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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: adkmountainken on October 30, 2008, 09:42:00 PM

Title: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on October 30, 2008, 09:42:00 PM
i hunted on the ground for the first time and a long while tonight and had a small fawn walk right up to me twice! the little guy bleated with every other step, it was great to watch and gave me confidence on the ground
ok now questions. i was sitting on a small chair and was wondering for those of you that use chairs do you shoot while sitting or when you see deer to you kneel to shoot? there is NO WAY i could stay on my knees for 5 hours so what do you do if you do not use a seat? how do you pick your set up? i sat by 2 well used trails leading to apple trees and i sat tight to a big apple tree with brush shelding me on one side which gave me a close shot oportunity. do you hold your bow the whole time? any other info or tips would help me greatly. i am/was a die hard tree stand hunter but i have a few spots that require me to be on the ground as there are no good trees. with a night like i had tonight i feel very confident and would like to try ground hunting a little more.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Hook on October 30, 2008, 09:55:00 PM
I just shoot from the chair. I use a folding campstool that has a back on it. I practice shooting that way in the backyard. I always hold the bow on my lap the whole time I am hunting from the ground.I use a small pair of rachet pruners to cut myself a set back next to a tree. The cover behind you is much more important than the cover in front. Usually sit 10-15 yards off a trail or if I am lucky that day two intersecting trails. I am glad you have decided to give the ground a try. Just wait till you kill your first deer from the ground. It is like no other style of hunting. If you get the chance read G Fred Asbell's book "Stalking and still hunting the ground hunters Bible' an excellent read. good luck keep us posted on how it's going.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on October 30, 2008, 09:56:00 PM
Shot from your chair. Less movement that way. You can also make a tree seat (plywood 12X12 and 5/8" rope) dead falls, stumps & rocks all make nice seats, too.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on October 30, 2008, 09:59:00 PM
i admit it was a ruch. it was only a fawn but when it turned at 5 yards i drew, anchored and in my mind sent an arrow through a monster 10 point!
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: vermonster13 on October 30, 2008, 10:00:00 PM
I practice from the chair. I have a backed three legged chair that works well. I keep the bow in my lap most of the time. I try to have thick back cover, overhanging cover and some mid height cover to shoot over in front of me. If I get a chance I'll take some pics of some of my blinds for you Ken.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on October 30, 2008, 10:04:00 PM
would love to see pic's, thanks VM.
now a question on chairs. i was using a 3 legged, small camping chair. the ground was pretty wet and the legs sunk in a lot, i had to adjust it a few times and i did not like making all hat movement. is there a cahir built with better bottoms on the legs to stand up to soft ground?
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: vermonster13 on October 30, 2008, 10:07:00 PM
Take a couple of pieces of wood, slate, marble, whatever and throw them in your pack to put under the chair legs. Instant solid ground. I had similar problem and took some old slate shingles and put pieces in my blind for under the legs.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: JAG on October 30, 2008, 10:21:00 PM
I use a ground blind, with a backed camp stool.  Keep bow in lap. (must have practiced the movement needed to shoot)  Last weekend just sat on a coleman type folding chair, arms and all.  Set up was thick brush behind, and saplings on either side, facing a food plot.  Had a doe come into shooting range, and then turn around and leave.  It may have been that we walked across the plot when my brother-in-law was showing me the area.  1/2 hr later had another come in behind, just too thick to take a shot. (wasn't planning on one from that direction)
Anyhow work on it, its FUN!  Like VM said, tote some small pieces to set on.  I had to use a folding chair off the poorch, 'cause I went un prepared!  Thought I would be hunting out of a stand.  Be able to adapt!
Johnny/JAG
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: bowmac on October 30, 2008, 10:26:00 PM
I use the Nifty seat it comes in two height choices yet its small enough to strap on my belt. The taller one is the easiest setting but I prefer the shorter one. I shoot sitting or most often it allows me to go down on one knee for the shot. In wet ground I use a plastic lid off of a 5 gallon bucket with a hole in the middle for the leg. It holds my weight just fine. Didn't think I would like them at first but am quite attached to it now.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: TradPaul on October 30, 2008, 10:32:00 PM
I dont use a chair anymore. Just because i find that i move with the wind which in my area changes direction too often. So i will stand or sit at the base of a tree or in a blowdown. This offers me the ability to either shoot standing or sitting...as the deer find me. Either way though, i set up each spot before i start my hunt, so that i can switch at will and be comfortable right when i get to it. Happy hunting.


P.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Shawn Leonard on October 30, 2008, 10:36:00 PM
I use my climber seat if at all possible, last night I set up where there was only a few real small trees and some sumac, I ended up putting the seat around a little cluster of sumac(3-4 trees) it worked perfect. depending on the shot angle, anything to my left of 11 o'clock I would shoot sitting, if it was straight out front or anything past one o'clock I would of kneeled. I have never been one to hunt from the ground, but due to a little medical problem I am ground hunting a lot more and liking it! Shawn
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: ArrowAtomik on October 30, 2008, 10:48:00 PM
With a longbow I think practicing seated with alot of cant may be best for the ground.

I played with a fawn a few years back while walking down a path with my compound.  I bleated to it and it bleated back and came to me like a dog.  If I made eye contact it would freeze, but if I looked away it would continue towards me.  Like a robot, I could make her stop or go just by shifting my eyes.  After awhile I had her in petting distance before she finally huffed, circled me, and watched from further off.

I like eating fawns, but not the playful friendly ones so much    ;)
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: TNstickn on October 30, 2008, 10:50:00 PM
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj302/savannah1221/seat.jpg)
Got this one from BP. Works pretty good, cost 15.00, came with a shoulder strap. Been thinkin about the one with adjustable legs for uneven terrain. It has no back,but does have a swivel round seat. It does cost 60.00 though... not so sure I need it all that bad  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adeeden on October 30, 2008, 11:04:00 PM
I hunt from the ground occasionaly, the seat Dean Torges came up with works very well and is very comfortable if you add a layer of carpet to the top for padding. Here is a link to it.  http://www.bowyersedge.com/treeseat.html

I also carry a set of small hand prunners with me (all the time when hunting) you can set this seat pretty much anywhere and with a couple snips make a very quick little brush blind. I like to snip small branches with the leaves on them and stick them in the ground in front of my set up. I can set the seat and make a quick blind in under 5 minutes and not make a sound doing it.

I prefer to hold my bow whether on the ground or in a stand!
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: woodchucker on October 30, 2008, 11:04:00 PM
I use a 5 gallon bucket,and shoot sitting down Brother.....   :thumbsup:

(kinda like sitting on a "portable" stump)

Get yourself a few buckets,rough them up with some 100 grit sand paper,and hit them with some camo paint. Let them air out for a few days and your in business.I have a bunch of them out all year round up to my Dad's.....I have to anchor them to a tree with a 10 foot piece of rope or chain though(loosely)the wind up there gets up around 50mph sometimes over the winter.It helps to keep them around for next year!!!!!
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Brian Krebs on October 30, 2008, 11:24:00 PM
Woodchucker- man I hope people put the open side down ... I spent an afternoon looked like a turtle before the firemen could pull it off me.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Friends call me Pac on October 31, 2008, 12:26:00 AM
I kneel on 1 knee until I have to stand up but I think a stool of some kind would be way better.  Just haven't gotten one yet.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Jerry Jeffer on October 31, 2008, 08:11:00 AM
Some times I shoot sitting, some times kneeling. I use the Torges seat and sit very low. This way, if I have to get on my knees from the seat, it is a very slight move forward. I usually sit so deer will have to pass me . This way I get a 1/4 or broadside shot and since they have passed me, less likely for them to bust me when I draw. Here is how I sit.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f196/jjeffer/Dadsolspot.jpg)
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on October 31, 2008, 02:02:00 PM
the pictures help me a lot, thank you very much. just spent a couple hours shooting from a sitting position and i feel very confident out to 15 yards. i'm setting up for a 5 - 7 yard shot where 2 trais connet. going to sit on the ground again tonight. thanks for all the advice!
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Herdbull on October 31, 2008, 02:04:00 PM
It does take some getting used, especially the loss in visibility compared to a tree stand. I like to film while I hunt, and the loss in preparation time is a tough sacrifice in thick cover. But like you stated, the reward is great when you are on their level. I use the folding three-legged stool made by double-bull. Mike
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: GingivitisKahn on October 31, 2008, 03:14:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Brian Krebs:
Woodchucker- man I hope people put the open side down ... I spent an afternoon looked like a turtle before the firemen could pull it off me.
Lol!  Pictures, man.  We need pictures.

  :biglaugh:
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Bowman0202 on October 31, 2008, 06:01:00 PM
I sit on a three legged collapsable stool which I can hook onto my belt.  I practice shooting up to 30 yds while sitting  Seems I'm more stable sitting than standing.  Sometimes have to kneel to move into a shooting lane while sitting under the large mesquite bushes/trees we have down here in Texas. I wear Sticks and Limbs camo and have had deer walk to within 5 yds of me with no brush separating us.

Key - DON'T MOVE !!!  They won't hear your pounding heart when this happens:)
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: mcgroundstalker on October 31, 2008, 06:15:00 PM
Tree stands are cool and give you alot of time to get ready for a shot. But hunting from the ground is just COOL! Gotta Be Ready Always! Slow, Slow, Slow does it. Eye Level Is A Rush! Head to head on a deer trail will get your heart pumpin'.

Just don't expect to kill every deer you see. You are gonna get busted alot. But what a rush! Look at the bow you like to use buddy. It's made for "Indian Distance" like five yards. Bet you knew that already.

Go Get Em' Ken!

... mike ...
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Bjorn on October 31, 2008, 06:34:00 PM
We were spot and stalk hunting hogs, my son had a doe come up on him that would not leave. He was 12 at the time and the doe seemed pretty young too............of course it was not deer season. This critter hung out about 3 feet away, and followed him around for what must have seemed like forever....I watched the whole escapade with binocs-what the, dude what gives? It was pretty funny.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: WidowEater on October 31, 2008, 08:11:00 PM
i use a lightweight stool with a swivelling seat, this makes getting an angle on the deer much easier.  I always try to maintain 360 degree shot opportunities.  I can typically get within a few yards of deer as I basically hunt right on top of their paths.  I stay still and let the diesel exhaust of the semis on the highway I hunt next to mask my scent.

Yesterday I had two bucks within 6 yds of me at the same time but I usually dont take them that small until gun season.  I can see them from far off usually and can get ready however i need to as they move in.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: maxwell on October 31, 2008, 08:57:00 PM
I use a seat with a pocket in it to place stuff I might need- has a carrying strap I sling over my shoulder and go where I please.  If possible I always get behind a tree and watch from the seat if I see a deer coming I stand and move as the deer moves it goes left I go right and the tree 6-8" seems to block them from seeing me , and I hate to say it but I am large I have been doing this for awhile and it works very well this way.  Remember to turn sideways with the tree to reduce your profile.

good luck,   Bill
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on October 31, 2008, 09:01:00 PM
due to coyotes rasing hell i didn't see a deer tonight but i felt very comfortable with my back to a big apple tree watching 2 trails in front of me. had a grouse walk right to me, was a treat to watch it so close. i'm definitly liking this ground stuff. i will be picking the brain of Adirondackman as he is an accomplished ground hunter and has shown me a few tricks allready.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: SuperK on October 31, 2008, 09:16:00 PM
I have been using the Apachie Pyramid Blind.  Light, easy to carry and sets up in seconds.  Find you a tree to put your Torges tree seat on (this helps break up your outline, very important!), set up your blind and good-to-go!  I really have been surprised at the shots I have had.  I must warn ya' though...you can get away with more movement in a treestand.  Oh yeah, don't rush your shots!  I have mmmmmissed some EASY shots by getting in a rush and shooting too fast!  When ya' with'em down on the ground eyeball to eyeball, it's gonna get your heart pumping!
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Keefer on November 01, 2008, 03:05:00 PM
Ken,  I practice from a 3 legged stool called the Buck something or other I got from Cabela's that turns 360 and the legs are adjustable for different terrain etc...This past Wed. afternoon at 1:15 I just got set up in a blown down big oak that was 6 yards on a well used trail...At 1:20 I had a doe with a stinky wide rack spike walk broadside at six yards from me and I passed up a good shot and could of kicked myself ....At 1:23 another buck came directly in on the same trail and stopped at six yards also and as he turned his head I drew, anchored and sent one through both lungs...He was a six point and what a great feeling when being that close on the ground and I stayed seated with my leggs together shooting to my left with the bow slightly canted...God Bless, Keefers <")))><
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on November 01, 2008, 03:39:00 PM
Keefer,
     way to go man that really fires me up!!! got any pictures?
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on November 01, 2008, 06:38:00 PM
HOLY COW had a nice doe at 3 yards!!! only problem was i saw her coming and she was running flat out, never stopped flew right bow me, should have tripped her with my bow! WHAT A RUSH!! i thought she might have been pushed by a buck but i'm not sure. i had a perfect set up by a blow down and coverd to my right side by a dead tree and limbs. the trail came right around the dead tree and there i sat, awesome, awesome hunt tonight!!
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: vermonster13 on November 01, 2008, 06:59:00 PM
Fun isn't it?
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: ghost rob on November 01, 2008, 07:30:00 PM
Ken, I sit on a milk crate that I put a thick cushion on. It's kinda a pain to carry but it doesn't sink in and I push over 250#. I use a piece of camo netting when I set up in front of me and some good back cover. I just put the netting in the crate with the cushion pushed into the crate and I have an instantly portable unit. I use clothes pins to attach the netting to brush or limbs. I've taken a few deer with this set-up, the last two at seven yards. Working on a ghillie suit to make it even better.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Brian Krebs on November 01, 2008, 07:37:00 PM
Ken the 3 legged chair with a shoulder strap also has a strap that binds the legs together-for when your walking to a spot or out; and also for stalking around and come across a good stand spot.

I have taken a lot of deer when in chairs; had them sink in the mud; which can happen so slow- that you go to draw and realize your almost on the ground and can't.

But you can sit still; and motion is the biggest tip off to deer- worse than scent in some cases.

I have a ameristep blind set up right now on a deer trail that I can see from my cabin; and my three legged chair is in it waiting until I see them walking by it slowly.

Ground hunting is great fun; the secret for me is the right chair- not one with arms - like some camping chairs; and three legged ones help us trad shooters be able to move when we need to - too shoot.

Its neat when all you can see is ears moving through the brush; and antlers in the brush moving towards you. I like hunting from that persepective.

I plan on taking one deer from the ground blind; and one while spot and stalk hunting in December. Never gets unfun !
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: rg176bnc on November 01, 2008, 08:20:00 PM
I rediscovered hunting from the ground this year myself.  Lots of fun ,but I hate how many deer I spook. You lose aleast a good 30yds of warning before there right on top of ya.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on November 01, 2008, 09:43:00 PM
i'm getting very comfortable on the ground but your right i love the vantage point of the stand. i will be hunting on the ground more and more when i feel the situation calls for it like the case of hunting by my house. not many good trees for a stand and some well used trails through the brsuh calls for being on the ground. if that doe had stopped or even slowed to a trot she would have been mine!
I am using an old folding seat that i have had for yers, works pretty good but as Brian said ya don't realize your sinking untill you draw! i will remedy that by bringing something solid to put undet the feet. also have the small 3 leg stool but being 200 pounds it is not all that comfy. i will be in a stand in the morning at 1 spot and then on the ground by my house.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Keefer on November 03, 2008, 05:57:00 AM
Ken,  I got some pics a friend took but I am Computer illirterated and caint spell to good either...That's one reason my Avater ain't got no pic...If, and when my wife feels in a good mood and all good inside she might try and help me....I know you will find lots of excitement in a ground blind and it is a totally different feeling being at eye level with the game you are hunting....God Bless, Keefers <")))><
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: GingivitisKahn on November 03, 2008, 08:17:00 AM
Those three-legged stools are fine for smaller guys who never have to sit on muddy ground but apparently I'm not in that universe...

(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff187/GingivitisKahn/dead_stool.jpg)

You can't call me a quitter though because I tried again with a different model the next year...

(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff187/GingivitisKahn/another_dead_stool_20080203_small.jpg)

I suppose everyone needs a quest though.  Maybe mine could be to crush every model three-legged stool in existence.

I believe it can be done.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on November 03, 2008, 08:24:00 AM
i hear ya, i hace a red three leg stool and it sinks alot, i switched to a folding seat and it works well.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: vermonster13 on November 03, 2008, 08:50:00 AM
I have a Gander Mountain three legged chair with no arms. I weigh 300# and it holds me fine. On wet ground I do put something under the legs to prevent sinking and it does have a larger round disk on the feet to help prevent that also.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: adkmountainken on November 03, 2008, 09:06:00 AM
i'm giving it another shot on the ground tonight, so far i'm 2 for 2 as far as seeing deer and having them close. got a good idea of where a buck is tonight!
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Bryant Hollinger on November 03, 2008, 09:29:00 AM
I think Im gonna start to do more ground hunting, there just is not enough good trees to hang stands in on my hunting place. I have alot of small planted pines. Mostly hunting on food plots and sometime the wind is wrong for all my treestands. want to get a double bull but for now I just make blinds with camo netting strung between two small trees with bailing twine then add a few limbs and your ready to go.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: katie on November 03, 2008, 10:25:00 AM
I use different set-ups in different spots.  Some blinds I have camo buckets already set in.  Some I carry a 3 legged seat with me.  I don't like having a back on my seat.  It interfears with leaning into the tree.  I also have a few spots that I have simply laid a thick branch over the tree's roots to sit on.  I have many different brush blinds built around my place.  I like to change up with wind changes.  I hold my bow on my lap the entire time.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: katie on November 03, 2008, 10:29:00 AM
I have a few spots that I have put my kids old camp fold up chairs in.  When I leave the blind I lay the chairs facing down in the dirt.  It is there when I return and is always dry since it was facing down.  I don't like to carry a lot with me.  You can get 3 leg chairs for $5.  I don't mind leaving some out in good spots.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: allanburden on November 03, 2008, 10:31:00 AM
Go get him Ken.  Gonna give ground hunting a try myself tommorrow morning.
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: JEFF B on November 03, 2008, 01:24:00 PM
ground hunting only way to go bro ya see more. any way i like my feet on the ground trees are for the birds.any way its not to far to fall  :biglaugh:
Title: Re: questions for you ground hunters? HOLY COW WAS I CLOSE TONIGHT, UPDATE!!
Post by: Keefer on November 04, 2008, 11:23:00 AM
Has anyone tried the new stool advertised in a few issues back of the TBM ?