Ground Hunting, How to not be spoted?

[RT]

Hi, was doing some ground hunting cum stalking of hogs with traditional equipment................
Found a good spot where they are many trials intersecting and waited wearing camo clothing. The wind was in my favour and managed to see four groups of hogs pass by.

I had a few shot opportunity, 20 yards in, but as soon as i move/draw, they saw and ran off.

Do you think I woould have an edge if i was using a compound (draw before they came into range and shoot when in range) this will prevent them in seeing my movement....................

How do you guys out there successfully do this form of hunting?

[vermonster13]

You need something behind you and it doesn't hurt to have some cover in front of you that you can shoot over or through.

[Jerry Jeffer]

First, take the advice of Vermonster. Second, you need to work up to holding your draw a bit. Third, you need to know when to draw, and you have to do it carefully. I wasn't there, and didn't see what you did, so I can't say what went wrong for you. That's hunting. It doesn't always work out, ya know.

[madness522]

Good advice already given. Another thing to do is get your bow arm in shooting position so all you have to do is draw.  The rearward movement won't be as easily detected.

[Bjorn]

The above, and work on blending in. Spray the back of your bow with a matte finish, darken face and hands, get rid of neon feathers. Don't stare at the hogs-OK to have your face pointing at them-but don't eyeball them. Do 'everything' in advance so that the only thing you need to do is come to full draw.
Hogs will still know you are there; you want to reduce the level of threat that you present. With practice the encounters can get real close.

[Pat B]

If you can see their eyes, they can see you.   Pat

[Pete Darby]

Very good advice.  I also found that if you wait till the group of hogs is generally occupied with rooting around you can move slowly and they often don't notice.  The same with deer.  A slowly meandering deer with his head down feeding doesn't notice you near as quick as a deer in the same position that is walking with his head up.

[jeff / sc]

Hogs live by their nose, their eye sight is not as good as most other critters we hunt, BUT within normal bowhunting ranges, they are quick to pick up movement. All the info above is good advice. Hogs seldom just stand around eating as deer do, they are always moving around, just take your time and pick your shot.

[Roger Norris]

Bjorn said "work on blending in"...yep.

[The Whittler]

That's why they call it hunting and not shoping. Learn by your own mistakes, your the best teacher you got. Alan

[John3]

Great advice given above. I set up in a blowdown (or I make one)downwind of where I expect the animals. 100% of the time I let whatever "it" is walk PAST me. Then I draw on them.  I hunt deer this way and usually if they see movement the arrow has been released. Good camo, good cover behind and in front.  This works, I do it every season.

John III

[RT]

Great advise and tips here..................i have my fair chance of success too, but I think with all the advise given above, I have a better chance of being busted.................good hunting guys.

[Wudstix]

Good reading.  Put the wind in your face and move slow.  Move only when their heads are down.  I've taken about half my 30 Spot-n-stalk hogs from less than 12 yards.