Hunting From Ground

[Vinny_HC]

In an effort to be mobile I was interested in hunting from the ground. I see a lot of guys hunt that way on this forum. How do you guys hunt from the ground and not get busted when pulling your bow back?

[coyotekiller]

Draw early and when they are not paying attention

[Vinny_HC]

Are you leaning against a tree or something similar when set up?

[35Whelen]

I started using the Shaggie Shield from Rancho Safari, I like it, lightweight, self contained and easy to setup.

check out http://ranchosafari.co/?product=shaggie-shield

it is not for everyone, I hunt with traditional bows it gives me concealment when I start to draw..

[Gunfighter]

Usually i have stalked up to the animal behind some form of cover.
Draw while behind that cover and side step to clear shot

[L.O.S.T.Arrow]

Try not to be in a hurry...animals get distracted...birds a coyote howl...other animals..feeding etc...take your time and wait for the draw and shot using as much cover as possible...with my elk this year other elk distracted him and he had no idea of my draw or shot...

Neil

[blackmamba]

neil nailed it .. the biggest thing is to move as slow as possible anf have a ton of patience.. try to put ur self in a position where u have time on your side , the minute you start to rush things is when u get busted .. wind is the biggest thing to have on your side ..

[gumbo2go]

You could always go the route of hunting from a ground blind or tent!

[dark_archer]

Originally Posted by gumbo2go

You could always go the route of hunting from a ground blind or tent!

I agree! Can't go wrong with setting up a blind near a heavily used trail, even if its just made up of some bushes and bigger branches.
But spot and stalk is the way to go if your terrain and surroundings allow it.

[coyotekiller]

Originally Posted by L.O.S.T.Arrow

Try not to be in a hurry...animals get distracted...birds a coyote howl...other animals..feeding etc...take your time and wait for the draw and shot using as much cover as possible..

Neil

x2

[Vinny_HC]

Originally Posted by dark_archer

I agree! Can't go wrong with setting up a blind near a heavily used trail, even if its just made up of some bushes and bigger branches.
But spot and stalk is the way to go if your terrain and surroundings allow it.

I agree that Ground Blinds work, however my concern is portability. Ground Blinds have to be set out way in advance for deer to get accustomed to them don't they?

[colour86]

not way in advance. mine was out a week and i had deer walking by not even stopping for a look anymore. definately takes a few days/ a week or 2 depending on location/ how well its brushed in.

[Sledhead71]

Always spend the time to brush them in...

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by Sledhead71

Always spend the time to brush them in...

See you left a tripping hazard on the ground and that buck fell over it!

[J D]

Still hunt very slowly I spend more time not moving than moving.

If you don't want to haul in a ground blind just use what is naturally there. Dead fall, stumps, trees, and bushes. Sometimes I cut branches and help cover my spot a little better. Been under 10 yards from game many times just hiding in what is naturally there.

If the country allows for it spot & stalk just don't push too fast when trying to sneak up. Whenever possible let the animal come to you for the last bit of the stalk. Have had lots of luck cutting off animals in there travels.

The biggest thing just go out and do it and find what works for you

[Vinny_HC]

Originally Posted by J D

Still hunt very slowly I spend more time not moving than moving.

If you don't want to haul in a ground blind just use what is naturally there. Dead fall, stumps, trees, and bushes. Sometimes I cut branches and help cover my spot a little better. Been under 10 yards from game many times just hiding in what is naturally there.

If the country allows for it spot & stalk just don't push too fast when trying to sneak up. Whenever possible let the animal come to you for the last bit of the stalk. Have had lots of luck cutting off animals in there travels.

The biggest thing just go out and do it and find what works for you

Good advice.

[ASAT Hunter]

Yes good advice don't forget wind in your face - important

[freeride]

I set up close to trees to hide behind. But i wait until the animal has his head behind a tree or a tree blocking his vision. If I cant see his face he cant see me. That allows me more movement to draw. Of course thats in a perfect hunting world that it works out like that all the time.

[Marko]

Originally Posted by Sledhead71

Always spend the time to brush them in...

Not to derail, but what do you use to "brush them in" in winter time? Snow? More branches then normal? White fabric?

Mark

[Preux86]

I'm only been Bowhunting 2 years. Spent weeks in tree stands with great signs on trail as well as my trail camera. Never got lucky till I started hunting on the ground. Got close to 7 whitetail does this year. Supplementals weren't good in the zone I was in. Got a small mule buck kneeling in waist high grass at 15 yrds.came in with a group of 3 does. First bow kill.First mule buck. I'm now convinced hunting from the ground is my forte.

[L.O.S.T.Arrow]

Originally Posted by Marko

Not to derail, but what do you use to "brush them in" in winter time? Snow? More branches then normal? White fabric?

Mark

All the above works brushed in and fresh fallen snow on that is awesome...

I have a "rollin blind" that blends in well...lol



Little hard to shoot the bow out of thou...lol


Neil

[Sledhead71]

Originally Posted by Marko

Not to derail, but what do you use to "brush them in" in winter time? Snow? More branches then normal? White fabric?

Mark

I have a couple of older blinds that are sun bleached that I will use if necessary... I try to have everything set up mid summer so they become part of the landscape.

I have stabbed in late season and used what ever is available, typically its a lot tougher to blend but they work none the less..

Here is a late season log style build using dead fall from this area..

[Stinky Buffalo]

I have to say, that truck does look awesome, Neil...

[J D]

Originally Posted by L.O.S.T.Arrow

All the above works brushed in and fresh fallen snow on that is awesome...

I have a "rollin blind" that blends in well...lol



Little hard to shoot the bow out of thou...lol


Neil

I think you need to bush in that blind a little better it still sticks out too much

[SportHuntingHelp]

Something I do with new blinds is put some water and dirt in a bucket. Mix it up and brush it on my blind and let it dry. Helps get rid of the shine and helps blend. Just my opinion.

[L.O.S.T.Arrow]

Here is my wifes truck with a little winter camo netting...lol
Just shows how effective even a little netting can be...stick that in the trees and it would dissappear...

Neil

[Bonescreek]

All right Neil, I have to ask.

That's a great camo job for the NW. Buts What in all get out is the two lines
from the trailer doin?

110? for power ?
Tele for phone ?
Closeline for dryin ?

What gives ah?

don't tell tell me let me guess,
your all set up to dry hides riout?
Come spring you know.
Bever an alll that.


I expect a wonkin' from the misses come
mornin' don' cha know.

Gotta say your truck is dang good.
But the homestead may in fact just out do it.

[russ]

Originally Posted by Vinny_HC

I agree that Ground Blinds work, however my concern is portability. Ground Blinds have to be set out way in advance for deer to get accustomed to them don't they?

Is 5 minutes long enough? I've had good deer in range same day as I set up my blind. I've also had a blind ruined because I thought it was a good idea to let the game get used to it and all I achieved was needing to buy a new blind.

[Vinny_HC]

Originally Posted by russ

Is 5 minutes long enough? I've had good deer in range same day as I set up my blind. I've also had a blind ruined because I thought it was a good idea to let the game get used to it and all I achieved was needing to buy a new blind.

Wow. I will keep that in mind.

[High_N_Wide]

If your blind is long term I don't think it matters what it is covered with or even what color it is. The animals will become comfortable with it being there. However not having the extra cover around it will make your movements inside more noticeable.

Good Luck.