I've used a bicycle in the past for hunting and they work great. It gets you where you want to go quickly and quietly. My back carry rig solves the problem of toting the bow and arrows. This is my latest bike, made by Giant, they call this model the "Suede". It has a nice big comfortable seat and high handle bars. The pedals set a little more forward than normal and the 7 speed is plenty for town or back trails. I got the large frame model which fits me better than the standard size.
Any other biking bowhunters?
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Biking_Bowman.JPG)
how do you get a deer back if you shoot one?
Yea Ron , my father and I use bikes when we hunt on game land that doesn't allow 4 wheelers . I have also used bikes for stump shooting when I lived near a long dirt road a few years back . That was alot of fun and good exersize but if I went now I would have to go alone . Just dont have any hunting buddys that like to do things like that any more .
Mike
Ian ,
My Dad made a little buggie and hook up system that we use on ours to pull deer out with .
Mike
Quotehow do you get a deer back if you shoot one?
Like this.. :goldtooth:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Deer-bike.jpg)
MY GOD.....BLUE CROKS (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/magnifyingglass.gif)
Yep Ron Bicycling Gangster here Too. Especially at the price of Diesel :scared:
The State says I gettin to old to Drive, so I reminded them that you were here before dirt and still drivin.....They relented for this year anyway..........Yer lookin GOOD there Hoss.
Yep. I use my mountain bike to get me in close to my stand sites. We have a lot of logging roads and public land areas that do not allow vehichle access and the old bike sure beats walking. My bike is also a Giant but the model is Rainer.
I enjoy riding mountain bikes and have been lucky as one of my jobs is that I've been paid to ride mountain bikes professionally since '94. It gives me access to some great equipment and other than one bad racing accident with major injury, it has kept me physically fit and far younger than my actual years.
Problem I have is most of the areas I hunt are mountainous where I'd spend more time carrying the bike over obstacles than riding. Flip side, my family has a farmhouse and farm outside of St. Charles where we have hunted for decades. That area is fairly flat making the mountain bike a great tool. My wife is at the farm now with our children and she told me on the phone last night that she's averaged over 10miles each day.
If you think the bike in good terrain will limit your ability to haul a deer, look back at the VC/NVA during 'Nam and note the hundreds of pounds of stuff they hauled on each clunker bike through the jungle trails.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/32/Vcporters.jpg
later,
Daddy Bear
I use one to hunt gamelands as well.I have saddle bags on the back like Ron.In NC we have call in check-in and can buther where it lands.A de-boned NC size deer is no problem bringing out in a pack or the bags.I just used a cheap Walmart special but am more of the normal sized guy. ;)
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
QuoteMY GOD.....BLUE CROKS
So ya don't like my rubber moccasins? :saywhat: ......
They may not be traditional but...dang!...they sho feels good on ma ole dogs. :biglaugh:
A few of us south Ga.guys use`m a lot.One place we hunt is four miles in on a no vehicle acces road. you can get there fast and like James said we carry packs and bone our critters out. Myself and Jeff holchin were riding back to camp one morning.We were the only two on 18,000 acres and I ran in to him on the bike and we crashed.no injury but a lot of jokes after.RC
Been doing it senses I had hair,
except I sit on top of them and peddle out.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/3x3onbike.jpg)
That is the ocean reflecting the sun in the back ground (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/hunting9-22-0510-16-05089-1.jpg)
I've used them a few years for hunting elk in ID behind gated FS roads. They really get you there in a hurry. However, I've had so much trouble finding a safe/secure method of carrying a recurve w/riser-mounted quiver...I've about given up on the bike. I've used the gun/bow holders on the handlebars and the bow constantly vibrates itself out of position or the holders knock an arrow loose from the quiver. Also, not crazy about falling forward into the bow/quiver when taking a spill at night.
Has anyone come up with a bowsling that will keep your bow/quiver positioned on your back so it doesn't slide around to the front while leaning forward to peddle?
Joe
I usually hunt around home but plan on using my Gary Fisher a bunch this year thanks to the price of diesel. Been riding at least half of my commute to work 3-4 x a week this summer.
QuoteOriginally posted by Iron Bull:
MY GOD.....BLUE CROKS (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/magnifyingglass.gif)
Yep Ron Bicycling Gangster here Too. Especially at the price of Diesel :scared:
The State says I gettin to old to Drive, so I reminded them that you were here before dirt and still drivin.....They relented for this year anyway..........Yer lookin GOOD there Hoss.
:biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Anyone ever read "My First Deer-And Welcome to It" by Patrick F. McManus?
Just traded my road bike for a trail/tour bike with bigger tires. I just need to figure out how to haul my bow and I'll be ready. I'm with ya on the Crocs, Ron...don't knock 'em 'til ya' try 'em!!
David
Just wondering how you fellas carry your bows. I worry about snagging my bow coming out in the dark or catching a limb tip in the spokes. My hard case is a little akward.
Ryan,
If you look close at the first pic, you can see Ron's T/D Super Shrew in it's holder on his backquiver.
I have had good luck by towing a stroller behind my bike. I break down my recurve and it fits nicely in the stroller. I have gone up and down hills in WV and never had an issue.
QuoteOriginally posted by njstykbow:
Has anyone come up with a bowsling that will keep your bow/quiver positioned on your back so it doesn't slide around to the front while leaning forward to peddle?
Joe
Joe we tie them onto our hunting backs and ride away.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/DSCN2849-1.jpg)
You can go sideways or vertical.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/DSCN2854-1.jpg)
This was my first "surbuban hunter" or the peewee Herman bike as my daughter called it. :bigsmyl: Camo did not go over good slipping around the subdivision I was hunting but most did not know what the little 56" bow I was carring was. :D
My camo model I use now is just used on a woodsroad that is wide enough across the handle bars works fine and stealth is not needed as much. ;)
(http://funhunts.homestead.com/bike1.jpg)
James,
Is that a special case, or just a guncase cut down?
Steve it is a case for a ruger 10-22 I picked up at a yard sale I tweaked a bit.
Ron, nice setup, I do a lot of scouting on my mountain bike especially when mast crop is scarce, it lets me cover more ground in less time looking for food sources.
Here is what Bernie calls my "trusty stead" today. :)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/Hick012.jpg)
I started biking in because I don't have a 4x4 anymore. It gets me further in much faster than walking. I've found that the bike noise doesn't spook game like walking does. (Wet, dewy, grassy country.) Last season, I went around corners and ran into (within 30 feet) skunks, raccoons, deer, and several hawks. Really surprised me. Evidently the constant sound of a wheel on the ground doesn't alert the game where I hunt like footsteps do.
I've got a little trailer that I use in the event of hauling out any massive game. Of course, I have yet to use it...
I use a sort of a fanny pack that has two quick-release straps that fit my bow perfectly, but that's to carry the bow horizontal and on my back. I also bought a backpack this spring that has lots of external lash points, and I have some homemade straps that hold my bow -- in this case, vertical. I've also installed some ATV gun holders on the bike handlebars now, and it works great... if the trail is wide enough to accomodate the bow horizontally.
(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc248/romangrayjr/IMG_0844.jpg)
Here's a better shot at the fanny pack. It's not really a fanny pack. It's a waist belt that holds two thigh packs -- like extra cargo pockets. The straps that hold the bow are actually for a roll-up seat pad for sitting on the ground. FYI -- the vest is a MEDIUM that fits tight over my LARGE jacket. The fleece stretches... and beautifully keeps my jacket out of the way of my bowstring.
(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc248/romangrayjr/IMG_0843.jpg)
never tried on deer, but do it often while turkey hunting. Mike
I'd like to suggest that y'all consider wearing protective headgear while ridding. A head injury is no joking matter. I almost bought the farm back in '94 on a downhill. I still have the short term memory of a man 30 years my elder and it will never come back.
If you need to justify it, use the helmet to mount a headlight but please wear those helmets.
TGBTG
A good idea. Here's my favorite helmet but I'm reluctant to wear it in the woods during hunting season. :rolleyes:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Nancy-%20Ron-%20Biking%20to%20a%20shoot.jpg)
Got rid of my wheelers and outboard about 5 years ago. I now either walk, paddle my pirouge or ride this bike. I quarter the deer where I find it, put the meat in my rucksack and ride it out. I use a t/d bow which I strap to my handlebars. My stand straps on to the rear rack. (I've raised the seat up since this picture.)
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/Trooper_026/MVC-001F-1.jpg)
Great topic and nice pics too.
Most of us (especially me) could use the exercise, so thanks for sparking the interest. :thumbsup:
"Honey, where's my bike?" :goldtooth:
You guys got me to thinking; I'm only a 10 minute drive from my main whitetail area, so that is about a 30 minute bike ride. With diesel prices, I think this is worth a try. Thanks for posting; why didn't I think of this before?? :clapper:
I have a bow-only area I hunt and the farmer wants me to park only in the driveway by the barn. This makes for some long walks in sometimes. I just got back from asking if I could bring a bike, stash it in the barn and ride it into or very near my stands. He said no problem and asked why I had not asked years ago(14 to be exact). My response, I am older and wiser and listen to guys like Ron LaClair now!! :biglaugh: Shawn
I have tried "traditional bike hunting" and like it for the same reasons already mentioned. I do have one problem on which I would like to get input - sweat. Riding any distance results in me generating a LOT of sweat. Given that you guys sweat after riding - do you carry extra clothes, do you hunt wet, etc?
I've ridden my bike for years hunting, especially small game before I could drive.
I've always rode my mountain bike while turkey hunting as I can get in and out of areas quietly!
Since i've been bowhunting alot of public lands I like to ride my bike as I can get to areas further in than the typical road/trail edge hunters.
I also like it ride while the corn is up or just coming off...I can access many of my stands faster than walking or driving.
I just rattle can painted my old mountain bike and I've watched people walk by it a few feet off the trail and never notice it.
One thing to note is on public land I make sure to let people know I'm coming behind them or toward them at night, I've freaked more than one bowhunter and people riding horses out!
As for sweat, I just dress light when it's a hot fall and take it easy....of course it's pretty flat around my area.
This is a cool thread. Anyone ever try the B.O.B. trailer. It has one wheel at the back so I don't know if it would get too heavy w/ meat in it or not. It's good for trails though because the one wheel just tracks the bike and it's pretty narrow.
Russ
I hunt some places here in TN that have bike or foot traffic only, so I bike in if the weather is dry. Paths are not safe enough when its wet. I have not fully went with the Trad bike look yet. Mine looks like a regular mountain bike. LOL. I think my Cammo Crocs will fit right in though!!! -Greg
I use a tricked out bike my self quite a bit. I'll post a photo later. Reminds me of my buddy who built a trailer for his. This thing was one of those huge lawn and garden jobs that he attached a home made trailer tounge. It was do-able empty, but became un-towable with the three hogs in it that I shot. We had to push the bike and trailer four miles out. Took us 2.5 hours! He told me never to shoot them three at the time ever again!
Working my way down a mountainside with my brother (on foot) one September day above Telluride, we heard heavy breathing noises coming from a little patch of black timber. We envisioned a rutting bull, all lathered up over a hot cow. We stalked our way down and thoroughly surprised a biker on the Forest Service trail who was just about done in by the 10,000 foot lack of oxygen. I don't know if he made it back to Telluride or not!
King, That pic is awesome. I use mine for turkey season, but I might have to take it out during deer season just to get a pic like that.
Nice work.
Nathan
Last time I road my son Kevin's bike I almost killed myself.....It was a Heck of a Wreck!!!!! :scared:
You guys kill me. :-D
This thread reminds me of an old Patrick MacManus story about deer hunting on a bike. He got his out by tying the deer's back legs to his own, and the deer's front legs around his neck (so it looked like the deer was sitting behind him on the bike).
All was well until his deer recovered its senses about halfway down the mountain. Heh.
I am interested to know what you guys do about sweat and so forth - that was a good question.
Good thread, Ron. I was expecting some photo of you shooting a bullseye while cruising by the target on your bike.
Wow, great photos Kingwouldbe, those are TBM cover quality!
I attached a photo of the incident that RC mentioned. Forgetting that RC is a big NASCAR and Dale Earnhart fan, I innocently tried passing him just after this photo...... I realized my error after ending up in the ditch! Guess RC likes to be in the lead....
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/SCJeff/GA/P1010562.jpg)
By the way, can you see the cloud of GA-sized skeeters following RC? They grow 'em big down there, and if you stop for more than a second or two, they will catch up and make you pay!
you guys are so lucky to have flat places to hunt to many bloody hills over here but would be good fun going down but i dont think you would like it going back up. LOL!!! (http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh305/jeffburg/Picturemix442.jpg) :biglaugh:
The August 2008 Georgia Sportsman has an article titled "Tricking Out Your Bike" that focuses on bike hunting. One point raised - if you ride on roads - spray your tires to kill the road smell before using your bike to hunt. The author also suggests that spraying estrous urine on one spot on a tire will result in a scent trail when you ride.
I used to use my mountain bike for hunting alot. A couple years ago the state shut down the gamelands/state park to mountain biking. I never really get a straight answer when I ask why this was done?...Mike
Just bringing this back up to see if anyone has any new ideas or pictures of how you carry your gear in on your bike...thinking of doing this since I hunt some public land that is walk in only but bikes are allowed...Thanks, BLM
What brand of bike do you guys use. I've thought about getting one at wally world,but don't know if they would stand up to the test..
QuoteBeen doing it senses I had hair,
except I sit on top of them and peddle out.
Erm, ok. That visual left me scrubbin my eyeballs...
The land I hunt does not allow any wheel off road. I do ride all over the place to stay in shape. I race some mountain bike and do several 100+ mile rides for fun.
Dave
Biker here. Have a cart also. Pack a lot of stuff a long way.
Lots of people here use them behind gated roads. Two welder friends in Missoula are working on a design for an elk cart; this came in response to some locals ruining their little clamp-on trailers for the toddlers with big loads of meat!
I ride but skinny tires and carbon frames don't work in the woods.
Gerry, I here ya on that one...
I have a cheapy mountain bike I picked up at the pawn shop and am fixing it up but I need pics of how you carry your stuff and your bow...
BB I would love to see how your bike is equipped...
Thanks in advance, BLM
I have a Trek 4500 carbon road bike with tires that are less than a half in. wide.
I dont think i will be putting it in the mud anytime soon.lol
I do this too. I have an old Diamondback Voyager.
As to carrying gear, I have those carrying forks on the handlebar, like in James Wrenn photo, They work for a bow, rifle or fishing pole. Also have a rack over the rear tire, which can hold a daypack and rain gear.
I plan to copy this idea next season:
I saw someone here with a 5 gallon bucket attached to each side of the rear rack on his bike as cheap panniers. When not in use, they nest together and you can put the day pack inside, and strap it to the top of the rack. When in use, they hang low and get the weight down near the road where it is easier to balance.
I think I could fit a boned out deer into game bags, and put them into the buckets. Anyway that is the plan....
PS Buckets come in blue to match shoes.
o often use my bike to get around properties [ most state land here is too rugged and mountainous for this skinny legged 20 a day smoker ] . but on the properties and farms i hunt it lets me get in quietly ... and if there is more than two guys hunting the property alleviates the need for one guy to drive round picking up and dropping off . plus ..whizzin round the dirt with a longbow strapped to my back is just cool !!!
And Ron ... don't take any flack for your Croc's ... aside from snow or really wey conditions they are pretty much my main hunting shoe !!!
BEN
I've been hunting with my mountain bike for several years and until this past season, never had a problem, except for maybe to much mud to pedal in. Well this past fall while pedaling out to the truck one evening with my brand new homemade longbow, made for me by my brother. I hit a rut in the dirt/gravel road and did a Superman number over the handle bars witch my beautiful new longbow was locked into with ATV style bow/gun holders. You can see where this is going. Anyway as I hit the gravel I could feel my bow grinding on the gravel under my legs as I rolled over my quiver full of cedars. After I collected myself up ,I was afraid to look at my bow under the light. As I slowly picked up the bike I hit the bow with my headlamp and almost threw up on the spot. The top limb had road rash but the riser got the worst of it, two deep gouges across the grain all the way out to the limb veneer about 1 1/8" long. The bow still shoots great and I didn't get hurt, so I'll be a lot more careful riding out for now on. Crashing on the bike never crossed my mind so be careful on those bikes!
This has always seemed to me to be a good idea:
Montana Scabbards (http://www.montanascabbards.com./)
Guy
Bike recomendations!!!! H
Wife and I are "bike poor" as we own 7 between the two of us. We ride a lot mostly self contained. We rode cross country back in 2000.
Now to answer your question on what bike. I would go with an entry level Trek mountain bike. Easy to find someone to work on them if they need work done. Price would be right around $300.00.
If you buy a Walmart one year throw away they have very cheap parts, hard to work on , they just don't last long and they do not have a re-sale value if you decide to up-grade.
JMHO.
Jon
I've been hunting with a mountain bike for a few years now. It's a fast quite way of getting into your hunting area that most hunters never consider.Also great for scouting.I have rode up on many deer and once a pack of coyotes on my bike, they just don't seem to be spooked by the profile of a man on a bike just sort of curious.
I can't see spending a lot of money on a hunting bike because they get banged up quite a bit, at least for me.I just use garage sale bikes,they will do fine.
I wear a back pack and carry my bow in my hands loose across the handle bars,I've had a few spills but never hurt my bow. I ride a bike year around,keeps me in shape.
I think some kind of rack that fits on the seat post would be great to pack out large loads of meat. You could pull off the seat, put on the rack and load it up. Then just push it out. It would be easier than carrying it. Gary
You all need to check out Xtracycle.com. I have one that I put on an old Giant Iguana. Got less than $500 invested. I have hauled all kinds of things on mine so far and anticipate using it for big game hunting in the future. It is stable and TOUGH. It eliminates the problem of how to carry your equipment and your game at the same time. 250 extra pounds is a good load capacity! I call it my "truck bike".
I have an electric Razor scooter The kind college kids use around campus,its fast quit and can go a long way on one battery.I may just have to rig it up and give it a try.I love when threads like this starts a smoldering fire in my mind.
I been using mine for deer scouting trips again this year and plan on hunting with it again this fall I love sneaking into my spots with out the deer knowing it.
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/mountainbike.jpg)
Plus I get some good exercise along the way.
:thumbsup:
Tracy
I had never even thought about hunting with a bike, what a GREAT idea! Here in AZ it would be perfect for the forest service roads that are closed to vehicular traffic.
I love this site. Not only are the bows traditional, but the hunting vehicles too!