For the older bowhunter that uses a walking stick in the woods.

[tradslinger]

For some of us, we just aren't as stable walking as we used to be. So getting around the woods can be a challenge. I started off with wooden staffs or even bamboo but I always ended up having to deal with them when I got to my stand. Then one day at a yard sale, I found a used monopod that extended out to about 5 feet or more. Now I have used the flimsy shooting sticks before but this thing was kind of heavy duty and yet very light. Turned out to be a camera monopod, they sell them at Walmart for around $15. They collapse down to about twenty inches and brother they are made strong. I went to the local hardware store and bought a rubber tip for a dollar or less. Because they are adjustable, you can use it as short as you want it or as tall as you want it. Anything that keeps me from falling so badly as I bowhunt is a plus for me. Heck, they would be great for walking at a range or 3D shoot. And yes, I test mine out a lot, have two of them.

[Orion]

Good tip.  I've been using home made walking sticks for years, particularly in the mountains and/or when packing my camp or a critter. I've never found it to be terribly unwieldy, but a collapsable stick would be nice.  Treking poles do the same thing, of course, but the monopod you discovered seems a lot cheaper. 

[Dave Lay]

Ive been using hiking sticks for years, due to bad knees, I've tried trekking poles but find them to fragile for some of my use, so I usually use a beaver cut stick or lately a Osage stick a selfbow Buddy made me, but a collapsible piece like that might be the ticket

[Phillip Fields]

I find the trekking poles work fine for me.

[Bowguy67]

For general walking, hiking, scouting I like a hockey stick shaft. Super strong, usually you can get them free. Great for parting blackberry bushes while you pick, moving a mushroom aside to check it, leaning on, etc.
Years back when I was recovering from being sick I went from a walker to a hiking pole. It had a ski pole type bottom and was stable. Super light and foldable. When I got to tree I'd tie it to climber base and it just hung there while I hunted.
Still 9/10 I'm still using a hockey stick shaft. Perfect height, super strong and light

[Bowguy67]

Ive been using hiking sticks for years, due to bad knees, I've tried trekking poles but find them to fragile for some of my use, so I usually use a beaver cut stick or lately a Osage stick a selfbow Buddy made me, but a collapsible piece like that might be the ticket

Dave try the hockey stick shaft if you need strength

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I have two trek poles with heavy loads I also use my spotting scope tripod to.

[Sam McMichael]

I don't use a walking stick of any kind when hunting, but I probably should. I have stumbled a few times in the dark and was forced to lean on my bow to regain my balance. Fortunately, it was not damaged. This thread is a pretty good reminder that I am older and don't get around as well as I used to do. I do have a walking staff, so perhaps it is time to start using it.

[tradslinger]

To use a walking stick, cane or whatever? unfortunately for some of us, it can become an instant regret because we didn't. Most of the time, anything at all can keep us from going down. My father (85), is finally having to accept the fact that even in the house he needs something. Me, the moment I get off the porch, I have something anymore.

[Tajue17]

I used to hunt a piece of woods that was a corner pocket they bedded in there and i used 2 walking sticks to simulate 4 legs walking in,,,, it works for urban deer!  I stopped spooking them out across the road and they just stayed bedded in the briars where they couldnt really see me anyway...  just don't try it during gun season and really only if you know there isn't anyone else there.

[WildmanSC]

I had knee replacement surgery on my right knee in May 2020.  I did well with it until late 2021.  Then took a long step down and my right knee has been bothering me ever since.  I'll have to use a long walking stick this hunting season.  I might even have to sneak my walker out of the closet and use it!   

[Tomas Stieber]

I cut a Popple stick last weekend for a 3D shoot at Menomonie Wi. It came in very handy.