The piece of property that I hunt on is considered a low land marsh area. It is thick with Canary grass,and Buckthorn. It has alot of Popple, Birch, and Maple trees. I always hunted in this area and am acustomed to hunting it. Over the years it has been successful for me.
(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/frassettor/169.jpg)
On the other side of the property that I hunt there is a roughly 10-12 acres of Cedars that always had good sign in it during the late fall and winter. The deer like to huncker down in there in the Winter as it provides alot of cover from the brutal WI winters, and there is plenty of browse to nibble on. I was told for the last 15+ years that it would be a waste of time to hunt that seriously because the deer never go through there during daylight hours. But I was always attracted to it. Its like it was pulling me in...
A few years ago Charlie Lamb told me that " if its a good spot for a stand, its a good spot to be on the ground". There is something about the ol timers that when they talk I soak it up and listen. So this afternoon I will be headed out with my Rancho Safari, a pair of pruners in my pack and a stool. Its time to check the Cedars out!
As I walk in a meander around I notice that this place is just screaming to be hunted from the ground. There is an overabundance of downed trees that were the victims of the storms from past. Just a great place to be. I walk around a bit longer and see this..
(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/frassettor/008-4.jpg)
There are so many worn trails and fresh sign that it was a hard decision on which trail to sit off of. The wind was coming from the NNW so I decide to sit 12-13 yards South East of the trail and scrapes. I shot a buck earlier in the year,so I will be trying for a doe. I get my pruners out and trim some brush and settle in..
(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/frassettor/012-3.jpg)
(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/frassettor/019.jpg)
About 45 minutes into my sit I just happen to glance up and notice a deer about 20 yards out feeding through. I was ready, my heart was beating a millon miles an hour and I try and "will" her into an open spot. She looked right at me, and never knew I was there. It was like I was invisible. I just kept thinking "boy do these Ghillies work". She got to within 17 or so yards but she was never in the open. She was working her way out of range and I soon realize that a shot just would not present itself. As I watch her feed father away I grabb my phone and take a video of the moment as she feeds away completely unaware of anything...
(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/frassettor/th_014.jpg) (http://s303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/frassettor/?action=view¤t=014.mp4)
There is something special about these Cedars, something magical. Even though it was thought to be a waste of time to hunt there by others, I knew differntly. I didn't have time to hang a stand, but as a friend ounce told me "if its a good spot to hang a stand, its a good spot to sit on the ground"... Thanks Charlie :goldtooth:
The video is a little shakey, but if you enlarge the video (go into full screen mode), you will be able to see her feeding..
Rich my brother, great post and I agree with you about the ghillie suit. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I love it when it come together on the ground.
Pretty cool I'd say, and good advice.
Since returning to traditional several years ago, I can't seem to get myself to climb a tree anymore. I haven't been sucessful in any way except seeing a lot of deer, but it sure has been fun! I believe what you say about stand/ ground being as good, as long as you can sit still and use your surroundings and wind properly.
:archer:
Good post and thank you for the reminder.
Ground hunts are awesome.
The Rancho Shaggie is a good thing...I have had 2 deer at less than 12 yards this year while wearing mine.....so close that I couldn't get drawn on them. Looks like a great place to spend some more time....... :thumbsup:
:clapper: :clapper:
Uh-oh - I think someone's addiction to the Shaggy is starting to show. :jumper:
I love how much more I can see from a treestand, but nothing gets my heart drumming in my ears like having an animal that has no idea I'm there while at eye level.
Not to mention it's lighter than hiking that stand in...
Cool stuff!
quote:
Originally posted by wihill:
:thumbsup:
I don't know but gravitate towards the area you describe, not stay away from them. I certainly don't let ohers ell me where it is a waste of time when sign says oherwise. Glad you figured that out. God Bless