Ground Hunting

[anchorman]

I was wondering how many people hut deer from the ground and how successful have you been? Been thinking about doing away with the blinds and treestands. Do have some big deer and think it would be pretty sweet to take one ground level....

[fatman]

R U GOOD ENUFF?  

[wollelybugger]

Have killed a couple of bucks off the ground, it is a different way to hunt. The wind is a big factor and deer seem to pick out camo hunters better than turkey. I like to get back in the brush about five or ten yards so there is a lot of brush and cover in front and behind me. I hunt off a stool and try to get comfy because you have to sit really still for long periods of time.
  I am going to invest in a ghillie suit this year. I hope they are as good as everybody says.

[Recurve50 LBS]

I have been hunting on the ground for the past 3 seasons. I have a ghilly suit and use a Troges tree seat. The seat is pretty comfy and they are easy to make. Instructions can be found in the "How Too" forum on this site.

I have not killed a deer while bow hunting from the ground YET. But I have had many close encounters with deer. This season I had a red fox join me while I was sitting in a blow down. Last season I had turkeys get so close I could have reached out and grabbed one by the neck.

Several seasons back I shot and killed a coyote from the ground at 10 yards.

Ground hunting is WAY COOL!          

[Kingwouldbe]

It's definitely harder, but so is shooting a tradbow.

The reward for doing it the hard way pays double.

[Bob B.]

I have hunted off the ground for years both gun and bow ( wheelie and longbow).  I love the freedome, and challenge off theground.  At times you can hear the deer breathing, chewing acorns etc.  Eye to eye with a deer is so exhilierating!! It is difficult to draw and not be seen.  Ghillie suits are good, but basically, do not move, play the wind, use woodsmanship to anticipate your shot at your prefered yardage and what side of your body you prefer to shot from.

THE best way to hunt period!!

Good luck.

Bob.

[44charlie]

only way to go! i feel i have just as many oportunities if not more but it is definately harder to get off a shot. that said with experience you'll learn to never have your bow out of hand, see the deer first, setup for quarting away shots. it's less about camo and more about being a predator-moving slow planning ahead, and being very alert. good luck! and have lots of fun because that's what it's about fun! if you need venison it might not be the way to hunt, but if you want excitement it's the only way to go!!!!

[Deadbolt]

I hunted exclusivly from the ground last season and mostly stalks. Got close missed a few had the ol thumper goin good a few times they were so close but they pick you out in a hurry LOL.

Only thing I got last year was a yote at 6 feet...also depends where I'm hunting as well. Some areas I just can't hunt from the floor.

[dan ferguson]

If you asked the reverse question I would have to say I have never shot a deer out of a tree. I have taken alot of deer with bows, rifles and muzzeloaders all from the ground, but the terrain that I hunt is made for spot and stalk. If I lived in the swamps or forested mountains of the East my methods would change alot I,m sure.

[mcgroundstalker]

I'm not gonna beat up on tree stands or store bought blinds... They are very good hunting tools. But nothing beats hunting eye to eye with deer and turkey! That is what gets my heart rate going. Been at it for over 35 years with firearms. About eight with Trad Stuff. Hard Way is an understatement. Wouldn't have it any other way! Gotta Love It!

... mike ...    ...

[Onehair]

I spent one month on the ground a few years back. I just hung up a piece of camo clothe with clothes pins.That gave me more freedom to move. I did take a doe. I got impatient, got out of my blind, looked up the trail and here they came. Dropped to one knee behind a bush about 18" high. The lead doe came straight in and I stuck her through the brisket at 3 ft. She made a big circle and piled up almost in my blind.

[WindWalker-AK]

Mr. anchorman,
All of our hunting is from the ground.  Have never hunted from a tree stand.
Best Wishes

[Romans3]

I tried it last year for my fist trad season ever and didn't loose an arrow, but did have a buck 4-5 yards away for about 3 minutes. That'll get your heart thumpin. I couldn't shoot because he wasn't legal in PA. Now I live in NC and we'll see what this year brings.

[Jerry Jeffer]

I have been hunting the ground exclusively for many years now. When you get a deer walking up to you and you can see every hair stand on end when they know some thing isn't quite right and you are close enough to jump the thing....           Yeah, that's the ticket!!!  I won't mention the endless frustration of close calls.  Oh, I just did.       But then comes the pay off. Meat!

 

[OkKeith]

Lonnie,

I still hunt from my tree stands and pop-up blinds when the weather and the conditions dictate, but do enjoy hunting without.

I use a ghillie suit. They are not the end all and be all. You still have to watch the wind, be aware of movement and practice your hunting skills, but they are a wonder.

Here is a picture of my niece in my ghillie. Since she is not wearing a mask as well as the pants, jacket and hat, you can see her face.
 

I think they work great. Wear it while practicing from a sitting position to figure out where to trim it. Don't be squeemish about hacking off some of the strands on your bow arm. I missed a great deer the first year I had it because my string whopped all the way down my arm. That night I whacked off a double handfull of strands. No problems since.

Good Luck! Have Fun!
OkKeith

[redfish]

Been hunting on the ground now for several years and never had so much fun. Last time out last year I had a doe stalking me. Don't get many shots, but sure have a lot of fun.

[anchorman]

I have been on the ground and had deer within spitting distance.. I just want to set up and take one from the ground I think it would be th ultimate with a stickbow....

[Aeronut]

I decided to hunt only from the ground about six years ago.  I bought a Shaggy suit and love it.  At least once each year for the past five I have had deer close enough to touch.  This is while still hunting, no blind.  One doe blew snot on my leg when she realized what I was.  I drew back twice on a big buck this past year but couldn't quite get a good angle for a shot, within ten yards.

I had a Doghouse blind set up in the woods for using when it was raining but discovered yesterday that someone wanted it more than I.  Thieving Bastards!

Dennis

Oh yes, I have killed some deer from eyeball level.  The only drawback to that is you don't have a low exit hole to make as good a blood trail.

[Last of the Breed]

This past season I hunted with only my bow and only used a stand 4 times. Hunted about 120 to 145 Hrs total. First shot (all on the ground) at a deer was a 6 piont at about 4 yds, he caught me drawing (I missed as he jumped forward). Next was a doe at 15 yds, learned from the buck and made a good shot. Next was a nice 9/10 point at 10 yds, he was up wind and I could smell the musky smell of the rut, but my shot hit a small branch and went low hiting his off side leg. Hunting partner saw him two days later with a little limp but still walking. So for my first season going with the long bow only and pretty much always on the ground I am thinking of getting rid of the stand.

Anyhow I use a cabelas leafy suit, torges seat and nature.

[b.glass]

"...cabelas leafy suit, torges seat and nature."

Cool!

Bona
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