Trying to get it done on ground TOUGH!!!!

[South MS Bowhunter]

Keep at it Darin! You got to represent for the guys deep down south!

[refugerambler]

I've been trying from the ground here on Wheeler refuge and it is hard! Might see ya at seven mile island, Darin, I hunt over there some myself.

[darin putman]

Thanks John, I traded one climber for my crooked stic and sold another to a guy at work so I plan on keeping on trying got to admit I catch myself looking at them but not yet, I really do love heading out with bow, quiver and haversack simplicity at it's best!!

[ALwoodsman]

I lived in Florence for a while and hunted Freedom Hills WMA.  I enjoyed that place.

[mrjsl]

I try it all the time. I have killed deer still hunting and have snuck up on some, but it sure ain't a way to fill up the freezer in a hurry.

This year on the 3rd day of bow season I spent better than an hour within 60 yards of 3 feeding bucks, one of which was a 150 class 11 or 12 point. When they moved I moved - trying to get a shot. I got within 30 yards at one point, but never had a clean shot close enough. One of the best hunts I've ever been on, even though I couldn't close the deal. Sneak hunting is a rush.

[refugerambler]

I've hunted freedom hills several times, it's about an hour and half from the house, just hard to make it over for a day hunt! Good hunting though.

[Overspined]

The Asbell book on still hunting and stalking is actually pretty good.  A lot of good tips and makes you think!   I think it's worth a read.  I've killed them over the years on the ground.  Once in an open hardwood i stalked head on from 140 ish yards to 20 yds of 3 bedded deer, 2 mature, using the tips I learned.  I killed that sapling in front of that deer by splitting it in 2.  That was an amazing experience.  The look on her face when she recognized me as human or a threat was one I'll never forget.

[TxAg]

It is tough!  I've been doing it myself lately

[bicster]

I have also spent most of my season on the ground too. I have had many close encounters but haven't had a good shot opportunity yet. Good luck!

[ripforce56]

I only hunt on the ground, havn't had a shot yet this season, but I have seen plenty of deer! Background cover and wind direction seem to be the 2 most critical things! I always have cover behind me seems to make a real differance when they are close, I too have been wearing wool, plus keeping your face covered ala paint, mesh head net is critical as they seem to zoom right in on the exposed skin! Now with all that being said still damn hard to get a  draw on them even if all things go as planned!

[mdwatts]

darin, thanks for posting.  It seems you have what it takes and I have that gut feeling we'll be hearing of your first ground harvest in the near future.  Stay with it man!

[bowhuntingrn]

Haven't hunted as much as intended this year, but it's been exclusively from the ground for the first time. I had my first close encounter the other day, unfortunately not with a deer, but with what appeared to be a very mature coyote. It really surprised me because of course, it came from where I least expected. Came from directly down wind and within about 7 - 8 yards. I just sat frozen when I initially heard the foot falls until it was by me enough that I could ease my head around to see what was walking behind me. No shot was possible, but just having a mature predator like that pass by so close and never have a clue I was there was a real confidence booster.

[Bill Turner]

No one ever said it was easy. At least I hope not. But boy what a rush. Keep at it. Sounds like your well on your way to being a successful ground hunter. Good luck and "Keep'Um Sharp".  

[Bjorn]

Stick with it. Magic is on the way as your skills come together.      

[Swinestalker]

Learn to draw s-l-o-w-l-y and you will shocked what you can get away with. I also adapted what I call a chest draw for very close range that does not give much of a human profile.

[DeCurry]

Try to setup with some shooting lanes so you can draw behind cover and shoot through a gap; usually requires some pruning or placement of cover (limbs and other brush).

Most experienced people I talk to recommend letting them pass you, then getting a rear quartering away shot.

[darin putman]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement, indeed it is a rush and very satisfying just to be that close at ground level. I find that I'm learning a lot more about the animals I'm hunting by taking it to the ground, especially what I can and CAN'T get away with. I still can't believe how close they can get and not see you just by having cover behind you verses in front of you, this truly amazes me!! Can't wait till it all comes together and the magic happens but untill then I'll just keep enjoying the hunt!!

[Stumpkiller]

Originally posted by Swinestalker:
Learn to draw s-l-o-w-l-y and you will shocked what you can get away with. I also adapted what I call a chest draw for very close range that does not give much of a human profile.

Yes.  And also learn to draw and release in one swift movement.  

The most important thing is that when you decide to shoot . . . shoot.  There will be no perfect opportunity, but there will be the perfect moment when the arrow is released and strikes where it should.

[Arwin]

Ground hunting is AWESOME!! I've only taken one deer from the ground, everything else from a tree.

One of THE BIGGEST bucks I have ever had the opportunity to loose an arrow too, was on the ground in the middle of a cattail swamp.
I missed right over him, too much adrenaline and unsure if the rut crazed beast would try to gore me.

[darin putman]

Well I've had a lot of time to spend thinking about it. Have looked at a few stands and decided to give it another shot this year. Boots at the ready,new set of 8x42 power leupolds, great new leather side quiver that I got on a trade, surewoods stained crested and fletched up with turkey feathers donated by friends split and ground by me, tuned to my bow,   a few more still in the works, almost ready. Waiting on October 15, when once again I will be trying to take one from the ground, call me hardheaded but I've learned a lot the last two years and to take it to the trees now would be me just wanting a kill, that's not me. I want to apply what I've learned and try it again, then if need be the trees will still be there. Untill then practice, practice, practice and maybe it'll all pay off!!