Been biking to my bowspots, this fall! I'm fortunate to have areas close to home to hunt.
Question 1. Who treks on a bike to the hunt?
Question 2. What kind of bike and accessories attached?
Question 3. Have you ever used the bike as a decoy or diversion?
Question 4. Any Pics?
In the early '90s i was using bike and then got lazy! Now I'm enjoying it again! Good shootin, Steve
I just got one this year cause I have to do SOMETHING to get some excersize! I bought a Trex and attached bow holder to the handlebars, that's it. I did change to a bigger more padded seat and it needs fenders BAD.
The tires look flat when I'm on it no matter how much air I put in? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?????
Ron Leclair will be posting on here soon.
I have been using my mountain bike for a place a few miles from my house.
There's a couple big bucks hanging out in this small patch of timber and it's next to a busy road with no real good place to park except next to the road.
The bike lets me sneak in and out and no one knows I have even been there. I plan on adding a rear rack during the hunting season next year and using it more.
Tracy
I use my kids mountain bike and ride down an old railroad grade to access some public land near my house. It gets me away from the average hunters in just a few minutes!
Oh Kiiiinnnnggg :wavey: !!!!!! (kingwouldbe)
I've been biking in elk hunting for the last few years. I have a good light and a rack on the back with panniers. I can carry extras in the panniers or keep some things that might be nice to have but not needed enought to pack around. Extra rope, spare knife, snacks, rain gear on a long day out.
I also packed out an elk with a quarter tied onto the rack and another on my back and walked the bike out. Two trips was all it took once I got the elk to the logging road.
(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd69/BigArcher/P1010033-1.jpg)
I'm using my bike this year after a year off. Little hole caught me off guard and went right over the bars last night! I've got a gun rack mounted on my bar extensions. Need to be careful I don't try to go between narrow trees, but it works pretty well. Trying to figure out how to attach treestand on rack as I don't like wearing it. Anyone use a trailer?
Here's a pic of my buddies Curtis "Littlefeather" Kellar and Robin "Roughcountry" Severe on an Oregon elk adventure a few years ago.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreckrobinbike.jpg)
Curtis
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreckbike.jpg)
I took a pretty nasty tumble on mine one evening at the end of a long day. You want to be careful on the steep downhill grades when tired.
:knothead:
Thanks for the replys, gentlemen! Nice pics and good looking rides!
I've been wondering about using my mountain bike, for a block or diversion on trails to push the deer down the trail or area I'm set-up at. Also a crazy idea, of using burlap,and cardboard or foam to make a decoy and place at the field edge. Any thougths? good shootin, Steve
Used a bike one year when I was Bear hunting ,sure worked out great.in and out with no truck noise
I used mine for several years. I shot a small buck one year. I was able to field dress him, and while still laying on the ground I put the seat into the chest cavity and tied the front legs to the head. Put the head over the handle bars. I was able to pick up the bike and deer and ride the whole thing out of the woods.
QuoteOriginally posted by capt eddie:
I used mine for several years. I shot a small buck one year. I was able to field dress him, and while still laying on the ground I put the seat into the chest cavity and tied the front legs to the head. Put the head over the handle bars. I was able to pick up the bike and deer and ride the whole thing out of the woods.
you might have invented a whole new kind of padded seat that could be in every bike store (season permitting)
The best thing about biking is the rubber tires do not leave a scent trail and during the rut if you ride at a quick pace they think you are a deer and they do not get spooked. I use one in southern new jersey all the time just paint the shinny parts olive drab and your good to go.
Have used them in road closure areas for many years. The little trailers for hauling kids have hauled out a lot of quartered up elk and deer.
do you know where to buy the gun racks for placing a bow up front?
First year using a bike, going to laguna atascosa national refugee in texas these year and no motorized vehicles go inside, so it will be exciting
I've been thinking about getting one my stand is about 1 mile as the crow flies but it's more than a mile and a half by logging road. It takes a while to stalk in. Balloon tire would be a plus. Found one at wally world for less than a $100.00. :coffee:
Gerardo, they sell them at Cabela's. I also use a mountain bike for traveling to and from my sites. Duplicolor makes drab temporary spray paint that you can use to go stealth mode, then at the end of the season, you can use a high pressure nozzle on your garden hose to remove it. My bike is neon yellow before the season, then flat black during it.
As far as a bike rack is concerned, my longbow fit perfectly on the back of my Badlands pack, but this year I'm going with the ATV rifle mounts as my feathers were getting sandblasted from the gravel muck, and my arrows were sliding out of my bowquiver without me realizing.
I cover many miles & use the heck out of mine. Would like to see a well designed bowrack for it. Thinking about an easy way to pull my deer cart with it also.
I thought about this alot, I have a nice moutain bike, but I live about 45 min from where I hunt. I wish I lived close to my hunting ground so I could give this a try!! sounds purdy cool!! Jason
My Lone Wolf climber fits nicely on the back strapped down to the rear baskets. I hunt with a Fred Bear t/d which I put in a canvas pouch strapped to the handlebars. I quarter the deer out where ever I find it and put the meat in a garbage bag in my backpack and hike back to the bike. I then put some of the meat in each rear basket, in garbage bags and keep some in my backpack for the ride to my jeep.
please post images no wider than 640 - it's easy to have photobucket do this for ya automatically - how to autosize photobucket images (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=129;t=000093) - thanx!
Blackhat, ask around , someone probably has one cheap you can buy. Kind of like Exercise equipment. My son and I, picked ours up at a house during spring clean-up for free. My son spray painted everything in flat black!
That was a cool hunt Charlie :bigsmyl:
Great picks guys :thumbsup: I finally had good winds again and used my bike to sneak into my spot were the big bucks are hanging out.
Worked like a champ again except the biguns were across the field while a pretty good buck with a doe came right by me. He saw the big guys and hauled but out of there :biglaugh:
The bike is working great but it's supposed to be 29 degres in the morning and it's going to be a cold ride. Keep the picks coming!
Tracy
I've used mine for turkey hunting in the national forest where the logging roads were closed to motorized vehicles. Put a rear rack on the back with some milk crates straped on as panniers. Haven't used it for deer hunting yet mainly because of the rains we've been getting. But scouted on it this summer without spooking game. Had deer coming closer to check me out. If I could just get them as curious about me in my stand would be great.
This will be my 2nd year hunting with a bike on a nat refuge. Like others, I use a gun rack made for atv's mounted to the front handlebars. I also have a mount for my handheld gps (I do a lot of mtn biking in the summer) This year I finally got my cart rigged up to bike (last weekend) I rode my wife(115lb) up and down our road, no probs, also my 210lb neighbor uphill-easy. The land I hunt is all flat. I hunted from the ground all last year and will use the trailer to get my stand into the woods when neccessary and to get a deer or hog out if I strike gold. My bike is a Specialized full suspension (easy on the cheeks) (http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/downsized_1003091523.jpg)
I do Steve.I like a 2 piece longbow.Especially when I go deeper on narly trails.Packs easy,takes up little space and assembles fast with no tools.
Gerardo- just about any hunting or sporting goods store will have the bow rack-actually gun racks for atv's, I got mine at basspro for 25-35 bucks I think.
used one one time....wrecked....absolutely destroyed an ma111 graybark.....huge scratchs and one big chunk outta the handle....those oregon coast logging roads are hell when you eat it doin 60 man :readit:
I use a 26" Barry Fisher. I have a bow/gun rack on the handlebars and black saddlebags. I painted the entire bike flat black. I usually put all my hunting clothes into the saddlebags and dress lightly for the ride out. I get to within 200 yds of my stand and dress in the woods. In fact I'm heading out this Monday. Opening day! I'll try to get some pictures.
Dang Trooper! No gears????
I have a ten speed....makes life easier uphill
:-)
Hey Biggie,
Not many hills here in South Louisiana. The bike does have gears though; you just can't see them because of my good camo paint job (LOL).
I've used my mtn bike a lot to get into areas behind locked gates on forest service road. Have also hauled out 2 elk (quartered). The bike is an excellent option to cover some ground quietly.
where can you find a rack to go on the back
Planning an elk hunt in Colorado next year. We used bike there years ago and it was a blast. No motor vehicle traffic to bother you. Haul our gear in a mile+ to our base camp then ride up early in the am.
Really need to get in shape before then. Hauled the bow on my pack but will be looking at other options for this trip.
John, I have seen the racks at Dick's Sporting goods store's around here.
Tracy
I've been thinking about getting one myself. I see that their is no fenders,what do you guys do when its muddy?
Sweeeeeet topic!
I deer hunt in and around some homes just outside the city limits. Usually, I walk in, but it would be nice to cover the first mile on a paved road in a matter of minutes. One of my fears is getting passed in the dark by someone going/coming to work. With me wearing camo and carrying a bow I fear I will get harassed.
For those of you who ride, do you ever get passed by commuter traffic? If so, what has the response, if any, been?
Thanks!
Mathew, maybe if you carry a flourecent vest for travel. Things came together for my hunt tonight. Rode the bike to my area, and ran into a button buck, and the story begins! Try to get it on here tommorrow! Keep biking and Good shootin, Steve
QuoteOriginally posted by Weekend Warrior:
I've been thinking about getting one myself. I see that their is no fenders,what do you guys do when its muddy?
Get a brown stripe up your back. :biglaugh:
QuoteOriginally posted by str8jct:
This year I finally got my cart rigged up to bike (last weekend) (http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/downsized_1003091523.jpg)
Great Job Dwight.
Just curious what you used or built to attach the cart to your bike. Any close-up photos? I have basically the same bike and same cart and thought there should be a good way to use them together.
Thanks, Ron
Oh yeah I've been using my Trek mountain bike for years to Spring Bear and Fall Elk.
-Rear rack acts as a fender. I dont have a front fender but should.
-If you attach a game cart I would go to the rear axle vs. the seat post. Much more stable.
-Attaching a bow...I use the handlebar extensions that attach to the ends of your handlebars and stick out about 6 inches forward. You can install them angled up (room for your hands to reach under the bow to grasp the handles)and wrap the metal with pipe insulation and tape. Then I use two thin/small bungees to secure the bow to each side. This works really well and doesnt add much weight.
Try to keep weight to a minimum if you have hills. We have a few out here!!
-watch out for rutts that grab your front tire and dump you out!!
-watch out for Moose in the road when you are coming out in the dark at 20 mph!!
LOL.
I had a few requests for details on my setup so I'll do the best I can. Disclaimer: This is maybe not the best way but a way that worked for me. If you will be on a lot of hills I'd try a different connection.
The 1st thing I did was legnthen the handle by bolting on square tubing and adding side rails to keep my load from hitting the wheels and causing a crash. The longer handles allowed better use as a hand cart and be pushed or pulled wheel barrow style, much easier. I used hitch pins to connect a crossbar at the end of the handles and drilled a hole in the center for connection. This is my pivot point for turning.
More to come.
(http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/100_0053.jpg) (http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/100_0052.jpg)
The next step was to connect to the bike. I think an axle connection is better but was not practical because of the type of cart I was using. I also wasn't thrilled about drilling into my seatpost. I got a thin lightweight piece of metal from Lowes for about $4. I cut it twice the length I needed and bent it around the seatpost and used a bolt and nylon nut to snug it down. The connection wasn't tight enough to keep high off the tire so I used two hose clamps to keep and the optimum height. Then, I used another piece of square tubing and bolted it between the tag ends of the bent piece. I used two bolts to keep it from having up and down action. I drilled a hole at the end and used a 1/4 in hitch pin to connect it to the cart. This worked good until I was pulling my brother around and the pin bent and dumped him out backwards. I'll get another pin and use a spring key to prevent that in the future.
(http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/100_0054.jpg) (http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/100_0055.jpg)
(http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/100_0056.jpg)
The way it is setup with two side to side pivots allows for easy turning. I have a steep place in my backyard that caused the cart to try to pass me and it got out of kilter a little bit. Screwing the bar to the seatpost would most likely fix that. Also I'm not sure how well this setup would be on bike without rear suspension. If anybody has any more questions or larger pics, feel free to ask.
Also the trails I ride are actually two track roads so my "longhorn steer" handle bars don't snag on any limbs or trees.
(http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/100_0058.jpg) (http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/100_0059.jpg)
Frank, sorry for jackin your thread. (http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m430/str8jct/100_0060.jpg)
Thanks for posting Str8jct. Looks like you have a great set-up there. Ron
Dwight, that's a sweet ride! Glad to see all these set-ups. Where you at in Alabama? My brother live in Hartselle. Anyway, now we needs some pic of animals on those rides, good shootin, Steve
Man I have had trouble with people messin with my truck in areas I hunt. I think I see my Trek in camo soon! Great thread and pics!
I use mine on some trails to hunt mule deer and elk.Alot of biking trails the animals get quit use to the travel of bikes and human scent.I like big archers idea of walking bike with two quarters.
Sorry Frank.....hadda pick myself up offa the floor when I read your post.
Not from your question.....it just made me remember a story by Patrick F. McManus-My first deer and welcome to it.
Straps a deer in a sitting position behind him, ties it's front feet to the handlebars, starts pedaling home. Halfway down the hill.....the deer wakes up.
Fell out of my chair laughing about it. Hilarious story. :biglaugh:
But, don't see anything crazy or wrong about it. Whatever ya wanna do if you enjoy it.
Googled it and found the whole story:
http://books.google.com/books?id=rQLXHA2FhWsC&pg=PA54&lpg=PA54&dq=my+first+deer+and+welcome+to+it&source=bl&ots=_vj7YhxcAV&sig=e-mTASiXkUwIGZnzdmHfx-hTkLs&hl=en&ei=gwzUSuaMJJPT8Qbn jKD3DA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBEQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=my%20first%20deer%20and%20welcome%20to%20it&f=false (http://books.google.com/books?id=rQLXHA2FhWsC&pg=PA54&lpg=PA54&dq=my+first+deer+and+welcome+to+it&source=bl&ots=_vj7YhxcAV&sig=e-mTASiXkUwIGZnzdmHfx-hTkLs&hl=en&ei=gwzUSuaMJJPT8QbnjKD3DA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBEQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=my%20first%20deer%20and%20welcome%20to%20it&f=false)
Only 4 - 5 pages long.
I have every book Mcmanus has ever written....great stories.
I used to use mine quite a bit, but my current properties don't lend themselves as well to bike travel.
A couple observations I had. Just like someone on the first page here mentioned, if you ride at a certain speed, it really does sound like deer going through the leaves. A couple times I literally rode right into bowrange on deer that would've long scattered first had I been on foot. The cadence through the leaves sounded very much like deer trotting/running through. I also think it'd leave no scent for those times when your only access point necessitates walking/riding over trails upon which deer may have to use to get to your stand.
Secondly, back in the days before the strap-on headlights we often use now, I would sometimes carry a Mini-Mag in my hand, or even in my mouth as I negotiated a farmer's lane in the dark. Well one morning it was pretty moonlit so I was tooling down the lane w/o a light and all of sudden the trail "moved" and I literally had driven into/onto/amongst a family of coons. Just glad it wasn't skunks. :)
The McManus story was the first thing that came to mind when I saw this topic. I have them all. If, incidently, you haven't checked lately, he is writting mysteries now. Just came out with his third one. All classic McManus humor, but pretty good "who-dun-its" too! Check them out!
This is a great thread. I didn't realize so many folks used their bikes to hunt. Why not? Just be sure you have those broadheads covered up well. Be bad to take a spill and land on about 6 of them.
Yes Mcmanus is funny, and Maggie McGee,loved their stories also!
Bryce, you're right, it takes a certain area or situation. I have those go too spots, if time is short and the bike helps. Alot of credit to those in hilly or mountainous areas!
First for Terry, I know this isn't Pop. Mechs. :D
Now, in the latest issue of said mag, there is an article about hauling style bikes, and attachments.
Looking foward to biking in the leaves this fall!
Great thread! Trek Bontager w/homemade cart. Panniers keep bow & quiver in vertical position while going through woods. Bow & quiver in panniers, then tie to seatpost to maintain upright stability. Plenty room for extra gear esp water. Careful on loose dirt up or down hills as per Charlie page 1.
(http://i.imgur.com/Z2ajal.jpg)
I've cut my camera checking time in half. I just covered my aluminium GT with flat black and added a rack. Been walking way too long.
This is awesome! I just recently heard that people use bikes for bowhunting, what a great idea.
I am definitely gonna have to get my bike setup for this. There are starting to be more and more companies like xtracycle that are making "sports utility" bikes that have the ability to haul lots of stuff.
:)
JFTR, modern mtn bike gearing makes peddling uphill way easier near as walking. Flatter or downhill surfaces can fly! Chain mine to a tree once in hunt area. Dull painted also repels thieves.
Hey Guys I have done some hunting using a bicycle.
This past spring I was in Florida hunting Osceola Turkey. I am a retired pro cyclist so the bike is an extension of me.However I would recommend it to anyone looking to get to out of the way hunting spots, which usually means less pressure on game. Some of the things I recommend is getting a rear rack.I have found a method to strap on your stuff.Take a old bike tube and cut the stem off and use that as a strap, works really well. also keep in mind that the lower the center of gravity the better the ride.So anything high and heavy will alter your efficiency. I think this is a great way to hunt if possible.
Practice before you go out to hunt will give you an Idea of how to balance the load before your worried about the sun's arrival.or departure for that matter.
Another thing I have found that always hide your bike and pay close attention to WHERE YOU PUT IT!
I have spent time following a bloodless bike trail in the dark..haha
A head lamp is better than a fixed bike mount,when going around bends the bike light doesn't point on the trail.
Good to see people in the back country under their own power.
To all my bowhunting brothers &Sisters Happy trails and good hunting
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205184_17)
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205184_1781758796948_1628816844_1654999_2781697_n.jpg)
Real cool, John! Thanks for the tips and pic!
The longbow looks good, too!
Where can ya find a COMFY seat? Last year me & the wife bought a couple of mountain bikes from a guy. He said he only used his once. I believe it, cause after I rode mine 1 time my butt was killin' me. :eek: Just writin' about it makes it start hurtin' again. It didn't seem to bother the wife, butt I gave it up. Now I've gotta mountain bike only ridin' twice. :knothead: :help:
Walmart.
If you ride the bike enough to get comfortable and break in your muscles, you'll get used to the seat. If there is any chance that you might require surgery to detach yorself from the seat after a ride, then you might want to look into a wider one, though.
I like both a bike-mounted light AND a headlamp. I can move my head around a little more that way, but still see the path with peripheral vision.
Whatever your set-up, be sure to take a few test rides with your pack on, bow, arrows, gloves, etc. You will be surprised at what that tells you. You'll hear rattles, not be able to brake, catch camo pant legs in the chainring, lose your balance, your bow will fall off to one side, get pack straps caught in the tire or spokes, etc. My neighbors must have thought I was nuts riding around in the dark with all camo clothes, riding my bike with a bow and arrows and pack. But I solved all my problems in the comfort of my home!
Here is my $50 used Mongoose with the cart my father in law made many moons ago. I rigged a milk cart to an aluminum rack and secured a piece of metal to the rack to make the hitch for the cart. Bow mounts on back but all my riding is on access roads that are "no motorized vehicle allowed", very wide and clear. Also, I live in the flat lands, very easy going.
(http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx295/orlith2001/Hunting%20Rig/Picture009.jpg) (http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx295/orlith2001/Hunting%20Rig/Picture010.jpg)
Wow, that's a nice setup!
Nice Scott! Like the camo job, too. :thumbsup:
Thanks guys. This thing pulls so nice. My kids put some boat seats on it and I pulled them around. Makes it real nice when it is time to set stands over a mile deep in the woods. Thinking about a cheap sled to put on it to make the drag to the cart easier. Wanting to work more efficiently after back surgery.
I bought a Mongoose cheapie from Wal Mart back in July for exercise. Bought a cheap bike to see if I would get into it before investing in a better bike. Well tonight the gear seat broke apart and is not worth repairing. I am going look at Trek's tomorow. Looking at the 4300 disk or 3900 disk. Anybody have any exp with Trek? Curious as to how big of jump and quality of ride It will be. I been riding about 50 miles a week and getting in a lot better shape. Lost 52 pounds so far, 23 more to go
I've had a Trek Bontager for awhile. Great quality. Expensive though. Works great for in/out of the woods distance wise. Always lock mine to a tree & conceal it w/brush while I'm hunting.
I have used mine a couple of times here in NJ, unfortunately here in central and south Jersey we have a lot of sand and It's real tough to peddle or even walk with the bike through that stuff, but a bike could be a real good piece of equipment in many situations.
do you have a pic of how its connected to the seat post or rack? wondering about turning or when you have to lean into a turn.
(http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx295/orlith2001/Hunting%20Rig/Picture009.jpg) (http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx295/orlith2001/Hunting%20Rig/Picture010.jpg) [/QB][/QUOTE]
Just bought a trek 4300 today. Can't wait to get home and ride.
QuoteOriginally posted by njloco:
I have used mine a couple of times here in NJ, unfortunately here in central and south Jersey we have a lot of sand and It's real tough to peddle or even walk with the bike through that stuff, but a bike could be a real good piece of equipment in many situations.
I agree totally, if its not hard pack your better off walking. lots of sand around here, its all bottoms.
Swamprat, good for you, on the weight loss!
Good health and huntin, too ya!
Yes, for sure, it's not for all Terrains or situations! Just like climbers vs fixed stands work in all areas!
Thanks folks for all ideas and pics!
I hope to Bike, to a huntin spot, soon, this season!