I use natural blinds the vast majority of the time. I hunt quite a bit on the ground with just a swivel seat and using the naturally occurring vegetation and trees. I do carry some pruning shears and a hand saw to modify as necessary, but I try to leave everything as undisturbed as possible and fit myself into the existing flora. I have two points to bring up. First, I try to hunt areas not normally hunted by other people, i.e. areas with no trees big enough to get up into, or treeless fence lines (which deer use very commonly as travel routes). I actually see more deer than I used to when hunting in tree stands. The deer are much more relaxed because, apparently, they have not been hunted in these areas before and tend to use them regularly. I have witnessed deer (especially older, mature ones) on a number of occasions walk nonchalantly across CRP or along lightly brushed fence lines only to stop at the edge of the treeline for long minutes looking and listening for any sign of danger. I also have found, in my experience, that the best natural blinds are the ones that have good background cover to break up your outline. I have killed deer from my stool with no front cover except 6-12 inch tall grass, but with excellent back cover. I am leaving for Kansas later this week, will try to take a few pics of my setups and post to illustrate what I am talking about. There is an excellent picture in this thread of great natural background cover in the form of a tree but not much for front cover. I try to do the same thing but in treeless or brushy environments. One last point of interest, if the wind shifts, the deer aren't moving, or you see a small buck scent trailing a hot doe along another fence line, it is a mere matter of getting up, moving to a new position and sitting back down. This is the way I do it and it has worked extremely well for me, but I make no claims as to it being the only way or the best way. Just food for thought.
Topic: Ground hunting... (Read 334 times)
