Top 20 African Shooting Sticks: Traditional Arrows with Modern Features

Safari hunting in Africa requires specialized gear to measure distance accurately. African shooting sticks, traditional and modern variants, help hunters judge shot placement for ethical hunting. This guide compares the most effective options available today.

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Reviews

Nigerian Hand-Carved Walking Stick

This solid wood walking stick, handcrafted in Nigeria, brings a touch of African heritage to your walk. The slightly uneven surface is just nature showing through – as the wood dries, those tiny checks will fade away. At 36 inches tall, it’s got plenty of presence, with its 4-inch handle giving you just the right grip.

Allen Compact Shooting Stick

This lightweight shooting stick packs down small enough to fit in a backpack but extends to a useful 34 inches when you need it. The padded grip and aluminum construction make it comfortable to hold, whether you’re sitting or kneeling. While some users find the 14.5-inch minimum length too short, others praise its durability and portability for both hunting and shooting practice.

Hunter Specialties Shooter’s Stick 17-36

Made for steadying aim when seated, this adjustable aluminum monopod weighs next to nothing despite its sturdy build. The rubberized gun rest and foam handle provide a comfortable, secure platform that’s easy on your wrist, while the quick-release leg locks let you adjust the height from 17 to 36 inches in seconds. Whether you’re turkey hunting or target shooting, the contoured design and bungee-cord grip make it a practical addition to any hunter’s arsenal.

Allen Axial Shooting Stick

This versatile shooting stick from Allen makes it super easy to get stable shots in the field. You can use it as a tripod, bipod, or monopod – it even comes with a quick-snap cradle that works great for both guns and camera gear. The carbide tip and rubber boot give you rock-solid support on any terrain, which is perfect whether you’re trying to steady a heavy rifle or just need a reliable camera mount for those long-range shots.

Allen Company Deluxe African Shooting Stick

The Allen Company’s Deluxe Shooting Stick stands out with its modular design that includes a removable V top and wrist strap. At 45 inches tall, it transitions easily from kneeling to standing positions. Users appreciate its sturdiness and adjustability, though some note it doesn’t reach the advertised 61 inches.

Allen Axial Monopod Shooting Stick

The Allen Axial Monopod brings a reassuring stability to your shooting setup, thanks to its 61-inch height and reliable locking mechanism. The padded handle and web strap make it comfortable to hold, while the rubber-tipped base provides solid footing. It’s earned praise from users who appreciate its ease of use and solid construction, though some note minor quirks in assembly.

Allen Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick

Made for turkey hunters, this shooting stick adjusts to 36 inches when fully extended and collapses for easy storage. The quick-release design lets you change height quickly, and it works with both shotguns and rifles. At just 0.76 pounds, it’s light enough to carry but sturdy enough to support your gun.

Cuddeback Solid Aim Shooting Stick

The Cuddeback Solid Aim shooting stick combines impressive versatility with remarkable compactness. At just 8 inches when retracted, it stashes easily in your pack before deployment. The single rubber-tipped leg extends to 60 inches, offering stable support for rifles, shotguns, crossbows, and pistols in any shooting position. While some reviewers praise its convenience and stability, others report reliability issues under load, particularly with heavier firearms.

Primos Gen Trigger Stick Monopod

The Primos Trigger Stick combines sleek adjustability with solid shooting support, letting you fine-tune your height with just a trigger pull. Its quick-detach design makes it a versatile companion for both gun and optics, while the reinforced rotating joint gives you smooth control during those crucial moments at the shooting bench.

Firefield Shooting Stick

This well-regarded shooting stick features an adjustable height and sturdy aluminum construction with a carbide-tipped rubber boot. The included cork grip ensures a secure hold in any condition, while the camera-compatible design and trekking basket make it versatile for both shooting and hiking.

Bog Pod Shooting Sticks

The lightweight aluminum construction and silent operation make these shooting sticks a practical addition to any hunter’s gear. The all-terrain feet provide solid support whatever the ground conditions, while the adjustable height makes them suitable for both sitting and standing positions. While some users have experienced early failures with the connecting rubber piece, the ones who have fixed it generally praise the Bog-Pod DSS Shooting Sticks for their reliability and accuracy-enhancing capabilities.

Swagger Stalker Lite XL Shooting Stick

Made for the dedicated hunter or photographer who needs swift support in any terrain, these shooting sticks combine remarkable lightness with serious staying power. The clever design lets you reposition them instantaneously, whether you’re tracking a moving target or adjusting your spot in the wilderness. With their USA-made build and versatile folding mechanism, they’ve earned high praise from users who praise their reliability and practicality.

Allen Shooting Stick

The Allen Shooting Stick transforms your firearm into a surprisingly stable shooting platform, effortlessly adjusting between 21.5 and 61 inches to accommodate both seated and standing positions. Its V-shaped yoke grips your rifle securely, while padded foam and a wrist strap ensure a comfortable hold during those long hunting trips. The quick-release legs and telescoping design make setup a breeze, though some users note the bottom section can bend under heavy pressure—just be mindful of how you position it when shooting from different angles.

Swagger SWAG-STICK-61 The Shooting Stick

This shooting stick, featuring a single rubber-tipped leg with vertical adjustment from 24 to 61 inches, serves hunters well in various positions – whether you’re seated, kneeling, or standing. Its compact design makes it particularly handy for ground blinds, giving you the stability you need at different height options without taking up much space.

Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 Tall Tripod

The Primos Trigger Stick offers hassle-free height adjustment with its one-handed trigger mechanism, while the new leg angle locks provide enhanced stability at various shooting positions. The contoured grip and strengthened rotating joint deliver smooth panning for precise aiming, whether you’re standing or seated. The durable dark earth-finished design packs lightweight convenience into every hunting scenario.

Primos Trigger Stick Gen3 Tripod

When you need a quick, stable rest for your gun or optic, the Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 delivers. Its patent-pending trigger system lets you adjust it one-handed in seconds. The contoured grip handles anything from a 12-gauge to a spotting scope, with leg angles that go from nearly horizontal to standing tall on any terrain. Whether you’re shooting from a blind or scanning the hillsides, these lightweight sticks give you that extra bit of stability you need for your best shot.

Bog Havoc Shooting Stick

The Havoc shooting stick offers impressive stability through its USR stock support and 360-degree head rotation. Constructed from durable aluminum, it deploys quickly via twist locks and features high-density foam grips. Whether you’re hunting or fishing, this lightweight tripod provides the support you need for steady shots.

Bog Havoc Shooting Tripod

This sleek black tripod brings serious stability to the hunt with its 360-degree rotating head and superior stock support. The twist-lock legs pop up quickly, but it’s the USR shooting yoke that really impressed hunters -it cradles your rifle like a pro’s rest rather than just resting on top. Built for steady shooting in the field, it earned five-star praise from users who nailed shots at 184 yards and more.

Ridgeline Bi-Pod Aluminum Gun Rest

Comfortably support your camera or scope with this aluminum shooting stick that swivels 360 degrees and adjusts from 21.5 to 44 inches tall. The lightweight design makes it easy to move around, and you can even sink it into the ground for extra stability. One reviewer calls it “just as good as the expensive ones, ” though it’s a bit less fancy.

Primos Edge Aluminum Tripod Shooting Stick

Weighing just 5.75 pounds, the Primos Edge Tripod Shooting Stick combines durable aluminum construction with a versatile 360° panning gun clamp that securely holds firearms up to 13 pounds. With adjustable leg angles and three-position support for various shooting positions, it provides stability on uneven terrain. The convenient angle adjustment knob lets you quickly change the shot angle up to 50°, making it a practical choice for shooters who need reliable support in different environments.

Buyer’s Guide

African shooting sticks, known as “girinka” sticks in some regions, are a traditional assistive device that helps hunters steady their aim while shooting. These rods extend the hunter’s effective shooting distance and improve accuracy, making them particularly useful in the challenging African shooting environment. When selecting shooting sticks, several key factors influence performance and usability.

Material Quality

The rods should be made from durable materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber. These materials combine lightweight properties with robust construction, allowing for quick deployment while providing sufficient rigidity for steady shots. The joints connecting the sections must be secure and smoothly rotating to prevent wobble during use.

Stability and Weight Distribution

Effective shooting sticks distribute the hunter’s weight evenly between the legs while supporting the firearm. Look for designs that maximize surface contact with the ground through wide, flat bottoms. The stick’s center of gravity should align with the shooter’s primary support leg for optimal balance during use.

Length and Section Design

Standard stick lengths range from 60 to 80 inches, with telescoping sections allowing for customization based on user height and shooting preference. The top section should incorporate a stable cradle designed specifically for the firearm being used, while the base sections provide the necessary length for proper stance and support.

Additional Features

Modern shooting sticks often include telescoping legs for quick adjustment, rubber feet for various terrain types, and padded grips for increased comfort during extended use. Some advanced designs feature integral rangefinders or compasses, though these may add unnecessary complexity for general hunting purposes.

FAQ

What are African shooting sticks?

African shooting sticks are traditional hunting aids used primarily in West Africa. These durable sticks support hunters’ arms while shooting, allowing for more consistent aiming and reduced arm fatigue during extended hunting sessions.

Each stick is crafted from either hardwood or bamboo, with the hardwood versions often incorporating decorative engravings. The shaft has a slight bend to naturally align with the shooter’s arm position.

How are the sticks constructed?

Production varies by maker, but most sticks feature a single piece of hardwood or bamboo with an elastic band at one end. The elastic helps secure the grip, while the stick’s natural bend angles the arm properly.

Carving is done using traditional tools, with some makers incorporating distinctive regional patterns or symbols on the grip end.

What is the proper way to use them?

Hold the grip end comfortably in your shooting hand, positioning it parallel to your forearm. Align the stick’s bend with your elbow joint for optimal arm support during the shooting process.

Keep the non-shooting hand in a supportive position on the stick shaft, just below the grip, to maintain stability and control during the shot.

Are they suitable for modern hunting rifles?

Modern shooting sticks often incorporate improvements over traditional designs, including adjustable legs and shock absorption features. While traditional African sticks excel for small bore rifles and traditional hunting methods, modern alternatives offer enhanced functionality and stability for a wider range of firearms.

Many traditional sticks work well with smaller caliber rifles and airguns, but users should consider upgrading to specialized hunting shooting sticks for larger calibers or modern firearms.

How should they be maintained?

Regular cleaning with a soft cloth after each use helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. For wood sticks, occasional application of furniture polish or beeswax can maintain the surface and prevent cracking.

Bamboo sticks should be kept dry, and any splits or cracks should be monitored and addressed promptly. Wooden sticks may need periodic reshaping of the grip to maintain a comfortable surface texture.

Can they be used in combination with other supports?

Many experienced hunters prefer to use shooting sticks alongside other support devices, such as bipod mounts or tripod stands. This combination provides additional stability and versatility, especially for extended hunting sessions or difficult shooting positions.

Users should exercise caution when stacking support devices and ensure that the combined system remains balanced and safe during use.

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