Not me. I grasp the rifle fore-end and pistol grip firmly in both sitting and prone. This reduces the effect the wind can have on me, and it also lessens what recoil does to the position--as well as producing more consistent bolt operation. In other words, this tension keeps the rifle in place and also keeps the shooter in place. That last part often gets overlooked.

Sling tension should be at least high enough to require the shooter to push the rifle well forward (right hand on the buttplate) in order to position the plate into the shoulder pocket. If the buttplate can be brought straight up and onto the shoulder, the sling is way too loose. I use considerably more tension, but that yardstick is a minimum.

Of course, increasing sling tension influences other elements of a shooter's position, but experimentation will provide the combination necessary to make it work. That's what practice is for.

I hold the pistol grip and fore-end with firm pressure in prone and sitting. The pressure I use in standing is not nearly as high, but I do not just let the rifle rest suspended. I take hold of it.

Many shooters favor using virtually no gripping pressure against the rifle fore-end in offhand, preferring instead to allow the handstop to secure their hand on the fore-end. I don't. I have all fingers squeezing the fore-end because this has proven to work best for me.

Take a little firmer approach this season and see if you don't shoot better.