My take on the ground game.

[Slickhead]

I noticed something funny the other day. I went out to work on a brush blind and I wasnt hunting (just adjusting limbs)
It was very windy in SE Ohio that day
My buddy had come out to look for me. I was thrashing around moving limbs making noise and he walked right by at 25-28 yards.
I had to whistle at him.
I was in jeans and a jacket.

I think deer only look at you, when they are looking for you.
If you can stay downwind and limit movement you'll benifit greatly
Although they move less, wind is your freind.
The ground game is fun.

[Tbilisi]

Who sells the spot 360 seat?

[D.J. Carr]

Nittany Rider - Don't setup on the trail, setup so you have a comfortable shot when they are on the trail.  5 yards is real close, and too close in my opinion.  Drawing on a deer isn't necessarily easy, but as long as you don't have eyes on you its not overly complicated either.

[Mac Hicks]

Todd Trahan is a new sponsor here.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=132921

Lot's of information in this link.

[Kc kreger]

Great thread guys.  Thanks for sharing your tips on the set up and blending in.  Since climbing down out of the tree 2 years ago I have not missed it.

I've actually killed more deer with a bow since I started hunting from their eye level.  For me at least I think it made me keenly more aware of what the deer are sensing and made me a better hunter.

Best of luck to everyone blessed enough to be out in the woods these next couple of weeks.

[joe skipp]

I've been bowhunting from the ground since 1975. Is there any other way to hunt....  

Takes time and patience, extra after season scouting to create new "Ambush" locations, learning to shoot more deer quartering away, learning how to time your draw so you don't get busted and the thrill of taking a deer in hand shaking distance at times.

Having a "backup" blind at a good spot in case the wind gets fickle and I took it to the extreme with my Camouflage. Took many black and white pics plus color to see what blends in the best and would work for me. Since 1986 my choice has been ASAT, Brown Woodland and Desert Camo.

I'm more conscience of masking my scent to/from my blind and when the pre rut and rut hits, being mobile on the ground allows me to pursue the animals and hopefully work my way in for a good shot. Being on the ground also allows me to create the illusion of deer chasing but raking the leaves, snapping a few small branches during my grunt sequences. Something you can't do from a tree.

Exciting, Rewarding and Frustrating but I wouldn't have it any other way.

[Tom Leemans]

I've tried about every blind set-up conceivable too, and the swivel seat with a back rest is a must for tired old bones. Being comfortable means moving around less.
I also learned to keep my eyes shaded. Something I was going to try this year but didn't, was to hang a length of that camo netting overhead to block out some of the overhead light and cast shadows over me. I haven't been hunting this year though, due to time spent working on the house and taking a a much needed vacation during the best two weeks of the season to visit friends down south. (I must really love my wife.) When I do though, I think I'll try the before/after photo thing.

[Rob W.]

Nittanyrider,
I'm not really that good of a shot so I like to stay under the 20yd. range. 12-15yds preferred.

Reading a deers body language and patience to let them walk past are the key. If they are feeding or the head goes behind a tree I time my draw accordingly. If they are a bit nervous I wait. Many times if they don't blow out of there off the bat they will present a quartering away shot.

Like others have said I like a fluid one motion draw from my lap if they are a bit spooky. If they are calm I have more of "regular"( for lack of a better term) draw.

I also always aim for the pocket. I don't think I have ever missed one low.

[Rustic]

Thanks Rob,
Good info and your pics look just like my hunting area.

[Altiman94]

There's definitely some benefits to hunting off the ground if you do it correctly.

Seems like you can get set up more quietly.  Could just be my perception but I feel like I make a lot of noise hanging my stand.

You can also hunt in areas where most other hunters wont think to go.  Most bow hunters want to be in a tree, so you can set up in areas without huntable trees and that gets you away from the pressure.  Definitely a benefit if you are hunting public land.

[Paul/KS]

I was sitting still under a cedar tree with brush piled in front this morning. On the edge of a hay field and a small wood lot keeping my face into the, south, wind watching the woods. Annnd the deer, a small spike then a doe and two yearlings, all came from the downwind side along the edge of the field.    
They did not leave till they scented me though they were looking at me. Keeping still is the second most important thing while hunting on the ground. IMHO...

[NittanyRider]

Thanks for the info!  I'll definitely be spending more time next year locating and preparing ambush spots.  I guess I kind of neglected to do all that I needed to do prior to the season... maybe spent too much time focused on gear and shooting.  Regardless, I've had a great time hunting with my recurve this year and I just can't believe it took me this long to start bow hunting... don't know what I was thinking!

[joe skipp]

A few photos of the Torges seat I use. My hunting buddy Mike Robin(Bamboo) built this for me. This is before I spray painted it camouflage.

 

 

 

 

[Covey]

Where's the after pics of the sexy camo job Joe?   :D

[cloudbaseracer]

Rob,

You mentioned wind which as we all know is the most important thing but I wonder if you find that you only go to your ground setups when the wind is stronger?

My areas seem to never blow consistent unless it is 10 mph or more.  I have also noticed that I prefer hunting when it is blowing as the deer are at a distinct disadvantage.

I really want to do more ground hinting but worry about messing up my location due to swirling wind.

Thanks,
James

[hickstick]

our archery season closed saturday and I was busy doing chores at my moms most of the day, but luckily my moms is right across the street from my best spot.      when I finished at 3 I threw my woolens on, ran across the street.   didn't think I'd have time to get to my treestand without making a lot of racket...so I found a nice big rock in a natural pinch, and cleared the leaves around it and sat.  it was a nice change from being 20' high.   I did have a deer come in, but the smart bugger waited til it was too dark.   and then it followed me out to the edge of the woods, lol.  

makin the old school new again  

I agree with Roger in that seeing deer, even if far off, keeps me on stand longer...and here in Mass with low deer numbers I can go all season not run out of fingers counting deer. so getting that long view has always been a key for me. I'll look for some spots with elevation for some ground setups the next few times out.