Packing for the Perfect Shot

Shots on big-game animals, especially mature species, often occur in a tight window. Taking a rest is critical, yet getting a steady shot can be difficult in hasty situations.

Bi-pods are a popular option, yet veteran outfitter Jim Schell warns his clients to make sure they practice using them. “We made a careful stalk on a really big mule deer buck,” says Schell, illustrating his point. “The biggest deer stood broadside at 200 yards as my client adjusted and re-adjusted his bipod. By the time he was set to shoot, the bigger buck had moved off and he had to settle for the lesser animal.”

Backpacks are another popular item, and the folks at Tenzing have develope a pack with specific shooting capabilities. In addition, it carries and cradles a rifle or crossbow like no pack before it.

Two years ago, I spotted a 140-class buck chasing a doe half a mile away and made a careful stalk to get into range. While I circled out of sight, the duo took a break from the rut and bed in a brush pile and seemingly disappeared. I searched and glassed for the next two hours until the two animals reappeared and I used my backpack to make a 258-yard shot. The pack was quick and handy, yet didn’t provide the near “bench-like” option as does the new Tenzing Shooter Pack. Check out the stats on this new offering:

Key Features:

• Carries Gun or Crossbow
• Breathable Mesh Back Pad
• Padded Hip Panels
• H2O Compatible (2-Liter)
• Nine Total Compartments and Pockets
• One Internal Fluted Aluminum Frame Stay
• Split Through Center of Pack to Carry Crossbow or Rifle
• Foldout Rain Cover
• Two Specialized Zip Pockets
• Two Horizontal Compression Straps Each Side
• Comfort Stretch Waistbelt System (Min. 30”, Max. 54”)
• Three Horizontal Compression Straps Across Face
• Two Specialized Compression Straps to go Around Crossbow or Gun
• DYNEEMA Bottom Covered With Loden TRICO
• Designed to Use as a Shooting Rest for Rifle
• Specialized One Piece Quiver Holding Bungees on Both Sides