Sling use in the field?

How many of you hunters have used slings (either the normal shooting sling or ching sling) while on the hunt? If so, under what circumstances? Did it help noticeably?

Just when I was humping my ass up the hill. No need, I know thats sounds weird everyone. I use em' for carrying my rifle only. Never used as a brace for shooting. Hope this helps.

Are you saying you've taken all your hunting shots from offhand, Guntroll?

Hell no! Not ever even one. I like to go prone if the situation allowes. I brought shooting sticks last year for the first time. Didn't use em'. Don't really like em' but are better than nothing. I like to prop up on my pack if I can and the animal allows.

The only thing my slings are used for is carrying my gun. Usually I use something as a rest be it my knee ,tree, fence post, bipod ect.

I have only taken a few shots off hand.

I have only used a sling for carrying a gun as well. I usually use a tree, rock, or some other object. My muzzle loader doesn't even have a sling.

I've only taken two shots off hand. Even though I hit both I would like to know more about how to properly use a sling to brace for a shot. Does anyone have any tips or links?

Although I have mostly used them for carrying my rifle (NEVER a shotgun) since its already there its great for shooting offhand. Holding the rifle in front of you more or less in the firing position (and assuming you are right handed) stick your left arm through the sling from the RIGHT side and then grab the rifle normally. If properly adjusted, the sling tightens itself around your forarm and makes it much easier to make offhand shots. I sort of pull my arm to the left until I have quite a bit of tension on it. By lucky coincidence, if the sling is adjusted to be comfortable for carry, its also adjusted well for shooting. I have made offhand shots at a little over 100 yards this way, and as long as you practice its prefectly ethical and comfortable.

carrying me rifle only.

This will be my first year hunting big game (yes, I'm excited), so I don't have experience yet, but I plan to use a sling.

I practice all positions with a sling, except prone.

That said, my new gun doesn't have a sling yet, any recommendations as to what to/not to look for?

I have used a Latigo sling (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...il.aspx?p=1180) from Brownells on my hunting rifle ever since I started big game hunting. This sling is durable (same sling after all of these years and it barely shows any wear) and is quickly adjustable to loosen up to throw the rifle over your shoulder and in just 2 - 3 seconds you can tighten it upwhen you want to sit and watch or wrap your arm into it to stabilize your shot.

They are expensive, but I wouldn't have any other sling.