I will take a bipod and tripod (substitution for shooting stick) The bipod is the most stable and will use that first if able. If not, then the tripod. The tripod is also useful for steadying a rangefinder.
I find one or the other to be necessary in field shooting situations at distances greater than 200 yards, maybe less depending on conditions and circumstances. I can make a descent offhand or off knee shot to 300 or so at the rifle range, but after trekking around all day in the field, my offhand capability goes way down.
In some situations a fallen tree trunk, branch or rock makes a handy platform. Once I even laid down in a large sage brush and used my back pack on top of it. But natural platforms are not always available, and a steady hold is a must for LR shooting.