I find that a sling is real useful when you have your hands full when getting game out or when using it as a shooting aid, but other than when turkey hunting, my sling is in my pack until I need it.
99% of my big game hunting is done in areas where having a rifle slung over your shoulder means lost opportunities for bagging game animals. I never have a sling on a rifle when I'm hunting, it adds weight to the rifle, gets hung up in brush and in general is not helpful.
If I need it for a long shot and there's no natural support around, it doesn't take long to take it out and snap it on with QD swivels.
I use The Claw on my 835 for turkey hunting and remove it when I set up if I have time. I've been carrying a simple nylon sling for many years of deer and elk hunting, but recently bought an Unlce Mike's Mountain Sling, it has a non slip surface on the shoulder area, is quick adjustable for a shooting aid and only weighs 3½oz.
As always, this is just my opinion, but has worked well for me and those I hunt with for about 3 generations or so.... :wink:
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