I won't carry a heavy gun again. But also don't take risky shots. I don't need to shoot 500 yards. I am not starving and like to hunt the animal.

A pack general fits more comfortable than a gun sling. My advise is get a top notch gun sling with very tacky material to hold on your shoulders. Believe me the last thing you want is those tactical web type slings. Slides right off.

I doubt most people deer hunting will ever have an issue. Most you walk is like 1 mile, more or less. Thats pretty well nothing. But for stalk hunters, moose, or caribou, or elk, where you cover 10 miles it is an issue. But I see alot of elk hunters these days doing alot of truck hunting anyway.