:47 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Specialties-Camo-Gun-Rest/dp/B00162OIUY
X2 and I also have butt sling on my HS Strut vest
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My knee hasn't failed me yet, like its been said when you know there committed I've already got it up to my shoulder and have quit calling.
Quote from: southern_leo on December 28, 2017, 02:26:12 AM
I just rest it on my knee. When the tom is getting close you typically should stop calling anyway and get into shooting form. They are very good at determining the direction of your call, trust me if he's hot he will come on into you. Over calling can hurt you.
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This is what I do
Two things I have used over the years that I really like are the Hunter Specialties V-Pod then last year I used the Mad Max portable ground blind. Saved my butt on one hunt last year.
Quote from: davisd9 on November 14, 2017, 02:24:47 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Specialties-Camo-Gun-Rest/dp/B00162OIUY
Yep - like others have said... works really well.
It's so lightweight I guarantee you'll move to your next set and forget you have it on your leg until you look for it. Unless that's just me! Lol
I've used those HS gun rest knee strap supports since they came out. Also use the butt strap on the old tom vest I have. You can easily add a butt strap to any vest, all it takes is a loop of paracord attached to your gun side shoulder of whatever vest you have. Can't imagine not having either of those while hunting. Would be back to the old days with a turkey showing up unexpectedly while you had a call in your hands and the darn gun sliding off your knee giving you away with the movement.
Yep ...the knee pad gun rest been using mine so long I don't remember were or when I got it but it works
I took 2 wooden dowels and made a rest with them. I used the rubber bands used for castration. Cheap and it works.
Quote from: eddie234 on January 03, 2018, 06:37:30 PM
Quote from: davisd9 on November 14, 2017, 02:24:47 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Specialties-Camo-Gun-Rest/dp/B00162OIUY
X2 and I also have butt sling on my HS Strut vest
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My vest doesn't have the butt sling but I was thinking of adding one by sewing a strap onto the vest. Get a piece of one inch nylon webbing, making a loop to hold the buttstock and attach it over my right shoulder to the back of the vest.
Quote from: bbcoach on February 13, 2018, 10:01:04 PM
Quote from: eddie234 on January 03, 2018, 06:37:30 PM
Quote from: davisd9 on November 14, 2017, 02:24:47 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Specialties-Camo-Gun-Rest/dp/B00162OIUY
X2 and I also have butt sling on my HS Strut vest
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My vest doesn't have the butt sling but I was thinking of adding one by sewing a strap onto the vest. Get a piece of one inch nylon webbing, making a loop to hold the buttstock and attach it over my right shoulder to the back of the vest.
I did that for one of my vest but got some snaps at Walmart to attach the webbing to the vest strap at the shoulder.
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I normally use the HS knee rest. I've thought about making a stick style shooting rest with two old arrows and paracord. Then find a way to bind it to my barrel if I have the room around me.
Quote from: Gobble! on January 08, 2018, 10:07:06 AM
Two things I have used over the years that I really like are the Hunter Specialties V-Pod then last year I used the Mad Max portable ground blind. Saved my butt on one hunt last year.
I use the VPod as well. I like that it snaps snuggly to the barrel and out of your way but deployes quick and quiet and really does a good job of keeping your gun steady and stable, while still allowing you to adjust if needed.
I am going to have to use something this year because I had shoulder surgery 2 weeks ago roughly and won't be able to hold front of gun up and one of the things suggested to me was this product The Hip Stick. I have some hip problems from a car accident so I won't be using it but maybe it is something that will work for you? http://www.hipstickrest.com/ Best of luck to you this year.
I have used a Primos trigger stick short bi-pod, since the year they came out. Gun sits on it and rests against my shoulder while calling. Once i have a bird coming close I switch to mouth call and get my head and hands into position. It allows for nearly effortless elevation changes on the gun, and can be rocked from side to side on one leg if necessary. I can't count the number of things I have sold for Will once folks saw me use it in the woods.
Quote from: PA-strutter on November 15, 2017, 05:23:10 PM
Thank you everyone for the replies.
I was looking for more of a monopod/bipod solution but I am going to give this HS strut rest a try. I found it pretty cheap on Amazon and I am gonna pull the trigger on it.
I have tried a monopod... I would switch to a bipod were I more serious about using such. The monopod requires some degree of effort to balance, and you cannot just lay the stock on your lap or hold it clenched under your shoulder... (At least with the one I have used in my own experience).
Plus, you have to stick that monopod in the ground a bit to get any stability at all (which can be troublesome in the rocky ground I hunt). I would assume with a bipod that you just put it down, and it is ready to go...
Some good suggestions here. Never used the knee rest. But I do use bi pods and have several versions from different manufactures. I have a bi pod that is high enough to shoot out a blind and several that I use from the ground. I prefer an aluminum bi pod that locks and won't come apart. Other wise the bottom legs may stuck and if you have to swivel a bit the bi pod can come apart. Bi pods work well when you have to hold up the shotgun for an extended period for time. They really make the hunt for kids too because most kids can not hold the shotgun up for extended amounts of time, neither can most adults. I just lay the shotgun on the bi pod put the butt under my arm which frees up the hands to call. I mainly use box, mouth and pot calls.
Welcome to the site. Here is another option that may work for you. http://www.hipstickrest.com/ Here is a video on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMZcGbmxzPk
I use the HS Strut knee pad but I just ordered the Dead Rest Sling.
It's going to be the cats meow
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Good question. I had to go back and look at a couple of pictures to figure this out. It has become so automatic over the years.
In general, I keep the shotgun on the ground with the barrel propped on a log or laid out on a folded poncho. The trick is to get the barrel up enough that I am not laying any metal on on the ground. Usually, the only thing that touches the ground is the tip of the butt pad. I also want enough of a gap between the stock and the ground that I can get my right hand around the pistol grip without looking. If a gobbler is coming in, I get my body positioned, and then bring the shotgun up, usually resting it on my right knee.
Attached is a pic of a setup in 2014. It pretty well shows how I situate myself for a long sit. The only thing missing is that you cannot see the pushpin call on the ground by my right side. I always keep that there as a last resort.
Ive been using a cheap shooting stick for years. I shattered my left arm and lost nerve and muscle. I can't hold a shotgun up for very long without shaking real bad. My shotgun also has a pistol grip stock. I just hold it by the pistol grip and balance it on the shooting stick. I don't stick it in the ground, some places are rock anyway. It's what I've been doing for many years now and works pretty good. Sometimes if I know the bird is still a few minutes from coming in, I just use the stick to scratch the leaves and then put my gun back on it. Probably spent less than $10 for the stick.
I have used the knee pad and the paracord on the shoulder. I have also used my shoulder to hold it. I lean a little to one left side and lay the gun stock sideways on my shoulder. I don't do this for long periods. There's a vendor about to put out a shoulder strap stand alone. It will work without you wearing your vest or will work with a vest.
Check out Knights Hunting Products.
Wisconsinteacher: I'm never going to hunt anywhere close to you!
Quote from: wisconsinteacher on January 30, 2018, 02:16:19 PM
I took 2 wooden dowels and made a rest with them. I used the rubber bands used for castration. Cheap and it works.
I have found that sitting in a low seat, such as the gobbler lounge along with the Priomos shooting stick....I can be ready in a split second and even doze off without dropping my shotgun.
hs rest as well. Saves those kneecaps. Also added a pistol grip to the gun. Way easier to keep still for long periods.
Quote from: dedwards44 on March 15, 2018, 06:16:06 PM
I have found that sitting in a low seat, such as the gobbler lounge along with the Priomos shooting stick....I can be ready in a split second and even doze off without dropping my shotgun.
Agreed, although I'm not sure about the dozing part. LOL
Quote from: wisconsinteacher on January 30, 2018, 02:16:19 PM
I took 2 wooden dowels and made a rest with them. I used the rubber bands used for castration. Cheap and it works.
This is what I use also. Two dowels painted up to look real pretty with three castrating bands about 6-8" down on one end. The other end I drilled a hole through both dowels and just stick a short length of paracord through and tie a knot to Keep it together while I'm walking around. I usually just hold it in my hand when walking around it kind of doubles as a hiking stick.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180505/62209a8513b3ff434a32a7bacb95e278.jpg)
Quote from: aclawrence on May 05, 2018, 12:34:13 AM
Quote from: wisconsinteacher on January 30, 2018, 02:16:19 PM
I took 2 wooden dowels and made a rest with them. I used the rubber bands used for castration. Cheap and it works.
This is what I use also. Two dowels painted up to look real pretty with three castrating bands about 6-8" down on one end. The other end I drilled a hole through both dowels and just stick a short length of paracord through and tie a knot to Keep it together while I'm walking around. I usually just hold it in my hand when walking around it kind of doubles as a hiking stick.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180505/62209a8513b3ff434a32a7bacb95e278.jpg)
I made the same thing with 1inch pvc tubing. Run a bolt through it and loctite the washer and nut so I can't lose them. Spray painted it camo, it's lite and has worked.
Revisiting my previous post, I would mention, I prefer to use what nature provides if possible.
A rock, or a stump, or a fallen limb will hold the gun, and allow me to hide the movement of a friction call.
This season, I realized how often I simply just pick up the gun and shoot. I have never let a bird in good range walk, cause my gun was not on him. The most important aspect is that my body is turned the correct direction to mount and shoot the gun. As a righty, I always face a bit more to the right, so that the bird comes in on my left...
If a bird is in range, and I am situated so that I do not need to turn around to shoot him, I simply lift the gun and fire... It occurs to me, that I have spoiled far more opportunities by having my gun slip off my knee, than I have by simply lifting and firing...
In my book, the best gun rest is the Knight Gun Forearm Rest. Check it out at Knight's hunting products.
I've always just kept my gun across my lap then tried to get it up into shooting position as the turkey went behind a tree or brush pile, but I may try one of the strap-on knee pads next year just to help keep the gun from sliding around.
I use Bi Pod Shooting Sticks which are light and easy to carry and use.
Quote from: BTH on March 28, 2018, 03:43:54 PM
hs rest as well. Saves those kneecaps. Also added a pistol grip to the gun. Way easier to keep still for long periods.
YES
i used that little hs knee pad last year and will again this season. i think i might add a loop of paracord to my vest to hold the stock this year.
I agree with the others and have used the HS Strut knee pad for years. It isn't perfect and will fall down to your ankle when you start walking, so i usually keep it in one of my vest pockets and put it on when i set down against a tree and get ready to start calling.
Here's a pic of it "in action" as I sit and wait for something to happen on the last day of the season in 2017
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/brwndg/last%20hunt%202017.jpg) (https://smg.photobucket.com/user/brwndg/media/last%20hunt%202017.jpg.html)
I also use the HS strut with and without the butt loop on the vest. Attach to leg and go. No extra weight to carry or gear forget.
If I am taking one of my younger guys, I use the Primos trigger stick Gen 2 short tripod. It is heavier than most of the above options but the tripod is a little more stable for them. Since I wear a minimalist vest without a big pouch, I carry it with a police flashlight holder on my belt. If you slide one of the legs through it, you are hands free and Lord knows you need both hands with the little guys.
Quote from: southern_leo on December 28, 2017, 02:26:12 AM
I just rest it on my knee. When the tom is getting close you typically should stop calling anyway and get into shooting form. They are very good at determining the direction of your call, trust me if he's hot he will come on into you. Over calling can hurt you.
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This is what I do. If you need to "call" more scratch the leaves w free hand
I would highly recommend Knight's Gun Forearm Rest. Check it out yourself.
Quote from: ctwny1 on January 18, 2019, 10:59:17 AM
I would highly recommend Knight's Gun Forearm Rest. Check it out yourself.
I took a look at it yesterday and I think I am going to get one. Do you just use the knee rest or the whole setup with the shoulder mount? Thanks in advance
I use just the knee rest.
I use the gun sling with both knees up to hold it cross ways as bird gets closer I usually let it hang off 1 knee pointed in right direction . For super close I either use mouth call or place pot call on ground against my hip
Thank you/
Quote from: Marc on May 05, 2018, 09:03:33 PM
Revisiting my previous post, I would mention, I prefer to use what nature provides if possible.
A rock, or a stump, or a fallen limb will hold the gun, and allow me to hide the movement of a friction call.
This season, I realized how often I simply just pick up the gun and shoot. I have never let a bird in good range walk, cause my gun was not on him. The most important aspect is that my body is turned the correct direction to mount and shoot the gun. As a righty, I always face a bit more to the right, so that the bird comes in on my left...
If a bird is in range, and I am situated so that I do not need to turn around to shoot him, I simply lift the gun and fire... It occurs to me, that I have spoiled far more opportunities by having my gun slip off my knee, than I have by simply lifting and firing...
Last sentence is very accurate, always was the butt stock for me and never liked putting it at my belt with the barrel going up and down while I called. As a friction caller now it's either in my lap and calling or I'm on the barrel and locked in. I do try to put the call so that a one handed purr/cluck can be made but it's not always a given that the call can be elevated off the ground to do it right. Oh it makes me see a thumb diameter pine stick with a lot of thanks
I just lay the gun on the ground beside me and pick it up when I need to to kill the bird.
Quote from: davisd9 on November 14, 2017, 02:24:47 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Specialties-Camo-Gun-Rest/dp/B00162OIUY
I used my knees for the last 10 to kill plenty of turkeys. I can see how that would be a little easier on the knee. Thanks for that.
Knight and Hale Universal Hands Free System. Works great!
An 8'x3' piece of plastic camo cloth with holes cut in it for air passage is set up just in front of me which hides my movement, including lifting my shotgun off the ground beside me when the gobbler is coming on in. I keep my calls spread out on another piece of plastic to keep them up off the ground. The camo cloth is held up with some pieces of river cane and accompanies my ground lounger as well as a couple of decoys. I can sit for hours with this arrangement if necessary, having taken a gobbler this past spring at 12 noon after setting up at 5:30 a.m.
I have used the HS rest but now just use my knee. It was nice for longer sits but I mainly do run and gun. I will sit and wait occasionally but I also like to minimize the stuff I carry with me in the woods.
I also mainly do mouth calls. So holding the gun up and calling isn't so much an issue for me. I do carry pot calls and I have found this balance position on my knees and arm. I prop the barrel on my knee and kinda tuck the stock under my arm. I also use a reflex sight so I don't have to exactly have my check on the stock.
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