Shooting Mats

[NWmissouriman]

I was wondering if any of you guys packed around a shooting mat while hunting? I haven't decided if I was going to or not this year, so I thought I'd ask around and see what some others did. I can see how it would be "handy", yet at the same time it's just one more thing to drag through the country.

 

[BWB]

I never have in the past, but I ordered the new Midway "packable" mat. Weighs in at just over 1 lb. I thought I might throw it in my pack (just incase) or maybe even use it as a rear support if I'm not rolling it out.

 

[FearNoWind]

I've never seen them as practical unless you're hunting in an area where stationary positions can be maintained. I prefer to stalk game and move in as close as possible using stealth so that I improve my clean kill chances. Shooting from long distances in any terrain other than open prairie means the chance of an unseen twig or other obstruction ruining an otherwise good shot makes for a disappointing day. In a position where a mat would work, by the time I get it deployed and set up the shot the target is likely to have moved and belly crawling to re-align the shot means I have to leave the mat behind anyway. They may be some protection against those little cactus plants in Wyoming (ouch!!) but I doubt they'd stop the stickers entirely.

 

[NWmissouriman]

I know what you are saying about them not always being practical for hunting situations. I like the convenience of being able to stay out of the mud, snow, and general hard ground, but the probability of getting it set up in the right position before the animal actually comes out is unlikely. I've got timber to hunt in as well as wide open corn and soybean fields. Generally the deer come out in the fields, but the shots are considerably longer. I was thinking when hunting the fields I might pack one, but I don't know.

 

[machiavelli]

When hunting goats I use a drag bag which rolls out into a mat.

 

[NWmissouriman]

I never have in the past, but I ordered the new Midway "packable" mat. Weighs in at just over 1 lb. I thought I might throw it in my pack (just incase) or maybe even use it as a rear support if I'm not rolling it out.

I seen Midway had the comp shooting mats 50% off and was thinking about ordering one for target shooting, but didn't really look at the weight of it or the rolled dimensions to see how much trouble it would be to pack around.

 

[BWB]

I seen Midway had the comp shooting mats 50% off and was thinking about ordering one for target shooting, but didn't really look at the weight of it or the rolled dimensions to see how much trouble it would be to pack around.

I one I purchased is new, no padding and packs down to 4.5"x9" I have the Comp shooting mat also but it's hug and not real "pack" friendly. I just wanted something to throw in my pack when we walk in on p-dogs. Will be here Monday, I'll see how it works out.

 

[royinidaho]

I LR hunt exclusively from a hide thus a mat is practical.

I've built several. From thick and heavy to light and thin. They double as mats for the sleeping bag.

However, for shooting I'm switching to a simple piece of fairly heavy canvas of an appropriate weight.

It smooths out the rocks enough and if I make a goof and set the bipod legs on it it doesn't seem to make a difference. Does the job and saves weight and space.

 

[NWmissouriman]

I LR hunt exclusively from a hide thus a mat is practical.

I've built several. From thick and heavy to light and thin. They double as mats for the sleeping bag.

However, for shooting I'm switching to a simple piece of fairly heavy canvas of an appropriate weight.

It smooths out the rocks enough and if I make a goof and set the bipod legs on it it doesn't seem to make a difference. Does the job and saves weight and space.

Building your own is probably the best way to go. If I wanted something to smooth out the corn and bean stubble that would probably be something I would have to do. Or do some work on the places I'm going to set up at ahead of time. I've had soybean stubble poke through the soles on my boots before.