Kayak Bucks

[david janssen]

Got up early today and took my Kayak down the Cass River for a float just to enjoy the colors.A half hour into ride and saw 3 bucks next to the river drinking.2 small bucks and a large 8 pt.They were only 30yds away.The land on both sides of the river are private where I was so I didn't take the bow.But It sure was fun just to see them.Anybody hunt out of a kayak or canoe this way?

David

[Autumnarcher]

Sounds fun. I often wondered if there were any float hunting opportunities along the Cass, or some of the other rivers in the thumb.

I do not have a kayak, or canoe right now, but hope to get one soon. I bet the paddle along the Cass would be fun.

[jhg]

I hunted many a buck in Maine that way. My favorite way to hunt and is also a great way to access a tract that usually gets pressure from the other (road) side.

Joshua

[whitebuffalo]

[katie]

My 2 favorite hobbies.  Just never put them together!

[razorsharptokill]

An Okie kayak.
 
 

[fantastixvoyage]

Not quite a float hunt but I stumbled upon a really nice thick area this weekend that is nearly impossible to get thru (I say nearly cause I did it in about 2 hours haha). Nice area with 10-15 deer beds, trails that look like highways, etc.  Plan is to get some of the hip boots common to alaska hunts and sneak down the creek that runs thru the middle of the area then cut in to intercept them on the way to/from bed.

Waterways seem to be a great way to get access to new areas.  I know during duck hunts many times I'd wish I had the bow as deer passed by just off the shoreline.  Go get 'em!!!

[Michael Arnette]

I haven't ever done a float hunt but I do like to use a kayak to get to harder to reach stands in thick bedding areas undetected well before first light. I think deer often dont expect threat from water depending on the area.

[Day Dreamer]

I had a similar set up as razorshartokill, 12 ft. flat bottom with an electric motor. Used sunday to get to a hard to reach spot from the road, thought I could get away from the crowd. It worked, didn't have to work up a sweat from a long hike with all the gear.

[razorsharptokill]

I need a trolling motor for this one. Its a ways back in there and these boats don't paddle well w/ just one engine.

[tradtusker]

Now thats a Sweet set-up Jim
very nice!    

[Roy Steele]

Have you ever seen delivence.I had a friend 3 years ago in Va squrril hunting this way ran into a meth lab and got chased.The people had guns but did'nt use them.

[razorsharptokill]

I was thinking the same thing Roy! Thanks Andy.

[pete p]

Kayaks are awesome!! the majority of my big bucks have come from areas that most wont go to due to access.  i have implemented a kayak this yr into my arsenal for sneaking up on big buck bedding areas.  i have an awesome spot...tore up with rubs the size of my legs.  i will set my blind up tomorrow and hopefully hunt it next wk. its about a 1/4 mi paddle. cant wait

[razorsharptokill]

Mine is about 1/2 mile. A trolling motor would be the bomb. Quiet and quick. The only other way into this area is rappelling down a cliff. I'd say its pretty inaccessable.

[WAC]

The old Bear Archery catalogs (1973 I think) had a picture of Fred Bear paddeling a canoe with a big buck in it. I still have the catalog in my shop. That pic kindled the flame of desire in a young mans heart like no pin-up girl could. I pesterd my dad till he bought an old run down Old Town canoe that was wood slats coverd with canvas. We replaced the canvas, painted it with forest green oil based porch paint, and went to town and bought me a 45# Bear Grizzly recurve. We spent our summers at a family cabin on the Muskingum river in southern Ohio. I floated the river that whole summer shooting ground hogs on the bank and I have hunted with a canoe ever since. Note I said with a canoe, not IN a canoe. In a lot of states it's illegal to shoot a game animal out of a water craft but there is no better way to access your stand and floating a deer is so much sweeter than dragging one!!!!!!!

[pete p]

damn Jim, just looked closely at your john boat and didnt see a motor...you are right, you need a trolling motor!! that must be a chore to paddle??!!

[maineac]

Shot my first archery deer ever out of a canoe.  I paddle quite often to get to places but it was a lot of fun actually shooting from the canoe after slipping up on her.  The big bull moose that came to the sound of her death run was an interesting bonus.  I would think it would be tough to tie a deer to the kayak for the return trip, and might be tough to shoot out of.