Transition from tree to ground..

[pavan]

Having your back to the expected deer direction is the proper setup, but it is amazing how often the deer around here are never on established trails.  Just like the group of bucks that came past me the other day, six of them just moving kitty wampas across the side to the wooded slope.  I was taking a short cut to get a GPS fix on a line of illegal tree stands when I saw movement. i froze, some went to my left and some to my right.  I was wearing no cap, a white T shirt and bluejeans.  Give those bucks a couple of weeks and they will be a lot smarter.  The Torges seat is a very good tool, I have played around with various ropes to eliminate stretch and the rope squeaking on the bark.  They need time to settle in on certain trees.  You would think you could leave a cruddy looking Torges seat alone for a few days and it would still be where you left it, not here.  Another handy ground hunting tool, the Big Jim tree leaner seat.  On burr oak bark it can squeak, I put a pair of gloves on the top fork, one of these also needs an addition of a butt pad for my boney butt.

[Don Stokes]

When I used a climbing stand, I would sometimes take it off the tree and hide it close by, to keep from having to carry it. Now I only use ladder stands when not rambing. I hate carrying anything, so I sit anywhere I can shoot my bow. I carry a 1" foam pad I can get into my back pocket. Minimalist mentality. 

[David McLendon]

I use a ghillie quite a bit when it's cool enough, whole suit if I plan to still hunt, but if I have a place that I want tosit most times just the jacket and hood which I'll carry in. I have two suits that I made, one built off BDU which is way hot in the south and the other built off a bug suit which is cooler and handy for mosquitoes. I also have two Marc Anthony Bushrag suits, one that I use more than any other which I have further modified to suit my shooting and another kept new still in reserve which I have never used since they are no longer available.
 As far as moving and stillhunting, well that's where the learning curve comes in and you'll have to learn what works on your own. As far as sitting, what is behind you cover wise is more important than what is in front of you, and you are always on stage even if you don't see game, they may see you.
 It's a more enjoyable way to hunt for me and after the first season I was figuring things out, when stillhunting you become an active predator and I like that a lot more than sitting in a tree.
 This morning I took my first deer of the season moving between two spots that I had picked out to watch, had I not been out and on the move, I would not have crossed paths with him.

[Bisch]

When I used to be a serious tree hunter, I hated the idea of ground blinds. I then got a lease where there were very few trees big enough to place a stand, and was forced to the ground. While the view is much better from a tree, everything else is better in the ground!!!!

Bisch


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[Nole]

I really like the ASAT jacket that I purchased before last turkey season its lightweight and not too bulky.  I hunt in South GA and its pretty warm until late November.  Like others have said I do try to find back cover and hide in  the shadows when on the ground.  I also bought about 9 feet of duck blind material which rolls up and packs into a pullout bag to create cover if needed.  To go with my system I bought a Waldrop Pac Seat which is really comfortable to carry and sits great.  When the Push guys came out with their Alpha Pack this summer I ordered one to attach to the Pac Seat and so far the whole setup is really slick and packable.  Best of luck to you.

[Sam McMichael]

I have found that clothing is not the most important factor to consider. Being still and hunting the wind are by far the most important things to do when on the ground. Camo doesn't hurt, but any muted colors are very effective as well. I shoot 68" longbows and have no problem shooting while seated. As the knees get older, I don't even try to stand up to make a shot.

[RJonesRCRV]

Just an aside:

A Torges tree seat is pretty good for ground hunting: height adjustable, CHEAP, light weight, customizable, and it sets you up against a tree for back cover and back support.

[fujimo]

i swear by an ASAT leafy suit.
 i think the other ghillie suits work just as well, if not better. But the asat is light weight, doesnt stink- , easy to wash- and the under cloth options are limitless.
I have used mine in Africa, on the prairies in Alberta and now in the coastal Rainforests of North Western BC.
 i have found it works incredibly well everywhere- irrespective of surrounding colours etc.

i have had a Duiker so close i could have touched it with my hand.
had a Girraffe stare at me for half an hour , snorting and bobbing, not more than 15 feet away, and recently had a red tail hawk, set on my head, while i was sitting real still on my hunting stool , behind a log. It must have sat there for at least a minute- that was the closest encounter i have ever had.
had a skunk amble past me as well at about 2 or 3 feet- but i wasnt going to mess with it- i just watched

my shot distances on the ground range from 5 to max 12 yards, chasing these Sitka blacktails up here.

[Markp]

Good thread.  Years ago, I taped a reminder message to a coffee cup, which read "do not leave the spot, idiot."  The spot was a small 5-6 ft "ridge" on an island in Missouri, Howell Island.  I took a doe ground hunting, and slow-motion won that race.

This weekend, cleared out some shooting windows, and could have harvested an old doe at 8 yards, were does legal in Az.  Not into the camo thing,but been trying out ASAT.  The ASAT  and a buff over the face, hat worn low, and shadows were key.  Girlfriend shot down the small ladder stand idea, and I am now fully into ground hunting.  A shorter bow helps.

[Dave Paradowski]

I'll be wearing a ghille suit this year if I go hunting [health problem]. Had to trim it up some and it seems like it will work fine. Dave

[anchorman]

Thanks for all the info. I broke down and ordered me a leafy suit. I realize it's just another tool in the arsenal of things...appreciate all the good info

[Macatawa]

When I used a climbing stand, I would sometimes take it off the tree and hide it close by, to keep from having to carry it. Now I only use ladder stands when not rambing. I hate carrying anything, so I sit anywhere I can shoot my bow. I carry a 1" foam pad I can get into my back pocket. Minimalist mentality. 

ain't it funny how we change....the same over the years..

[Howitser]

Don't stink, don't move when yer quarry is lookin', don't make eye contact. Don't don't don't don't......but have fun😋
Beech brush leaves will die but don't fall much so there is brown screen in later season.  Good tips all around

[toddster]

Alot of great information here and advice.  I made the transition to the ground about 10 years ago, bad knees.  I will add this, I have used a guille suit that I built my self (military taught me), found that it wasn't needed.  For me nothing works better than, staying in shadow, with back cover, and little front cover.  I find hunting from the ground of course more challenging, but in my area more effective.  Let me warn you, you can not beat the view from a tree stand.  Woodsmanship, come's into play more to me hunting on the ground, to read sign.  Many get to inpatient because the view is not as prestine, and often get amazed at how deer just appear.  Once you figure out how to set up, it get's better.  Keep your string waxed.

[Tom]

I've hunted the ground for the last 5 or 6 years and like to keep the wind in my face and sun at my back. Like multiple tree bases and use a strap on lightweight seat which makes setting up fast and easy. Last two kills were 4 and 12 yards and never knew I was there. Not easy but sure is fun when you have something so close you can see eyelashes. Enjoy and blow off any frustration in your learning curve.

[Jon Stewart]

Been on the ground for a few years now. Love getting deer within 5 yards of me.  Your blind  is as important as your clothing. I wear generic camo, old Marine BDU pants and quiet upper camo. BUT my blinds, (on my property) well made. It is just as important to have your overhead covered  as around you. Not having overhead covered is like having a spot light shine on you.

[toddster]

Forgot to add, when it comes to camo, I am a huge fan of just regular ASAT camo.  I am convinced that it makes a huge difference on the ground with the final movement of the shot.  Have had several deer I harvest that was 10 yards in, that never knew I was there, and two turkeys.  Without any form of blind or other material, just ASAT.  Just my opinion.

[RedShaft]

Todd,
You using regular ASAT or leafy version?

[toddster]

Regular ASAT

[76Aggie]

This will be my last year of hunting elevated stands.  I already have some ground blinds but still have my tripods backed into a cedar tree or patch of scrub oaks.  Plan on getting a very comfortable light weight seat and a ghillie suit which will be modified.  I may also have to include an ASAT Leafy suit as well.  I sometimes think we get very comfortable with our stands, so much we lose our ability to adapt.  I want to use nature to my advantage and not have such a thing as a "wrong wind".  It all boils down to the fact that I will be 65 next season and I don't bounce as well as I used to.  I believe I can still handle falling out of a stool on the ground.