I hunted from the ground most of last year and had to stick with a short (52") recurve to do it. I don't like carrying a folding seat and just use a pad that provides no elevation for limb clearance.
Does anyone have any suggestions or techniques they use to shoot a longer bow with the same setup? I have a 62" longbow I'd like to hunt with this season but can't get it to work from the seated position. Suggestions?
Thanks.
Sometimes I practice shooting from the ground, seated, with my legs straight out in front of me. I lay the bow almost completely over on its side. I can actually shoot pretty well from that position. Other than that, I'm not sure. Maybe sit in such a way that you can get to your knees easily :dunno:
I bowhunt from the ground all the time. Use my 58" longbow and 60" recurve. Whenever possible, the Torges seat can be setup for any height, depending on my natural blinds. However, I always slip off to a kneeling position to make my shots.
Thanks. I have a Torges seat and was actually going to give it a try. Just trying to keep what I carry to a minimum.
I can shoot my 58" recurve from sitting but usually plant the lower limb tip in the ground. I can't seem to make anything longer work with any consistency.
I know part of the issue is the way I shoot keeps the bow pretty much straight up and down. I've tried canting it but accuracy suffers. Thanks for the input.
Why can't you shoot a 62" long bow from a setting position? Most guys i know can shoot a 68" long bow off of their knees just fine... You need to practice shooting with a cant to your bow brutha...it opens up a whole new world of opportunities hunting from the ground.
I have two knees that are bad - doesn't leave many good ones :)
I have really learned to like my hammock seat. I can swing it quite a bit to either side for shooting. The height can be adjusted from sitting nearly on the ground to a higher position that leaves the knees just slightly bent. 'Course you do need a tree, but they have quite a few of them where I hunt.
Kirkll,
Shooting from a seat or the knees with a 62" longbow, no problem.
Flat on the ground is a different story. I hunt seated on a seat pad with my back against a tree. Doesn't leave a lot of limb clearance. Still trying to figure out shooting with a cant without planting the lower limb in the ground. Not the style I'm used to.
I know. Change styles. Sigh.
You need to bend at the waist and cant that bow over at the same time.
cant if you can, if you can't cant and don't want to carry a seat, look for a cedar or other bushy tree that you can back into. I used to hunt standing next to a xmas tree like pine that had been hit by lightning on one side. deer never saw me there.
Improvise, adapt, and overcome. You need to can't the bow period. I practiced once shooting off of my knees through a small hole in the bush at a target above me.
As a bow hunter I believe I should practice shooting from every imaginable position that the field might throw my way. I want to be proficient shooting from angles that might be a little out of the comfort zone. We just never know what kind of situation we are going to find ourselves in. I also practice several different draw techniques and rhythyms.
I use to use one if those turkey hunting seat that are about 6" off the ground, until I broke it. I'm aiming on getting another one. It may work for you as well.
QuoteOriginally posted by jcp161:
Kirkll,
Shooting from a seat or the knees with a 62" longbow, no problem.
Flat on the ground is a different story. I hunt seated on a seat pad with my back against a tree. Doesn't leave a lot of limb clearance. Still trying to figure out shooting with a cant without planting the lower limb in the ground. Not the style I'm used to.
I know. Change styles. Sigh.
I think i'd have problems sitting right on the ground like that myself. Besides that me bum gets cold sitting on the ground like that..... :saywhat:
I'd find one of those light weight tri pod chairs that you can slip in your pack bro. That's what i carry for an evening set.
Try a Niff-T-Seat. Small, light, self-contained, adjustable in height-5", 11", 16", 21". No tree needed, pivots easily. I love mine. I can almost carry it in a cargo pants pocket.
(http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s331/selfbow19953/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat2.jpg) (http://s509.photobucket.com/user/selfbow19953/media/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat2.jpg.html)
(http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s331/selfbow19953/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat5inch.jpg) (http://s509.photobucket.com/user/selfbow19953/media/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat5inch.jpg.html)
(http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s331/selfbow19953/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat16inch.jpg) (http://s509.photobucket.com/user/selfbow19953/media/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat16inch.jpg.html)
(http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s331/selfbow19953/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat.jpg) (http://s509.photobucket.com/user/selfbow19953/media/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat.jpg.html)
That looks pretty interesting....and lightweight.
I remember looking at these seats awhile ago. So popular you couldn't get one to save your life. I thought I read that the business took a hit during one of the big storms or went out of business altogether.
Are they still available?
They have a website, but don't know if it's active. There are comments left, but none after 2012.
I know the tree hammock was already suggested, and though I haven't tried it yet myself, the guys I know who use them really like them. I'm planning on getting one before deer season.
I do agree with everyone who says to shoot with your bow canted. I can shoot my 68" bow sitting on the ground cross legged.
Skunkhound,
I'd like to see a picture of that. Maybe I'm missing something.
Thanks.
John
try "the hunters seat"
Have to use a tree
But it looks like quick and easy set up
QuoteOriginally posted by jcp161:
I remember looking at these seats awhile ago. So popular you couldn't get one to save your life. I thought I read that the business took a hit during one of the big storms or went out of business altogether.
Are they still available?
Just received an email reply to a question I sent them so something must be going on!!
I cant my bow a lot and either kneel or find some uneven ground and sit on my rear end. My bow is 62" and seem to be able to get it done, maybe because I have a very long upper body. Have you tried standing, I use but seem to get tired quickly, but know others that can do it all day.
Practice sitting with your bow canted nearly 90 degrees. The Indonesians have been hunting/shooting like that for nearly 2000 years:
(//%5Burl=http://s21.photobucket.com/user/kenhulme/media/JavaBow1.jpg.html%5D%20%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b282/kenhulme/JavaBow1.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
These guys are "just" target shooting at about 50 yards at an Acorn Squash-sized target.
Niffty seat x 2 and never have look back !
Also practice, practice practice, shooting in all positions, you'll get better !
You can also dig a hole with a shovel, just deep enough to hang your legs into while sitting at ground level, very effective way to not be seen.
I have been known to mainly use the Torges style seat. I have also used just a pad as well. I hunt with a 70" long bow, and have no trouble getting shots off at deer.
My advice is practice often from a position in which you hunt, such as sitting.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f196/jjeffer/IMG_1550_zpsd11d8984.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/jjeffer/media/IMG_1550_zpsd11d8984.jpg.html)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f196/jjeffer/Lastditchblind.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/jjeffer/media/Lastditchblind.jpg.html)
I use a walk stool ..it is swedish design ..you can sit high or low ...the low position your knees touch the ground but the chair takes the weight..they are $50 but to me worth it as kneeling is getting hardere to do for long periods.....here is the link...when folded fits in a backpack easy...
http://www.walkstool.com/
Selfbow19953
How large is the seat it'self? Is it comfortable for sitting say 2 hours at a time? It looks like it might be a very interesting seat & one you would take with you.
I use a Double Bull tri seat stool they market for their blinds & carry it almost everywhere, but it does kind of clank into things. It is comfortable though as it has a back.
Thanks
I should have added that it is the walk stool basic.....with the legs retracted the seat is a triangle and the legs all come together and you sit sbout 10 inches off the ground and you can pivot any direction and the weight on your knees is not noticable....great for when you are likely to sit in different locations throughout the day and want to stay low...if you want to sit high or in a ground blind then you set the legs up
Frank,
The seat measures 12" by 8". Two hours is about the longest I've sat in it. I carry it when I'm scouting/stillhunting to hunt a good looking spot. After a hour or a little more, if I haven't seen anything, I move on.
QuoteOriginally posted by trubltrubl:
I use a walk stool ..it is swedish design ..you can sit high or low ...the low position your knees touch the ground but the chair takes the weight..they are $50 but to me worth it as kneeling is getting hardere to do for long periods.....here is the link...when folded fits in a backpack easy...
http://www.walkstool.com/
Hi,
Have you ever tried it on mud/very soft terrain? How does it do?
Thanks,
Max
Good question on the walkstool. How is it in soft terrain?
Those of you shooting a canted bow, how do you maintain consistency in anchor and draw length?
Are you bending at the waist and keeping everything the same as when standing or shooting instinctive and just figuring it out as you go?
My shooting style depends a lot on form. I'm not sure if I can adjust it enough to keep it and maintain consistency when shooting that way.
I almost never shoot with a straight up and down bow, but, I do practice that shot. My face has to be at the same angle as my bow. I can't keep my head erect and cant my bow. My head, shoulders, and bow arm follow my bow-from vertical to horizontal.
I practice with my bow parallel to the ground, whether I'm standing, sitting, kneeling-on the ground or in a stand. 2 years ago, I shot at a fox that was 20 feet away. I was on my knees, my chest was maybe a foot off the ground and my bow flat. He got a haircut because I didn't pick a spot!!
QuoteOriginally posted by SELFBOW19953:
Frank,
The seat measures 12" by 8". Two hours is about the longest I've sat in it. I carry it when I'm scouting/stillhunting to hunt a good looking spot. After a hour or a little more, if I haven't seen anything, I move on.
Thanks if does look like a pretty portable seat, much more compact than mine. I looked at the web site yesterday & I could navigate it so it's not locked. I didn't try to order so dont' know how active it is,
I shoot a Howard Hill Big5 that's 66", I've shot it from my stool & from kneeling without any trouble. Haven't tried if sitting on my hind end on the ground. I may & report back well as soon as the frost clears off the lawn!!!!!!
Spring here in S.W. Montana & woke up to 15 degrees, the sun is out though, so it is spring. :archer2:
Just for kicks & giggles & to see if I could do it I sat on the ground tonight & shot my Howard Hill a 66" Big5.
The lower limb tip hit the ground & my arrow went really low 10" low from 16 yds. :scared: I shot another arrow, but was probably concentrating more on not hitting the ground than picking a spot, this arrow went several inches high.
Maybe more practice???? However I'm not one for getting right on the ground it limits my mobility & ability to shoot from different positions. I might practice a bit more??? But I'm not a great fan of being so low & restricted.
I don't find being that low restricting. I like being so low because the deer are less suspecting. Also, when stalking, you may find you are down low trying to get into that close shot. You just need to learn to shoot more horizontal.
Frank V, welcome to my world. I tried an extreme cant on my longbow after reading some of the suggestions on this thread. I had similar results to yours and wiped the mud and grass off my lower limb tip.
If Terry Green can shoot laying on the ground in the Tradgang video, I should be able to get a handle on this.
But if I don't, it's nice to have my Lil Hoots. It shoots just as well and is ten inches shorter. :)
jcp161
I'm going to try shooting more horizontal. Heck I just may have to shoot under a limb anyway & one of the nice things about a LB or recurve is you can cant it.
I always cant my bow, but need to learn to cant it more. ;)
I'll report back on my trys. :scared:
Frank V.
I'll look forward to the report.
I worked on it a little bit more yesterday but I think I need to learn to get the inside of my fore arm out of the way.
I may need to go back to wearing my arm guard.
:thumbsup:
I hope this is helpful.
Thanks.
I hunt on the ground all the time with a 64" longbow-no problems. Practice shooting from seat or log, standing, bushes in the way; everything you can think of all angles including negative ones.
Look for Terry's Form Clock.
I also shot some sitting down this evening. Something to keep in mind: while shooting tonight I was wearing a hoodie, and the armpit area of it was getting into the string pretty heavy.
I shoot with a vertical bow and have no trouble shooting a 64" recurve sitting or kneeling.
QuoteOriginally posted by SELFBOW19953:
Try a Niff-T-Seat. Small, light, self-contained, adjustable in height-5", 11", 16", 21". No tree needed, pivots easily. I love mine. I can almost carry it in a cargo pants pocket.
(http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s331/selfbow19953/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat2.jpg) (http://s509.photobucket.com/user/selfbow19953/media/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat2.jpg.html)
(http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s331/selfbow19953/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat5inch.jpg) (http://s509.photobucket.com/user/selfbow19953/media/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat5inch.jpg.html)
(http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s331/selfbow19953/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat16inch.jpg) (http://s509.photobucket.com/user/selfbow19953/media/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat16inch.jpg.html)
(http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s331/selfbow19953/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat.jpg) (http://s509.photobucket.com/user/selfbow19953/media/HAVERSACK/Niff-T-Seat.jpg.html)
My favorite seat....and sadly, I am pretty sure when the current stock is gone, they are gone.
I personally don't like sitting "butt on the ground". I can shoot ok, but I seem to make a LOT of movement in getting ready for the shot. By sitting even just slightly elevated, like on a short Nif T Seat, I am sitting in a more "ready" position.
QuoteOriginally posted by shed hunter:
I use to use one if those turkey hunting seat that are about 6" off the ground, until I broke it. I'm aiming on getting another one. It may work for you as well.
I would like to hear about these.....they look durable, easy to carry.
I use a Walmart stretchy belt with my Nifty seat on my draw arm side. The belt goes over the folded seat, then inside the seat frame, then back and around the peg to hold it flat. This holds it firm and horizontal to my side, assembled. I carry mine, even when I plan on still hunting. One never knows when plans need changing, or just when a dry place to sit for a spell. I use the longer leg length version.
How long can you guys who use them actually sit comfortably on a nifty seat? Any problems with shifting?
I'd probably put it next to a tree, fall asleep and fall off of it right when a deer shows up. At least it wouldn't be far to fall.
QuoteOriginally posted by jcp161:
How long can you guys who use them actually sit comfortably on a nifty seat? Any problems with shifting?
I'd probably put it next to a tree, fall asleep and fall off of it right when a deer shows up. At least it wouldn't be far to fall.
:D :D :D
Sounds like somethig I'd do!!! :scared:
A couple of years ago, I was injured by a rough knuckle head of a chiropractor. I could still shoot but was very stiff and clumsy, I absolutely needed to be braced against a tree with my Nifty seat. Wouldn't you know, a nice eight pointer came in from the wrong way. When I spun I lost my back rest. At 15 yards I attempted to shoot, instantly lost my balance as I reached anchor. I attempted to dump the arrow away from the deer as I was falling, but still clipped a tine. I still use the Nifty seat when I am not sure I will end up, but I am more careful about placement and my balance. When I use tree clusters, I use a Gorilla strap on, and when I hunt brush, or have my Bush in a Bag, or junipers, I use my Huntmore.
Roger,
I just received my "back-up" Nif-T-Seat from RPM. Don't know how many more/how long they'll be available, so just in case......
Can you post the RPM info or PM me with it?
I've used milk crates in the past on property where I could leave them without an issue. That won't work in the National Forest.
Pavan, I made a seat one time from a failed Torges seat experiment. I set it up so it would take a short dowel that had a metal spike inserted. The dowel held the seat about 8 inches off the ground with the spike holding the seat in place by being inserted into the ground and using a tree as a backrest. That's how it was supposed to work in theory.
In reality, it worked like your Nif-T seat after rough chiropractic treatment.
And that's why I hunt from a seat pad on the ground...
Here's their home page.
http://www.nifftseat.com/information.htm
I have several butt pads that I clip to my belt. A log on a hill side is more comfortable with a bit of padding. I can shoot any length of bow sitting on a hillside with my back against a support, as long as I am shooting down hill or forward with the bottom limb on the down hill side. A simple pad makes this much more comfortable, if there is not a flat spot for me bum, I make one.
I tried short bows and sitting on the ground. I cannot shoot short bows good enough to trust myself with them.
I think I just had an Aha moment.
I honestly never consciously thought about picking a spot to sit where I could use the terrain to my advantage and accommodate the bow length. Plenty of hills where I hunt too that could make it work.
Checked the Nif-T seat site. Can't, or won't, do $87 for a seat. Back to the drawing board on that one.
I'd say your hunting seat is one of your most important pieces of equipment. I've been hunting from the ground now for about 10 years out of 30. I've amassed an assortment of seats. Home made wooden nifty seat, small metal folding camp chair, Waldrop PAC seat, Torges seat, small folding plastic foot stool. All of which position me sitting from 11 to 16 inches off the ground. In all cases I use my 60 inch recurve. I cant my bow to about the one or two o'clock position. Same thing from the kneeling position. I usually have very little issue with clearance. In some cases I actually shoot better from a kneeling and shooting position. Not really sure why. I also practice from a shooting and kneeling position regularly. Almost as much as from a standing position.
A seat for a ground hunter is as important as a tree stand is to a tree dweller. You need to seat comfortably and silently for hours on stand. Don't take them too lightly.