I love hunting from the ground. I love walking slowly and setting up behind laydowns. In fact I had a great hunt this year from the ground in late November. I slowly walked a thicket and caught movement high up on a hill. It was 1 or 2 bucks (couldn't tell)dogging a doe. I stalked up within 40 yards of them with a crosswind. I made good time but could not close the distance before they moved off the hillside. I am lucky to have killed 3 deer from the ground with my bow over the years and I wouldn't trade those memories for anything, they are priceless. I am hunting more and more from the ground each year. I love the simplicity of it all.
There isn't much as exciting as being on the ground with a nice buck 20 yards away. It's a thrill to be that close and not have him realize that you are there. Unfortunately for me, it was too much of a rush last season, I missed a nice 10 pointer, twice while on the ground. I got the worst case of buck fever I think I've ever had. But it was still fun none-the-less.
I do plenty of ground hunting. Took a really nice doe, last year. No blind -I prefer to see ALL of the woods.
Unless it was a 6x6 bull elk urinating on himself and bugling his ass off, or a hungry African lion looking for lunch, or a water buffalo trying to find the source of that smell so it can be pounded into the ground. I hear ya though. I didn't know what a tree stand was up until six years ago. They are a wonderful tool to have in one's repertoire. I look forward to using Russ' "pass around Yarra bow" on Monday to spot and stalk a coastal black bear. I might regret my decision ( ) but it something I want to try.
