I like using shooting sticks and taught my son to use them when he was 11 on his first trip to Africa.He used them this year to take a 197 yard pronghorn 40 miles outside of Casper, Wyoming. I use the sticks from Long Grass http://www.long-grass.com/shootsticks.htm. They are a bit spendy but very well made. It take a while to get used to them but I don't hunt without them now.

Another way to make you a better shot which will also boost your confidence in your shooting when it comes time to shoot your rifle. Get your 22 rimfire out and start plinking away during the off season.Its fun and great way to becoming a better shot. I shoot 20-50 rounds anight and it does wonders in the long run, shoot at differnt ranges and targets to make things interesting and challenging. Come hunting season, shot a few through your rifle to get use to its trigger and feel of the rifle, your set. It will even make you a good off hand shot with out the use of sticks.

I use the stoney point rapid bi-pod. Seems to be the best of both worlds.

i started carring stonypoint sticks a few years back. i have a place i hunt thats full of powerlines ,a 400yd shot is possible . there is nothing on these powerlines but grass ,no shooting rest. i carry them as a walking stick ,they have saved the day a few times already.