While sitting in my stand for hours on end, I contemplated getting down and doing some stalking. I've never tried it and was worried bc the leaves were very crunchy. So I was wondering how do you guys stalk and stay quiet?
I just slow down (even slower than usual) when the leaves are crunchy. My idea is to get in an area that I know holds deer... when they're moving... and go so slow that I see them first. Then I hope they are moving in my direction.
Fred Bear used to put wool socks over his boots.
read stalking and still hunting by Fred Asbell, its a great rescource. out here in the west I have never sat in a stand or a blind ever. the only secret to being quiet is a soft step, if the leaves are a problem were you are from, making noise with your feet like your a deer is the best way to go. tap your toe down then tap your heel down as you walk if done right it sounds like 4 feet (hooves) walking.
hope that gave you some ideas to mull around :) cheers
Thanks guys, I'll check out that book. I just finished one of Asbells books and enjoyed it. It lightly touched on ground hunting, so I'd be interested to check out his full book on it.
When it's crunchy, like you describe, I don't even try to go silently. Instead, I walk with a turkey call in my mouth and let a few yelps out now and then. I've walked right up on unsuspecting deer that way though I haven't yet connected.
wool socks with no shoes on... You naturally slow down because it hurts to tromp. The socks will muffle (but not completely eliminate noise), even in dry conditions.
Google "footskins", best canoe sole moccasins I've ever owned. Very quiet and very comfortable. The beef leather ones are the most durable things I've ever worn on my feet. They are a bit pricey, but compared to a premium pair of hiking boots they are cheaper. Plus I have the boot moccasins version and its good snake protection.
Keep weight on back foot and only transfer weight once front foot has been carefully placed. Takes some concentration to get used to. Go slow. Glacial speed.