I tell you what, set up a target at 600 yards, shoot a five-shot group any way you want to, then shoot a five-shot group prone. After that, I guarantee you will find a way to go prone when you try to take the shot of a lifetime. I went through this same thing with my Dad, Uncle, and brother several years ago. Now they come out, we shoot a couple of shots each out to 800 yards and they're ready to go. I use a bipod on the front and usually a bean bag on the back and a backpack if needed.
We are talking about long-range hunting? If it's less than 300 yards anything is better than freehand, but past 400 yards sh** gets real.