Does anyone else ground-hunt only?

Blog on Bottom · December 31, 2013, 08:59:00 PM

For curiosity's sake, who else ground-hunts only for deer? Around here, I am the only one that I know of that does not climb a tree.
And...if you do only ground-hunt, do you use blinds only, still-hunt only, or a combination of both?
Hope you had a great season!

Jerry Jeffer · December 31, 2013, 09:09:00 PM

This is how I do it. I will also stalk if the opportunity arises.

Knawbone · December 31, 2013, 09:21:00 PM

I use natural ground blinds, or stand in front of large trees. Stalking is my favorite way to hunt when conditions are right. Sitting on the ground with no blind seems an improbable way to hunt. I do use tree stands also, but like and use whatever method is most fitting. I don't limit myself or my methods of hunting especially when it come to the weary whitetail.

marsh chicken · December 31, 2013, 09:22:00 PM

Do you use any type of portable roll up blind when you ground hunt and what about success rate compared to tree stand hunting. I was wanting to do the same thing in areas that did not have a good tree but wondered if it could be pulled off consistently on hard pressured whitetails

Mojostick · December 31, 2013, 09:27:00 PM

I now hunt exclusively from the ground. I used to climb trees for decades, but I know of too many people who've have accidents and I hunt with 2 cops and my neighbor is a nurse on the medevac chopper and, as the father of 4 and hearing all the horror stories from those who get called in on the 911 calls, I have zero need to ever climb a tree again to kill a deer when I can kill all I want from the comfort of the ground.

joe skipp · December 31, 2013, 09:58:00 PM

Is there any other way?

December 31, 2013, 09:59:00 PM

I put up a ladder stand, the compound boys respect your location if there is a stand, but they will kick a natural blind apart and put their tree stand there, thinking that they found a secret spot and claimed for themselves. I tie a ghillie net to the ladder stand, then they leave it all alone. Most of the time I hunt where the wind blows me for the day and use a poncho and natural cove, but I like to have a home place when the wind is right for it.

damascusdave · December 31, 2013, 10:07:00 PM

This fall I still hunted for mule deer in typical whitetail habitat...I got no shots but was within 15 yards of a mule deer doe and a whitetail buck...I just need to fine tune my skills next year...I even have a new bow being made for that type of hunting

DDave

PUDDLE JUMPER · December 31, 2013, 10:35:00 PM

Moving in that direction. I have always climbed like a squirrel but got careless last year. Starting an anti-inflammatory tomorrow for my shoulder.

Not the primary reason for ground pounding however. I just plain like it. I will use a stand where I think it makes sense. But 90% of the time a natural blind.

Matthew Bolton · December 31, 2013, 11:29:00 PM

I'm starting to lean more into it. I killed my first off the ground this season and I loved it!

Phrogdrvr · December 31, 2013, 11:34:00 PM

I'm a ground pounder!

Tom

TOEJAMMER · December 31, 2013, 11:57:00 PM

As am I.

Blog on Bottom · January 01, 2014, 12:17:00 AM

I've hunted exclusively from the ground ever since I spent 7 years photographing deer rather than shooting arrows at them. Magazines don't want pics from stands of course, so I learned to hunt from the ground.
Now that I've learned how to do it (after over 20 years of practice), I wonder how I ever tolerated the boredom and low sighting ratio of sitting in a tree.
If done correctly, roaming is by far the most productive way to hunt (in my opinion), but it isn't for everyone.

Blog on Bottom · January 01, 2014, 12:26:00 AM

Relative boredom, that is

Any time you're out in the woods, it's enjoyable...

Gray Buffalo · January 01, 2014, 12:45:00 AM

Yes I do. Love being on the same level with the deer

Thumper Dunker · January 01, 2014, 12:52:00 AM

Not really a deer hunter but when I go its on the ground with our black tails they can be here one day and ten miles someplace ells. That's the only worth while way to hunt coyotes.

Hot Hap · January 01, 2014, 01:47:00 AM

I put up two ladder stands this year and spent less than 15 min. in them total. Can't stand it. Also bought a ground blind put it up and never got in it.
Hap

johnnyk71 · January 01, 2014, 02:10:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Matthew Bolton:
I'm starting to lean more into it. I killed my first off the ground this season and I loved it!

Ditto!

Slickhead · January 01, 2014, 07:37:00 AM

i do and have been for 10 years
I broke down and bought a ladder stand but didnt use it but twice this season
I like the shot angle from the ground,plus its funner

Friend · January 01, 2014, 08:47:00 AM

A ground hugger I is.