STEEP ROCKY TERRAIN

Just days ago, a hunter came into the shop for some supplies. We couldn't help but notice that the palms of his hands were fairly torn up. He explained that he and a companion had to inch their way down a hill too steep to stay upright, so they used their feet to control against sliding, and their hands to propel them each next "step". He said they had gloves on, but the rocks still managed to make their way through to the skin. Their bottom sides survived the descent okay because of the greater surface area.

We've got a tip for that, having been in similar situations a time or two. Try finding a proper rock that fills each hand nicely, which can serve as "shoes" for the hands. With them, you can "butt-inch" your way through all kinds of nasty terrain without beating up the palms and heels of your hands. Best to include gloves, of course. The rifle can usually be carried across the lap, with occasional adjustment to keep it centered.

JDC