I say it depends more on your terrain. I use bipods all the time for pronghorn hunts in open desert, short sage, and alfalfa fields shooting from high points. For my elk hunts, I throw my bipod in an outer pocket and use it if I need it, but carry my rifle without it. I have used my current long range rig to take two elk, both with the bipod on. I also have QD side mounts on my stock that I carry my rifle with, so the bipod doesn't dig in even if it is installed. However, on a sheep hunt I would practice shooting off my pack and not take the bipod if weight was a big issue. If my pack was still pretty light, I would maybe take it and just carry it in my pack as I do elk hunting. I would throw in a small rear bag, I have found them as light as a few ounces, and can clip anywhere on a pack. You may want to consider putting some form of a small leveling device on your rifle if you plan on shooting over 500 yds. I would add a few ounces to ensure that my once in a lifetime shot hits it's mark, personally.