I've made many walking/shooting mono-sticks out of birch. I look for a piece that is relatively straight with a fork in it, cut it to my height, peel it, pad the shooting fork, and have at it. Often I need to slender the lower end to wind up with a stick of relatively same diameter, top to bottom - usually 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. I don't make 'em pretty, just leave them rough carved- usually with a machete. I do use 60 grit sandpaper to smooth off rough or sharp edges. Cheap and quick! A good feature, as I have a bunch of them scattered around the country....
The same-body height allows it to be used well both up-hill and down, walking or shooting, as well as on the level.
I've also recently been using my BOG-POD tripod as a walking stick when needed. Again, double duty.
