Shooting from the Ground

[jcp161]

I hunted from the ground most of last year and had to stick with a short (52") recurve to do it. I don't like carrying a folding seat and just use a pad that provides no elevation for limb clearance.

Does anyone have any suggestions or techniques they use to shoot a longer bow with the same setup? I have a 62" longbow I'd like to hunt with this season but can't get it to work from the seated position. Suggestions?

Thanks.

[CDorton]

Sometimes I practice shooting from the ground, seated, with my legs straight out in front of me. I lay the bow almost completely over on its side. I can actually shoot pretty well from that position. Other than that, I'm not sure. Maybe sit in such a way that you can get to your knees easily    

[joe skipp]

I bowhunt from the ground all the time. Use my 58" longbow and 60" recurve. Whenever possible, the Torges seat can be setup for any height, depending on my natural blinds. However, I always slip off to a kneeling position to make my shots.

[jcp161]

Thanks. I have a Torges seat and was actually going to give it a try. Just trying to keep what I carry to a minimum.

I can shoot my 58" recurve from sitting but usually plant the lower limb tip in the ground. I can't seem to make anything longer work with any consistency.

I know part of the issue is the way I shoot keeps the bow pretty much straight up and down. I've tried canting it but accuracy suffers. Thanks for the input.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Why can't you shoot a 62" long bow from a setting position? Most guys i know can shoot a 68" long bow off of their knees just fine... You need to practice shooting with a cant to your bow brutha...it opens up a whole new world of opportunities hunting from the ground.

[Bladepeek]

I have two knees that are bad - doesn't leave many good ones    

I have really learned to like my hammock seat. I can swing it quite a bit to either side for shooting. The height can be adjusted from sitting nearly on the ground to a higher position that leaves the knees just slightly bent. 'Course you do need a tree, but they have quite a few of them where I hunt.

[jcp161]

Kirkll,

Shooting from a seat or the knees with a 62" longbow, no problem.

Flat on the ground is a different story. I hunt seated on a seat pad with my back against a tree. Doesn't leave a lot of limb clearance. Still trying to figure out shooting with a cant without planting the lower limb in the ground. Not the style I'm used to.

I know. Change styles. Sigh.

[two4hooking]

You need to bend at the waist and cant that bow over at the same time.

[Uncle Buck]

cant if you can, if you can't cant and don't want to carry a seat, look for a cedar or other bushy tree that you can back into. I used to hunt standing next to a xmas tree like pine that had been hit by lightning on one side. deer never saw me there.

[reddogge]

Improvise, adapt, and overcome. You need to can't the bow period. I practiced once shooting off of my knees through a small hole in the bush at a target above me.

[CDorton]

As a bow hunter I believe I should practice shooting from every imaginable position that the field might throw my way. I want to be proficient shooting from angles that might be a little out of the comfort zone. We just never know what kind of situation we are going to find ourselves in. I also practice several different draw techniques and rhythyms.

[Stump73]

I use to use one if those turkey hunting seat that are about 6" off the ground, until I broke it.  I'm aiming on getting another one. It may work for you as well.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Originally posted by jcp161:
Kirkll,

Shooting from a seat or the knees with a 62" longbow, no problem.

Flat on the ground is a different story. I hunt seated on a seat pad with my back against a tree. Doesn't leave a lot of limb clearance. Still trying to figure out shooting with a cant without planting the lower limb in the ground. Not the style I'm used to.

I know. Change styles. Sigh.

I think i'd have problems sitting right on the ground like that myself. Besides that me bum gets cold sitting on the ground like that.....  

   I'd find one of those light weight tri pod chairs that you can slip in your pack bro. That's what i carry for an evening set.

[SELFBOW19953]

Try a Niff-T-Seat.  Small, light, self-contained, adjustable in height-5", 11", 16", 21".  No tree needed, pivots easily.  I love mine.  I can almost carry it in a cargo pants pocket.

 
 
 
 

[SKITCH]

That looks pretty interesting....and lightweight.

[jcp161]

I remember looking at these seats awhile ago. So popular you couldn't get one to save your life. I thought I read that the business took a hit during one of the big storms or went out of business altogether.

Are they still available?

[SELFBOW19953]

They have a website, but don't know if it's active.  There are comments left, but none after 2012.

[skunkhound]

I know the tree hammock was already suggested, and though I haven't tried it yet myself, the guys I know who use them really like them. I'm planning on getting one before deer season.
 I do agree with everyone who says to shoot with your bow canted. I can shoot my 68" bow sitting on the ground cross legged.

[jcp161]

Skunkhound,

I'd like to see a picture of that. Maybe I'm missing something.

Thanks.

John

[Slickhead]

try "the hunters seat"
Have to use a tree
But it looks like quick and easy set up