Are sticks or automatics better for off-roading?  

I like automatics beacuse I dont have a third leg but I heard the new 6 speed alison tranny has a gear selector that gives you control to when to shift so thats pretty cool.  

depends what you prefer, they got the c4 and c6 now which is basically a clutchless manual. and regular manuals are the original. I like the c4 / C6's but as far as being able to launch your car from starting lines a manual is the only way to go.  

I guess I'm asking more in terms of controllability off-road. Some people say you can be smoother in an automatic, but that you have more control over your crawl ratio and starting in gear with a manual. Thoughts? Experiences?  

stick...
ok where do i begin...
i like the fact that you control the shift points exactly..or choose not to shift at all.

there are many reasons that i can't think of right now but.. just stick with the stick..  

In general I prefer a manual.  I don't mind shifting my own gears on a mountain bike or a dirt bike, so shifting my own gears in a truck is a natural progression.

On the other hand, at speed in rough terrain, not having to deal with a clutch means quicker shifting--this is especially true if you're using a manual valvebody fitted to an automatic.

At the end of the day manual vs. automatic doesn't matter as long as it gets you out in the dirt!  

Having driven both types for vehicles in the dirt and in races, i prefer automatic so you can pay full attention to the course, terrain, and other racers.  

It depends on what I'm doin in the mud I prefer manual because or the shift control. But on rocks I like the free hand of an automatic for better control of the steering wheel.