Utility Cycling - Hunting and carrying your gun

I hope this forum works for this... I live in NW Montana where road closures in National Forests are a good and bad thing, depending on where you stand. Some of my prime grouse hunting land is now closed to vehicles, but that just means only people who want to hike or bike or go horseback can access it, which pretty much leaves the road open to me and my bike. :thumb: Now my question, how to carry a sideXside shotgun into the wilderness without smashing it. Bar mounts are not an option - I'm looking for a way to carry it in a case that will protect it just in case I crash. I've seen the Montana Scabbard, but again, carrying a gun without case is not an option. A sling is also not an option.

My current idea is to get something like an Arkel hook kit (http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/accessories/hookkit.asp?fl=1&site=) and mount it to a case like this. (It might need some additional help to keep parts from banging into each other.)
http://www.planomolding.com/images/0153500a.jpg
I have the Weld folding wire panniers on my rack so another option would be to just strap it across them (perpendicular to the bike frame) - there would be about an 8" overhang on either side.

Anyone out there done something like this or have ideas/insights? I'm kind of a gearhead who prefers to spend way more time building/jurry-rigging something the hard way than just buying something the easy way... unless it's really cheap:D

Thanks for any advice.

David

~$50.00 HERE (http://www.texaselectricbikes.com/catalog/bike-rack-p-83.html)

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/gunrack2.jpg

Hmmm. I think you might consider a surfboard rack, there are several variations on how they mount to the bike, your case might just fit in one nicely... bungie, velcro, etc., bada bing, bada boom! BOOM! BOOM! The Carver Mini made for a shortboard would work for a gun (or electric guitar!) case and you would still be able to use your panniers for other gear. I considered one for my recurve, but went with the Minimalist MacGuyver Method instead. I'm not boonie crashing Montana trails, though, that requires something sturdy like this. You might also be able to get away with using a longer case and keeping the gun fully assembled and ready to load and shoot. Heck, when I lived in MT we would shoot grouse in the head with .22's because they are so stupid and just stand in the road and beg for it.

http://www.carversurfracks.com/csrmini.html

$80 here: http://www.shop.cheka-looka.com/product.sc;jsessionid=90373160E3C98BD18FCE39146047A742.qscstrfrnt03?categoryId=-1&productId=233

Surf Montana!

PR

Ever looked at the old style Leg of Mutton cases?

Might be a bit more compact than modern cases. Probably strap to a rear rack pretty easily. Plus, I've always thought a nice double gun deserves a case like that at some point in its existence.

S/S and O/U pack down small. Look around until you find something that makes the most of that or make/get something semi-custom. I had a Franchi that had a sweet leather case that was about the size of a bassoon case, taken down it just about disappeared.

A cheap 12 gauge O/U with the barrel cut down to the minimum legal length (18" add .5 just to be sure ;) check your local laws) and selectable triggers would be ideal for all kinds of hunting. You can add insert barrels to shoot .22 .380 and also 12 or .410 and everything in between and an over under usually has better barrel alignment.

Saw these ;-

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2642778614_a66618d211.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2642779150_806e77d720.jpg

Swiss military bikes for all your hunting and gun carrying needs....

Saw these ;-

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2642778614_a66618d211.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2642779150_806e77d720.jpg

Swiss military bikes for all your hunting and gun carrying needs....

Quite possibly one of the coolest things I have ever seen in my life!

Ever looked at the old style Leg of Mutton cases?

Might be a bit more compact than modern cases. Probably strap to a rear rack pretty easily. Plus, I've always thought a nice double gun deserves a case like that at some point in its existence.

Sweet case and shootgun, are they yours? It looks like the end of the barrels would be exposed however, am I missing something?

:lol: Leave it to the Swiss to come up with a bike mount for a grenade launcher(?) and 50 cal machine gun. I'd be right at home with the Montana Militia ;)

The Carver's Mini is just plain elegant, but more suited for when I need that grenade launcher ;)

Thanks for the ideas, please keep them coming. I'm looking around for a good case on the cheap - hopefully the two aren't mutually exclusive.

I would just get a scabbard intended for mounting on a saddle and strap it to one side of a rear rack. If your worried about the stock getting dinged, put it in a gun sock before you drop it in the scabbard. You might throw a grocery pannier on the other side of the rack to carry your birds in.

Ever looked at the old style Leg of Mutton cases?

Might be a bit more compact than modern cases. Probably strap to a rear rack pretty easily. Plus, I've always thought a nice double gun deserves a case like that at some point in its existence.

I didn't know about these, not being much of a shotgun guy (though shotguns are obviously the best choice for birds, .22's aren't legal for hunting them in most states. MT allowed or allows them for grouse), but wow, sweet! Could actually put one of those IN the pannier, maybe sticking out a bit (or on the rack) and you are good to go. It appears fully enclosed to me, with the gun taken down and in two padded slots inside.

This assignment has Xtracycle written all over it. Plus you'll be able to much more easily carry the rest of your gear up there, as well as whatever you bring back with you.

http://www.xtracycle.com/

Steve

Was this you that hit the bear in Montana? http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_BICYCLIST_VS_BEAR?SITE=AP He needed a gun with him on that ride! :lol:

Two words: Waffle bike (http://austinbikeblog.org/?p=508).

Something that big and long just seems as though it should be carried on either an Xtracycle or a trailer.

A single wheel like the BOB Ibex, or Extrawheel seems like it would be well suited to this. And again it would allow you to carry back birds etc... Not cheap but an option. If you're THAT into DIY depending on your skills and materials you might be able to rig something up with an extra wheel and some scrap metal.

Two words: Waffle bike (http://austinbikeblog.org/?p=508).

I think that is likely the best 8 minutes of video on youtube.

It was like Salvador Dali meets Sheldon Brown meets IHOP.

I can only wonder, "Why didn't I think of a bike-trailer-towed generator." To power a waffle iron.

Was this you that hit the bear in Montana? http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...S_BEAR?SITE=AP He needed a gun with him on that ride!


That's pretty hilarious. Not me. I am a teacher and do bike to work every day when it's not snowy/icy but the only things I ever come close to hitting on the trail are deer and pheasants. Too bad they're in city limits.

Still working on it. I do have parts to build my own Xtracycle, it's finding the time to make it during the school year. So far I haven't had to bike past any gates, they seem to repel rednecks and we have the roads to walk all by ourselves - no need to go deep into the woods yet. Plus everyone is out bow hunting... except me.

Look around for a used child trailer and convert it into a utility trailer.

And I am setting up my Big Dummy for hunting. after using it this summer for commuting, errands, shopping, etc. it is now time to undergo a transformation. I will be hunting deer primarily, and some of the places I go are very practical for bikes. I have hunted successfully from a bike before, but after the kill, transport was awkward. The BD should work out much better, I have my fingers crossed.

For rifle transport, I need a quickdraw option. I have hauled over my shoulder before, but it really messes with posture and ability to travel through rough terrian. When the rifle is in a pack, it is not quick to access, and while fumbling, the quarry bounds away. I finally found a scabbard today that shows great promise. It is a molded plastic thing called a Kolpin 007 gun boot. It pops apart, and I plan on using just the lower half. The next item to find is a large, strong, front rack that is affordable. I just haven't been able to swing it yet, but have my eye on an Old Man Mountain Cold Springs front rack. I plan on lashing the gun boot to the side of the rack in a verticle position in front of the handlebar. Anyone know of a less expensive, but large and strong rack out there?

Game transport will be by a larger homemade snapdeck plus wideloaders to lash the feet to.

I understand what Dave needs, and maybe this direction makes sense? Does for me anyway.

Quite possibly one of the coolest things I have ever seen in my life!

Agreed. Buy one used here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rare-Swiss-Military-Bike-M93-Great-Condition_W0QQitemZ150300709574QQihZ005QQcategoryZ13981QQcmdZViewItem). Better pics here (http://www.militaerveloshop.ch/militaervelo/militaervelos/militaervelo-1994-03413.html).

(Apologies for the slight thread drift.)


http://www.militaerveloshop.ch/militaer-armee-rad-velo/militaervelo/militaer-velo-bike-1994-03413/1994-03413-l.jpg

This case (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=455878) is intended for mounting to an ATV cargo rack (with optional mount), so I'm thinking it could be adapted for use on a bike rack.

I shoot rifles and one in particular haul on me Nashbar Trailer,, in padded case ,,, tied down, but confess off roading with it is minimal.

I ended up ordering a slightly different case, the Plano Bow-Max Arrow case (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P432OW). It's got three pillars (for extra support), has the exact same dimensions as the Takedown Gun case (http://www.amazon.com/Plano-Pillared-Take-Down-Case/dp/B000P3YSO6/ref=pd_sim_dbs_sg_17) and is cheaper :thumb:. The arrow holders are removable and I put some foam in to hold the gun in place (as you can see in the first picture) The extra pillars keep the stock and barrel from hitting which might have been possible in the Takedown Case. I have collapsible wire panniers on either side of the bike rack and a Burley trailer hitch. When I open up the pannier the gun case fits in and rests on the trailer hitch. These photos are just a mock-up with only one rope, but you get the idea. I might not even need to open up the pannier but then the case doesn't rest so well on the hitch. I'll have to play with it a bit.

The Plano Gunslinger (http://www.amazon.com/Plano-Gunslinger-Grab-Gun-Case/dp/B000P5A7GW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1223359040&sr=1-1) or the Kolpin Gun Boot (http://stores.agmdealtime.com/-strse-3261/Kolpin-Black-Gun-Boot/Detail.bok)look like good options, especially for when you come around the corner face to face with a grouse and need to get a shot off quickly. BTW... what were you guys doing browsing ATV gear? ;)

Greg, if you're only going to be carrying a gun, why not get a cheap rack? The cheapest ones around can hold at least 25 lbs. If you're carrying an animal, that's another thing, but 50 lbs on a front rack (Old Man) seems a bit dodgy.

pictures to come soon. I was given an old well-used Blackburn Rear Rack and jury rigged it to my fork as an experiment. Just got the gun boot lashed on and it handles fairly well with no wiggling. The rifle tends to settle deeper into the boot from vibration, causing the rifle to stick when withdrawn, so I think a block of foam placed into the bottom of the boot will stop the rifle's downward migration. It's all handy and quickdraw. Next I must make a new rear deck with plenty of tiedown holes.

When I first set up the scabbard and a multifunctional plywood snapdeck.

gad that picture is tiny. I made it 640X480. That size works well on mtbr.com. What is the best size for posting on bikeforums? EuroJoe pictures of the Swiss bikes seem about right.

I've got a few hunting pictures to post that might be entertaining. Need some pixel beta from you photo posting veterans.

Living in Montana, you are probably NOT familiar with a surfboard carriers for bicycles. Lots of guys here in SoCal carry their short boards to the beach in a carrier. I'm sure it would also hold that plastic gun case (in your first picture) quite securely.

The case will protect the gun from scratches bumps, dirt and debris while riding.

Personally, I wouldn't want the gun unprotected and running cross-wise. I especially wouldn't want to have it on the handlebars.

I like GregB406's plastic gun case used as a scabard, too. The mounting needs little work but I think the general idea is a good one. I'd move it to the rear, behind the rider. He should use both pieces of the case to protect the gun in the event of a fall, keep rain out,...

I use either a Winchester over/under shotgun, or more often a Germ Bockbuchsflinte or Drilling with a scope and shoulder sling (required for hunting over in Germany, and I kept them up afer coming back here to the States). Shorten the sling up a bit, break the weapon open and sling it over my shoulder, and pedal off down the trail.

Most folks around here pack an ATV in the back of their pickup truck; mine is a 29er MTB ;-)

*****, what a brilliant post you've made here. There is just so much wrong with your post I don't know where to start. What is it you want to do to the posters in this thread, some of whom, obviously, have guns? Do you really and truly advocate genocide and murder? Just brilliant!

I bet you consider yourself to be "enlightened", too, don't you?

BTW, I requested your post be deleted.

good times.

*****, what a brilliant post you've made here. There is just so much wrong with your post I don't know where to start. What is it you want to do to the posters in this thread, some of whom, obviously, have guns? Do you really and truly advocate genocide and murder? Just brilliant!

I bet you consider yourself to be "enlightened", too, don't you?

BTW, I requested your post be deleted.

actually, now that you did that, your post doesn't make a whole lot of sense, now does it. high five, broham.

Just came in here to see why adults are not getting along here.

Thank you for your edits.

Please refrain from using the forum to conduct activities that take up time unnecessarily.

Thank you.

Siu Blue Wind
Forum Admin.

**** off.

I have found that the breakdown case is great for hauling my shotgun to where I want to start hunting, but not for hauling on the bike - too much opening up and putting together and whatnot. Would be fine if I needed to bike a ways to a spot where I could start walking with the gun put together, but I am leaning toward the gunslinger or gun boot for the future with grouse. We usually find them on the roads and need to be ready to go pretty quick - no messing around with putting a gun together.

I appreciate the constructive posts! Love those Swiss bikes, but am looking for a good DIY for my 50 cal. machine gun and grenade launcher ;)

Dave

I've been kind of occupied. Hunting season was strange, but the bike was a success. I wrote up a piece for Practical Pedal magazine which should come out any day. Here is a sneek read for the folks on this thread:

I just knew it would work. Before I ever purchased a long bike I could see the possibilities. Surfing the web, watching movies of people surfing on snapdecks and comparing grocery weight and bulk, I realized there was more to haul. Longbike hunting. I could haul a deer on one of those things!

I purchased a ready built Big Dummy from Bangtail Bike Shop in July 2008, and amused myself for a few months while shopping, commuting, and adjusting the ponderous beast to fit me. In the fall, urban duty took a backseat to hunting preparations. I had to transport a rifle, and so I found a pawnshop scabbard in the form of a Kolpin Gun Boot. I borrowed a rack and adapted it to the fork, to form a frame for attaching the scabbard. A nationwide search for wideloaders found nothing available at any price, until a pair was located at Tall Tree Cycles in Ottawa, Ontario. The snapdeck appeared inadequate, so a larger version was cut from ½” plywood, with 20 holes added for rope and tiedown straps.

Rifles were sighted in. My rifle had to be fitted to the scabbard with some extra foam, as I discovered it would wedge down into the depths after just a short ride. Hunting permits were bought, and I was eager to go.

First outing was a trip into elk camp on opening weekend. This was an overnighter, so I really had the bike loaded down. There was an extra pack for hauling meat, tent, sleeping bag and pads, warm clothes, water, beer, food, and whiskey. With over a hundred lbs of stuff, plus the rifle, I struggled for over an hour to ride a muddy track the 4 miles into camp. I was surprised to beat the others though, who had hiked it with slightly smaller loads. Score one for the longbike!

We had no luck hunting the next day, but the party supplies pulled our spirits through. Again, in spite of leaving camp with a lighter bike, it was still an ordeal in the mud to ride back out of the woods. The trick here is to stay an additional night and do the riding out on a frozen trail. Cleaning the bike took 2 hours!

Next time out, with a friend who was trying to fill a mule deer buck tag, we both rode into a desert landscape, over sand and cactus. We hiked independently around a cluster of sage covered ridges, trying hard to find deer with antlers. Nothing but does and fawns greeted us, until 2 small herds of elk traversed through our haunt. I was too far from them to coax a bullet home, but my partner’s luck brought him closer to the quarry, and he killed a very large cow. At nine in the morning our hunt was over, and the real work began.

Since we were not prepared to handle an elk, we had to return to the truck to make a call for supplies, and the bikes made this possible. Of course, the front quarters were carried out in this first trip. The next trip, my friend’s wife had delivered supplies, and our field processing was done. We had to pack the hindquarters about ½ mile to the Big Dummy. Loaded down with extra packs and almost 200 lbs of hairy legs, I pedaled the load out with minimal effort, but with great concentration in order to stay centered along the narrow path. Reflecting on what we would have had to pack out, and how far, and how my hips felt after packing meat only ½ mile, the final ride felt heavenly.

Other planned hunting excursions using the bike were stymied with land closures. But I did get to try out the deer hauling system when my daughter’s boyfriend shot a doe. When we arrived home, out came the doe from the truck and she was plopped onto the plywood snapdeck. I guess could be called the flatbed dead deck. I tied her legs off to the wideloaders and took a short lap in front of the house. The system works really well! A deer was an very easy load compared to part of an elk, and I could have carried her many miles in a few minutes.

Reviewing how the bike is set up, I believe that my riflescope may have been knocked out slightly by wedging into the scabbard. A handlebar mount is possible, and so is a suspension fork. I experimented with a zippered, padded, rifle tote bag simply slipped into a saddlebag. This option was not a quickdraw one, but cradled the rifle a bit better. Determination will find the best way. This bicycle setup is the non-motorized future of hunting. It is an extremely viable option as long as the snow is not deep. Now I have a year to think about fine-tuning the beast for next fall’s hunting season.

:thumb:

The field butcher shop
My friends, Dave and Jane
Pedaling the hindquarters out
Rear view of the Dummy, showing a pair of hairy, hooved, exhaust pipes

Wideloader bars are essential for carrying this kind of weight. They really stabilize everything, and give the bike something to lean against when dismounted. You really would have work at it to crash hard.

Congrats on the hunts and thanks for the pics! Great article too!! How far do you suppose you had to pedal the elk out? I'm definitely going to try and build an "extracycle" with spare parts this summer!

Dave

The field butcher shop
My friends, Dave and Jane
Pedaling the hindquarters out
Rear view of the Dummy, showing a pair of hairy, hooved, exhaust pipes

Wideloader bars are essential for carrying this kind of weight. They really stabilize everything, and give the bike something to lean against when dismounted. You really would have work at it to crash hard.

Good info and pics, Greg! Thanks for sharing this.

Good info and pics, Greg! Thanks for sharing this.

Yes, very helpful!

East Hill

How far do you suppose you had to pedal the elk out? I'm definitely going to try and build an "extracycle" with spare parts this summer!

Dave

I pedaled out 2 miles, slightly downhill. I think I could have gone much further if need be. The bike and access situation made this hunt practical. I could not have carried the load that far on my back. Seems to me with the many locked logging roads in NW Montana, bicycle hunting such as this would be a perfect marraige of existing access regulations and non motorized technology.

Build or assemble your extracycle, Dave. It will open up lots of new avenues for you, and probably influence some of your friends to do something similar! This has been a fun thread. Have a happy new year everyone!