To tar a walking stick, rub or brush a small amount of pine tar onto the exterior wood, keep the hand grip controlled, and let the finish settle fully before the stick is used.
A walking stick can take a tar finish if the aim is a rustic weather-resistant look. The wood should be dry, shaped, sanded or scraped to the desired texture, and free from dust. Tar will darken the stick strongly, especially around knots, bark remnants, carved lines, and end grain.
Use a light coat. A cloth or small brush is usually enough. Work the tar along the length of the stick and avoid leaving thick material on the grip, because fresh tar can mark the hand and become unpleasant in warm weather. The bottom end can take more treatment than the grip because it is exposed to wet ground.
A tarred walking stick should be left to air until the surface no longer feels wet or easily transfers colour. If a cleaner hand feel is needed, the grip can be finished differently from the lower shaft. That gives the stick weather protection where it is most useful without making it messy to hold.