Finding a Traditional hunting Set -up

[Hickrylb]

I ve been reading alot more the last few days on this forum ,and I Think more as a Trapper because I do alot of it ,so in reading lots of posts I see that in years past I've been sitting in a normal gun hunter or compound hunter long range HUNTING senario , and the way I think as a Trapper I try to get my qaurry as close as possible to my set ,but in years past in my  Bow HUNTING I've been going at it wrong ,,, ive been too far ,so now I'll ask do you make your Traditional bow hunting setups so that the max range expected is 20 yards ? And if so are most you guys treestand or ground sitting hunters?

[J. Cook]

Well there are lots of answers to your questions.  Learning to read the LA d and how that effects natural deer movement is the key for me.  Find pinch points and natural funnels that will get the deer's natural travel route close enough for a shot in your comfort zone.

Also...and this is key, give yourself good cover' whether on the ground or tree.  Limit your shot windows and pay super close attention to the wind.

These are the keys to my success - in highly shortened form.

[MCNSC]

I like to set up for about a 15 yard shot, 20 is pretty much my max comfortable range. Shot my best trad buck a couple weeks ago at about 6 yards from a stand about 10 ft high.  I don't climb as high with trad equipment because of the close ranges I expect to shoot at, keeps the shot angle better.

Most everything I shoot is between 10-15yds. A few closer, and a few a little farther. I can't remember the last time I took a shot at a critter at 20yds or more???

Bisch

[Tajue17]

I try to be as close as possible got two this year so far one @ 10yds and 1 @ 5yds.... thing is it can be more harder too I sit as still as possible and listen with my ears,,, if I hear them they usually are within range(unless its cold crunchy leaves)

I try to set up where its thick,,, my favorite is about 10' up a tree that has a small young 8-10' pine growing about 3' form it, I turn my stand so its in between them at the right height and trim enough off the pine to not interfere with my bow..

finding a tree growing in thick brush is nice too,, 6' up the tree you'll find when you stand its like shooting over the top of a natural blind.

I'd say we think a lot different than rifle/compound shooters.

[old_goat2]

Deleted by me! Responded to wrong post! Cheers

[dbd870]

I use stands and ground, Pattern the deer and set up accordingly. I go for thick cover if I'm on the ground. 20 is max for me as well, and I try to get where it will be more like 10-15. About 17 is as high as I will go and 14-15 is more common now for me as I'm thinking I don't want too harsh an angle.

[finkm1]

I made the mistake when I first went totally Traditional of setting up too close, within ten yards from a runway. Now I set up for a shot of around 15-18 yards. I set up a treestand in my yard and practice different shots at a 3D buck. Lots of practice and confidence in your ability will go a long way. This season I blew a chance at a nice 6 pt by waiting for him to get a little closer before I was busted. Its always a learning process.

[Petrichor]

Both ground and stand I am confident on range to 25 but I don't think I'll shoot at critters longer than 15 out 20.

[damascusdave]

There is another option since sitting is not something I do well...I am a still hunter, admittedly a rather ineffective one...just something to think about since you will never get to be a better still hunter any other way than actually trying it...I just wish I had started when I was 27 instead of when I was 57

DDave

[woodchucker]

I know it sounds stupid... Sit STILL!!!  

As a Trapper, you understand that you use lures, terrain, debris, to guide your quarry to set it's foot in your trap. The trap, does not move!!! Read the sign... Set yourself up... and sit still!!! It'll happen!!!

[Hickrylb]

Yep,I was thinking make myself the TRAP ,get myself setup in a spot where they will meander within 15 yds then if I sit still enough I will be successful ,I do like the ground HUNTING senario  I really like my back up against a real big tree and a few lil cedars breaking my outline this year I will hunt different with my Traditional gear.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I spend most my time on the ground. I love still hunting & stalking the best, but you get busted a lot..... I spend a lot of evenings with my back against a stump or tree watching trails. Its a lot more challenging getting to full draw on the ground, but i love it.... What ever yardage you are comfortable with shooting with good confidence is all that matters.... Sometimes my distances change from one day to the next. if it feels good.... Do it!  if i second guess myself, or hesitate. i'm better off just passing.... that works for me.

[Jerry Jeffer]

I hunt from the ground, and I set up so most of my shots are about 20-25 yards. I try to leave open a 15 shot and a long shot 30-40 as well. Basically I take what I can get. This year I scored on two 10 yard shots and a 30 yard shot.