I've used ski poles and they do work. The baskets get in the way, though, as they catch on brush & stuff. As Snubbie said, the adjustability of real poles is worth the money.

When I'm hunting I don't use the wrist strap. If I have a fast shot, I won't want to be messing with getting it off my wrist. I save the straps for when I'm hauling a load.

“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell

It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.