Ground Hunting

[GingivitisKahn]

I think my ground hunting success rate is near 100% in that nearly every time I've set out to have a fun time hunting from the ground, I've done so.  I've only killed one deer (and various small game) but hunting from the ground is a blast.

It's nice to have the option to still hunt when it gets chilly (or when the butt goes numb or whatever).  Buckeye_hunter is dead on about the thrill of close encounters - that's just too much fun.

Dang - I think I'm going scouting tonight.  :-D

[carlr2s]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. Everytime I think of giving up and giving in to just hanging a stand, I go to this and other threads for a confidence recharge.

[cam188]

I got my first deer last year hunting on the ground. It was with a wheel bow. I can't handle the hours of sitting waiting for something to walk by.

[SuperK]

Last year was my first year really hunting from the ground.  I did and still do have some ladderstands set-up on some proven spots but I total replaced my climbing stand with an Apachie ground blind.  It is a different ballgame so to speak, but very rewarding.  Like everything else, there are pros and cons (based on my observations)
PROS:  Very easy,light and quick to set up.  If the wind changes you can relocate in a flash.  Lots more comfortable on the ground than in any treestand that I have ever used.  Make sure you have good cover behind you to break-up your outline.  I shoot better from a solid sitting or kneeling position than I do from a shifting, climbing stand.
CONS:  You can get away with a lot more movement up in a tree than ground level.  You can see farther from a tree stand.  This lets you get ready before the deer comes in.  One of the biggest problems I had last year was rushing my shots!  When you are down there on the deer's level I often thought I had to shoot sooo quick that my form got sloopy.  It is quite a rush and  easy to "loose your cool".
Get the book "Stalking & Still Hunting" by Fred Asbell.  Good stuff in it.

[WidowEater]

still hunting between two crop fields along a wooded lane.  Can see game in the fields then move into position as they come closer to the lane.  Use the trees for cover.  This is the best way to hunt where I am at.

[mrkbsm]

I've been shooting bow for 3 years, and have hunted 2 deer seasons (and 2 fall turkey).  All of the hunting I've done is ground hunting, and I've been within 12 yards of deer both years on more than one occasion.  Take time in an outdoors/sporting goods store finding some earth tone, flexible soled hiking shoes.  That helps get rid of the clunk of boots you might otherwise have.  Look for hunting clothes that will be as quiet as possible when scraping past branches (scrape your fingernails across them as a test).  I've had decent luck stalking up to, maybe even along, popular deer trails - then find ground cover or pine trees that will make good natural blinds and start with a grunt call and move to a different spot as necessary.  Practice shoots both kneeling and sitting.  
Those are just some initial thoughts, I'm sure you will get plenty more advice!
Good luck!
Mark

[Daddy Bear]

Some appear to make hunting from the ground sound as if it is diametrically opposed to hunting from a tree. I look at it differently and consider both methods worthy of learning to be part of your archery skill set. Why would you limit your options.

Nothing is foolproof when it comes to tactics and techniques, for every strength and asset you'll always find a weakness and deficit. The best use of any such tactic and/or technique is to understand such strengths and weaknesses so that you can best exploit your strengths while taking advantage of your preys weaknesses. Even then, it often boils down to stumbling into blind luck while having the whereforall to capitalize on such a fortuitus event.

Bottom line, the better you understand the habits, tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses of both you and your prey...the better you will be able to utilize tactics and techniques to your maximum advantage whether it be from a tree or from the ground. Don't expect great results if you are blind and aimless in the woods, be it from a tree or on the ground.

Daddy Bear

[carlr2s]

Great posts. Keep 'em coming.

[Ron LaClair]

Hunting from the ground today is viewed as something unique. I bow hunted deer for 30 years from the ground before I even bought my first tree stand. I remember it well, it was a Baker climbing stand and it should have been called "The Trap Door"     :rolleyes:  If you weren't careful and didn't keep your weight on the outside of the stand, it would drop out from under you. I think I've still got a scar on my belly from the first time that happened.

Stalking a deer in his own living room is tough if not at times impossible. To improve the odds, try it on windy days when any sounds you may make are muffled by the trees and brush rustling in the wind. I particularly like hunting in standing corn fields when the wind is blowing, in fact, the windier the better.

Ground blinds are excellent, especially if you use a natural blind that may only need a little touching up to conceal you. I once shot a deer from 7 yards hiding behind a stump that had a small fir tree and some ferns around it. My back side was open but I was concealed enough from the front that the deer never knew I was there when it came down the well used trail.

Just remember to always keep the wind in your face and you'll do fine.

Here's a buck that was taken on a windy day in a corn field.

   

Nancy in her ground blind last fall.

   

[hockey7]

I had success last year, and in the past, by sitting in hedgerows between bean, or corn fields. I use a collapsable seat, full camo, and sit back in the row so tall weeds are in front of me. I'm near the woods, so the deer come out to feed quite close. If the wind is in the wrong direction, I'll adjust my position so I'm downwind of where I think the deer will come out of the woods. Been fooled quite a few times, but that's part of the game. I enjoy seeing wildlife even if I don't get a shot. By sitting quiet, I've had skunks walk by at 6ft, and squirrels running at my feet, between my legs.

[OkKeith]

Carl
Hunting on the ground is really not much diffrent than hunting in a stand, just at a lower elevation. All the same methods apply. Be aware of the wind, blend in with your surroundings, avoid noise and movement and be ready when the time comes to make a shot.

I like hunting on the ground, although I do use stands as well. I think hunting on the ground can give you more freedom to hunt various spots without a lot of planning ahead. Wind changes, make a move...weather gets crappy, make a move. No worries about wether or not a stand location will work or is-or-ain't in the right place. Ground hunting, especially without a pop-up blind (just you your bow and a seat) is about as free wheelin' as you can get.

I hunt stands, I hunt blinds, I still hunt, and sometimes I just pick a spot, pile up some brush behind me and plop down on my seat. Simple, effective, easy...and enjoyable.

All that said, if you don't think ground hunting is getting the job done for you, do something else. Don't get all balled up on one technique just because you think it is MORE traditional or MORE better because somebody said so. The hunting thing is supposed to be enjoyable...have fun.

Good luck!

OkKeith

[44charlie]

when i'm scouting and find a good spot i like to prep it a little maybe cut a few twigs and kick out a spot to sit. many times i never use half the spots i setup but half the fun for me is dreaming about the hunt.
ground hunting try it you'll like it!

[buckeye_hunter]

OKKeith has a good point.  Ground hunting should be fun.  If you don't think it is, then by all means find another route and don't let us talk you out it. I still have my climber trestand and might just pull it out someday, but no time soon! I like to move too much.

Do what works for you.
-Charlie

[carlr2s]

I know the other method. I have 4 portable treestands right now. I have shot deer from 3 of them. One of the things I don't like is practicing with my longbow from an elevated position. With a compound, it doesn't matter much what angle you shoot, so you don't have to practice much. I put my Lone Wolf up in my back yard and it's a lot of work to just practice. I know, I sound like I'm just plain lazy.

I'm going with the best advice, and just have fun. Thanks again for all the replies and Ron thanks for the pictures.

[OkKeith]

Good on ya Carl!

Just have fun! I understand what you are saying about practicing from an elevated shooting position. It can be bothersome to set something up. My feeling though is that you don't have to EXACTLY duplicate your stand situation to get in some good practice. I have a fairly tall A-frame type ladder I use to practice from. I use really large landscape spikes to stake the feet to the ground, and use 2 buckle-straps to guy out on the sides (again using the spikes). I stand on the third rung from the top and shoot a few sets each night starting 2 or 3 weeks before season. I use this to "tune-up" after long periods of ground hunting when I know I will be in a stand in the near future.

I have a very good friend, who is not quite as civilized as most folk, who practices from the roof of his house. He takes several dozen arrows up and has 2 or 3 targets to shoot at, so as to minimize his up and down. Looks kinda goofy to his neighbors, but he gets great practice from several angles by walking up and down the eaves. This fella is a professional arborist and climbs stuff for a living, so I'm not really recomending this, but you get the idea.

If your shooting form is adequate, and you bend only at the waist, you ought not have too much trouble switching from ground level and stand level shooting.

Have fun, good luck!

OkKeith