'Yote Hunter - I'm with you on wanting to shoot from a rest if possible. But I gotta tell ya, several of my deer over the past ten years or so were taken when I was quietly walking in on 'em and got a shot opportunity. A couple from standing, and a couple when I had time to drop from standing to sitting or kneeling. Took my big elk from sitting a few years ago after stalking him while he was bugling. That was cool...
Seems to me I've shot several deer from standing - although I'd have rather shot 'em from a good solid rest. Ranges were pretty short on the standing shots, furthest was about 125 yards I believe. Hunting with a traditional muzzle loader got me into stalking game more - to close the range. And has apparently had a side affect of giving me more shots from standing.
But yes - like you I'd rather be steady as a rock, with my rifle rested over a nice cushy backpack or something and gently squeeze the trigger once the crosshairs settle solidly in place...
Regards, Guy
