First off I am far from an expert on anything but I get a bunch of questions about ground hunting and thought this might help some guys starting out. I only switched to the ground a couple of years ago and all of the doubts and stumbles are still fresh in my mind.
I remember reading everything I could on here about hunting the ground and something that Charlie Lamb said stuck out. It was something to the effect of "Any spot that would be good for a treestand is good for the ground." That was big for a guy that had spent most of 20 years in a tree and had a bunch of doubts about how to setup. So with my all or nothing attitude I sold all of my stands and made a go at it.
The first thing I learned was not to blame lack of deer sightings on making a major switch. Doubt creeps in and stupid decisions are made. Kinda like switching from wheels and thinking you have to relearn how to hunt all over again. 90% of the game is the same. The second thing I learned was in a stand you can get away with some silly wind setups. On the ground it isn't going to happen.
So where did I setup? Well at first I thought that I was going to get picked off if I wasn't beyond concealed. That meant leafy suit, face mask, homemade ground blind or thick blow down. Well after not being in the right spot a few times, not being able to get turned for a shot a few times, and have deer in my lap before I saw them I finally remembered what Mr.Lamb said. I started keying in on my old stand spots. More open areas that I could see a deer coming and prepare for a shot.
So I have figured out where I want to be. Now how do I blend in better an sit as comfortably as I did in my Loggy?
To figure out the blending in part I got out my digital camera and took a bunch of pics of my setups. I still take pics of different areas I hunt when I'm ready to leave after a sit. The clip shot camera mount on an arrow is great for this. What I noticed was that I liked the way solid color wool and fleece blended in. I wear dark colors near black and red oaks and lighter for white oaks, beech, or poplar.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/P1000251.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/P1000251.jpg.html)
Analyzing after hunt pics also lets me change things after the leaves fall or from cloudy to sunny days.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/P1000247.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/P1000247.jpg.html)
I also noticed my black glass bow limbs really didn't stick out that much.
Now for the comfortable sitting. At first I spent some long days at the side of trees on knee pads. I had done this for years duck hunting. What I figured out was you can move around more duck hunting and I'm not as young as I used to be. Then I tried all kinds of seats. Torges, tripods, etc. I have finally decided that I like a seat to swivel for the shot, not squeak, and have a backrest. My average sit is over 5 hours on the weekends and some seats where killing me. Right now I am really liking the Spot 360. Picking seats is about like picking the perfect quiver. There may never be perfect but this one is pretty close for me. Beats the crap out of knee pads!
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/P1000144.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/P1000144.jpg.html)
I hope any of this helps someone thinking of switching or having trouble on the ground.
Oh yeah...
Keep the wind in your face, your bow on your lap, and take your time on the shot.
That's about it in a pignut shell. :archer2:
Sounds good, how much does that seat weigh ?
Thanks for the info.
Around 10# I think. My bathroom scale is junk.
Thanks Rob,
Good info here!
Great advice Rob. Especially the bow on your lap bit. It is real tough trying to pull off the "pick the bow up from a nearby limb move" with deer out in front of you. I found that out. rat'
Good information Rob! Nice pictures also! :thumbsup:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Hey Rob, thanks for sharing your advice. I'm curious where you got that seat. Is there a sponsor here on Tradgang? Thanks!
-Jeremy :coffee:
Never mind, found him in the classifieds!
-Jeremy :coffee:
Never give up... the more you do it, the more you learn and it does have a learning curve but not as steep as it feels at times.
I'll never go back up into the tree tops.
I love the challenge of hunting from the ground and having nothing between me and my intended game but clear, clean air.
God bless,Mudd
Rob, that's good advice that you gave and the pictures really show what we all wonder about when we first start. How concealed do we need to be? I have just begun to start taking pictures of my set ups to see how it looks from the deer's perspective and it is interesting to say the least.
It hit me about 20 years ago when I was standing in hunters orange fixing to doctor up a scrape and 3 does appear and walk 20 yards from me and never noticed me in the wide open. I felt like a light bulb but they never saw me. I knew then that if I could stay still when hunting I would see deer on the ground in moderate cover. Don't get me wrong, I get in the best cover I can find but I don't bury myself like I used to unless it is so thick that I have no choice.
Your comment - 90% of the game is the same cannot be over stated. The mental part of ground hunting is the biggest hurdle to get over when you first start. If a hunter utilizes the same precautions and tactics he would use for tree stands he will see deer if he sticks with it. I actually started seeing more deer when I started ground hunting on the WMA's I hunt because of the type of cover. Our deer in South LA can bed, eat and drink in the same thickets and never venture far from them except at night which necessitated setting up very close to bedding areas.
When going in with a climber -which is all I used to do- I realized that if I made any noise climbing a tree the deer had me pegged before I ever had my bow in my hand. I remember when I first started ground hunting these same areas and I am sitting there and 2 bucks just "materialize" out of a thicket. It freaks you out the first time it happens. I realized then that being able to sneak close and set up quietly was paramount to getting shots at these deer who did not roam far from their bedding areas till after dark.
As a hunter gets better at putting himself near deer and the opportunities for shots start happening things get interesting because that is our weak spot as traditional bow hunters - the movement to position and draw your bow.
You mentioned being able to prepare for the shot because you saw the deer approach. That is right on. When I am in the thick stuff and can't see very far and hear a twig crack I lift my bow and get ready. Sometimes its not a deer but when it is I am glad the first part of taking a shot - bow position - is already done. Then all that's left is the draw.
Last thing I will offer - shoot low on purpose. It has been the hardest thing for me to discipline myself to do and I have paid the price by shooting over many deer when the woods are quiet. Non-pressured deer react instinctively to noise and pressured deer simply freak out. Shooting low will increase your odds of connecting when the woods are quiet.
Good post! Thank you.
Very good info.
Good stuff. I want to start putting some ground blinds up. Hunted in a few at Solana and I liked it.
ground hunting is cool
Good stuff in this post
Great Post, thanks for sharing your ground hunting information.
Great posts you 2 man that's some good info for guys trying it.
ESP getting your bow up before you even see anything cause you never know it may be a chipmunk or the deer you been after. Great point!
years ago, I had set up doe decoy, and from my tree I see this nice buck approaching, I couldn't understand why he wasn't reacting to the decoy, as he was less than 10 yds. from it, when suddenly he looks a little surprised and statrs to wag his tail. I realized then, that he couldn't see the decoy because it wasn't moving. I also think that is why the bucks come out now during the daytime more often when trying to find the does, because they can see them more easily, which means it's harder too see us if we're blended in well and not moving around.
Thanks Rob, Also really enjoyed your video a couple weeks back. After not hunting from trees the last 2 years I can honestly say I really do not miss it. The more you try the more you will suceed at this ground game. I also hunt by myself 90-95% of the time and knowing I'm not going to have to worry about treestand safety is also a bonus. Really enjoying this ground hunting.
I have not done much ground hunting for whitetail with "archery gear" (rifle is different) but have decided to give it a try this year. I have decided to use a blind to start off. Sat I had 6 different bucks come by. This nice buck came in at 10 yards. The rut is just starting and I have a real stud on the property so I gave tis guy a pass.
(http://i544.photobucket.com/albums/hh324/Tracker12/mrBuck_zpse9af0920.jpg) (http://s544.photobucket.com/user/Tracker12/media/mrBuck_zpse9af0920.jpg.html)
Great post Rob. I have been back and forth between ground and treestand for a few years now. The one thing that sticks in the back of my head is deer sightings....seeing deer at a distance, even the ones i can't shoot, keep me motivated. Do you find your sightings up, down, the same?
Again, great post, and timely.....I just crawled out of an icy, loud ladder stand, was thinking about this on the drive home.
For me roger my sitting we're the same but shot opportunities increased when in a stand. Except during he rut. I would say it's even. But most the season the stand lends its hand to more shots for me any way.
Good advice, just remember to be still play the wind.
Playing the wind is a real difficulty for me. The property I hunt is nothing but two ridges and three hollers. The wind flows like water! There's not to many places to hunt on the property that I can get a consistent wind. The wind continually kicks my butt and it is frustrating to say the least. Me and my son hunt the property together a lot which just makes it that much more difficult. So what say ye? Have any suggestions? Never really cared for tree stands, so I would love to figure this out. Hunting other property is not an option...this is all I got!
BTW... Great post Rob!
It's strange...I have actually killed quite a few from the ground, both in pop ups and natural blinds. But there is something always in my head about "seeing deer".....
I truly admire you guys with "Ground Game" confidence. :thumbsup:
I actually like a ground blind in areas with bad wind conditions. I use a Double Bull Blind. After set up I spray it with sent eliminator then hang a sent wick (I use a mini tampon) soaked in raccoon sent. I have had deer come from down wind regularly and walk right by the setup. Key is to keep all the windows on the down wind side closed. I have also use this stuff called Deer Dander with good success. Once an hour I will give a squirt out the back.
My reasons for wanting to pursue groundhunting more:
Shot angle vs a treestand
Safety
Ability to adapt to wind
Ability to sneak in to a new spot quietly
Comfort
LOL Deer Dander is the only sent my wife does not mind me stinking of. smells like a deer.
Thanks for your post, Rob. Good info. I want to try the ground game, because you can set up without trying to find the perfect tree combined with the perfect wind. As I see it, anyplace is a potential hunt site.
I'm going to try my Ghille Suit and the new "Blind Ambitions" swivel seat.
Your "Spot 360" looks great too.
I enjoy reading your posts.
I'll bet this ground game will work great on our hogs too.
Irv Eichorst
www.truesouthadventures.com (http://www.truesouthadventures.com)
"We've got the pork"....
"You bring the beans"....
I have been wanting to do more ground hunting also. My problem is that I never get a constant wind. It will blow from 4 different directions in 10 minutes. A treestand helps with this at times because your scent sometimes stays above the deer. Good post.
Rob, how high do you set your Spot360 seat? I understand there are several different height posts when you order. I'm trying to decide what height I want. Thanks
Great info and thanks!
We turkey hunt from the ground and their eyesight is far better than deer. My biggest concern is cover behing me to hide my out line, why would it be different for deer. I think the cover in front of a hunter is to make a hunter feel hidden. I use the same concept for deer, (good back cover). Took a buck from the ground a few years back with no cover in front of me at all.
When using a tree seat or any time i want a tree to lean against, I look for a cluster of three trunks and try to sit so that I do not get outlined when the deer come in from the wrong side. Funny how they don't cooperate that way. When hunting on the ground one needs to be aware of what the wind eddies are doing exactly where you are at. Wind blows in circles, almost like the woods breathe. Even when a breeze picks up and the air currents seems to flow steady, when they back off those currents turn into eddies and any deer that gets too close will smell you. When a deer is getting close, look at the deer in your side vision and examine the tops of your boots very intently. Don't look at a close deer until you are ready to shoot it. Then, at that time, get on with it. Deer will pick up very small motions, I have found that a very smooth shot from the bow in a low position pays off with a rather smooth quick shot. Getting trapped holding the bow up forever, while a deer makes up it mind whether to take another step, can burn up your shoulder if you are trying to hold a bow in the air for a long time.
QuoteOriginally posted by John49:
Rob, how high do you set your Spot360 seat? I understand there are several different height posts when you order. I'm trying to decide what height I want. Thanks
I'm 6'2" and mine only sits at about 12". That is probably a little low for my height but I like it. Most areas I hunt aren't very flat and it puts my knees in the right spot for my bow.
Covey, The spots I hunt are similar to yours. I usually focus on the ridge tops. Some of the hills around here are tall enough to have 3 different bench trails. Those trails always look sooo good but its hard not to get busted by the wind.
I will hunt them certain times when the wind blows directly down the valley usually. I go through so much wind checker scouting I started just taking a cigar.
Rob, the ridge tops are usually where I stay. There is some really good buck sign down in the holler, but the wind is so unpredictable. I have 90 acres plus a large tract of state ground that joins the backside that I can hunt, but a lot of this is low ground where the wind swirls! Its frustrating that a considerable amount hunting woods seem wasted!
Ive hunted the ground a lot over the last 10 years.
Being 53 and never much for climbers, it was too much to wrestle a ladder stand to the woods.
I have one in my back yard but honestly, once you get use to the ground, trees feel foriegn.
Its an amazing feeling to be at eye level with deer.
I really like down trees. I recently found a cool spot that I will use for mornings.
I can tell you that a product like ever calm or deer dander helps a lot.
First year bowhunter here... I've hunted whitetails for quite a while (rifle and flintlock) and primarily from treestands. This fall I've spent about half my time on the ground and it's been kind of a steep learning curve. I've seen a bunch of deer from the ground, but seem to botch something different up every time. All of my mistakes so far have been related to movement that gave my location away. The deer that I've spooked have been in the 20 - 30 yard range, which has me really concerned because some of the ground blinds I've chosen are only about 5 yards away from where the anticipated shot would be. Anyway... two questions come to mind:
1) Assuming I actually do get a deer to within shooting range of my ground setup, how do you deal with deer passing right in front of you (say, 3 - 10yds) when there is no natural cover to mask your drawing the bow (see RobW's first two pics)? I was hunting a spot yesterday a.m. where I was pretty well covered on all sides except the front, which is where I expected the deer to pass. I was thinking of lashing together a tripod and covering it with brush to act a visual barrier between myself and the deer. The other option would be to wait till they passed by, but I'd still be exposed and I can only imagine that at that distance they would be on me in a flash.
2) Am I setting up too close to the intended target? Do I need to set up at least X.X yards away, or do I just need to do a better job of concealing movement at close ranges?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
David
David, those are good questions that you are asking.
In answering, you need to ask yourself how far you can shoot accurately, what can you do to better arrange for a barrier to conceal your draw, and what sequence of movements must you make in order to do the whole sequence unseen.
Of course, then the deer come across from another direction.
First step is to understand that you may not be able to cover 360 degrees.
A small bush or tree in the right spot can help conceal your draw, as can a more horizontal draw.
Stuff behind you that is taller than your silhouette gives more cover than you might think. You get lost in the clutter.
Maybe try drawing while facing a bit away from the deer, so your bow arm gives a bit of cover. I do this often while wearing a ghillie suit.
I have been too close. Make certain that your hide is far enough off the trail to give you a little bit of space. I try not to get any closer than ten yards from my proposed shot, a bit farther if I am in the wide open.
ChuckC
I noticed something funny the other day. I went out to work on a brush blind and I wasnt hunting (just adjusting limbs)
It was very windy in SE Ohio that day
My buddy had come out to look for me. I was thrashing around moving limbs making noise and he walked right by at 25-28 yards.
I had to whistle at him.
I was in jeans and a jacket.
I think deer only look at you, when they are looking for you.
If you can stay downwind and limit movement you'll benifit greatly
Although they move less, wind is your freind.
The ground game is fun.
Who sells the spot 360 seat?
Nittany Rider - Don't setup on the trail, setup so you have a comfortable shot when they are on the trail. 5 yards is real close, and too close in my opinion. Drawing on a deer isn't necessarily easy, but as long as you don't have eyes on you its not overly complicated either.
Todd Trahan is a new sponsor here.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=132921
Lot's of information in this link.
Great thread guys. Thanks for sharing your tips on the set up and blending in. Since climbing down out of the tree 2 years ago I have not missed it.
I've actually killed more deer with a bow since I started hunting from their eye level. For me at least I think it made me keenly more aware of what the deer are sensing and made me a better hunter.
Best of luck to everyone blessed enough to be out in the woods these next couple of weeks.
I've been bowhunting from the ground since 1975. Is there any other way to hunt.... :dunno:
Takes time and patience, extra after season scouting to create new "Ambush" locations, learning to shoot more deer quartering away, learning how to time your draw so you don't get busted and the thrill of taking a deer in hand shaking distance at times.
Having a "backup" blind at a good spot in case the wind gets fickle and I took it to the extreme with my Camouflage. Took many black and white pics plus color to see what blends in the best and would work for me. Since 1986 my choice has been ASAT, Brown Woodland and Desert Camo.
I'm more conscience of masking my scent to/from my blind and when the pre rut and rut hits, being mobile on the ground allows me to pursue the animals and hopefully work my way in for a good shot. Being on the ground also allows me to create the illusion of deer chasing but raking the leaves, snapping a few small branches during my grunt sequences. Something you can't do from a tree.
Exciting, Rewarding and Frustrating but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I've tried about every blind set-up conceivable too, and the swivel seat with a back rest is a must for tired old bones. Being comfortable means moving around less.
I also learned to keep my eyes shaded. Something I was going to try this year but didn't, was to hang a length of that camo netting overhead to block out some of the overhead light and cast shadows over me. I haven't been hunting this year though, due to time spent working on the house and taking a a much needed vacation during the best two weeks of the season to visit friends down south. (I must really love my wife.) When I do though, I think I'll try the before/after photo thing.
Nittanyrider,
I'm not really that good of a shot so I like to stay under the 20yd. range. 12-15yds preferred.
Reading a deers body language and patience to let them walk past are the key. If they are feeding or the head goes behind a tree I time my draw accordingly. If they are a bit nervous I wait. Many times if they don't blow out of there off the bat they will present a quartering away shot.
Like others have said I like a fluid one motion draw from my lap if they are a bit spooky. If they are calm I have more of "regular"( for lack of a better term) draw.
I also always aim for the pocket. I don't think I have ever missed one low.
Thanks Rob,
Good info and your pics look just like my hunting area.
There's definitely some benefits to hunting off the ground if you do it correctly.
Seems like you can get set up more quietly. Could just be my perception but I feel like I make a lot of noise hanging my stand.
You can also hunt in areas where most other hunters wont think to go. Most bow hunters want to be in a tree, so you can set up in areas without huntable trees and that gets you away from the pressure. Definitely a benefit if you are hunting public land.
I was sitting still under a cedar tree with brush piled in front this morning. On the edge of a hay field and a small wood lot keeping my face into the, south, wind watching the woods. Annnd the deer, a small spike then a doe and two yearlings, all came from the downwind side along the edge of the field. :banghead:
They did not leave till they scented me though they were looking at me. Keeping still is the second most important thing while hunting on the ground. IMHO...
Thanks for the info! I'll definitely be spending more time next year locating and preparing ambush spots. I guess I kind of neglected to do all that I needed to do prior to the season... maybe spent too much time focused on gear and shooting. Regardless, I've had a great time hunting with my recurve this year and I just can't believe it took me this long to start bow hunting... don't know what I was thinking!
A few photos of the Torges seat I use. My hunting buddy Mike Robin(Bamboo) built this for me. This is before I spray painted it camouflage.
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/003_zpsb9022818.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/sf1oak/media/003_zpsb9022818.jpg.html)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/002_zps95100597.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/sf1oak/media/002_zps95100597.jpg.html)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/001_zps5ba65386.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/sf1oak/media/001_zps5ba65386.jpg.html)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/004_zps00e30604.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/sf1oak/media/004_zps00e30604.jpg.html)
Where's the after pics of the sexy camo job Joe? :D
Rob,
You mentioned wind which as we all know is the most important thing but I wonder if you find that you only go to your ground setups when the wind is stronger?
My areas seem to never blow consistent unless it is 10 mph or more. I have also noticed that I prefer hunting when it is blowing as the deer are at a distinct disadvantage.
I really want to do more ground hinting but worry about messing up my location due to swirling wind.
Thanks,
James
our archery season closed saturday and I was busy doing chores at my moms most of the day, but luckily my moms is right across the street from my best spot. :) when I finished at 3 I threw my woolens on, ran across the street. didn't think I'd have time to get to my treestand without making a lot of racket...so I found a nice big rock in a natural pinch, and cleared the leaves around it and sat. it was a nice change from being 20' high. I did have a deer come in, but the smart bugger waited til it was too dark. and then it followed me out to the edge of the woods, lol.
makin the old school new again :)
I agree with Roger in that seeing deer, even if far off, keeps me on stand longer...and here in Mass with low deer numbers I can go all season not run out of fingers counting deer. so getting that long view has always been a key for me. I'll look for some spots with elevation for some ground setups the next few times out.