This will be my first bow hunt but I have a problem...no budget for a stand. I have scouted out an area on some public land that seems very promising and have found places I can sit in cover. Just wondering what people might think my chances would be from the ground??
I do 90% of my whitetail hunting from the ground. I rarely sit in a spot for more than a few minutes, however. Never had luck with it. My preferred style is spot and stalk, cutting the deer off as they move from feeding to bedding or vise versa. Obviously wind is your friend/enemy here.
You can do it. I have a little folding stool to pack in and use zip ties and brush to improvise blinds. I have never killed a buck from the ground with a bow, but have stuck a few does. I do like hunting from a stand, but sometimes a ground hunt is the best way. Also if your on a budget, hit up yard sales and classifieds ads and you can pick up a stand on the cheap.
Thanks guys. Every video I see is in a stand, I was getting a little discouraged. I have been checking Craigslist for climbers..
I like getting up in the air, but if you brush yourself in good I think it will work. I'm planning on putting my dad on the ground with a crossbow this year. Goodluck.
My .02. When your on the ground the cover behind you is just as important as whats in front of you. Have fun.
I shot a spike from the ground last season. Wind is always a huge factor but getting in/out clean is even bigger. I'm not sure what Wisconsin is like, but here in new England we have stone walls EVERYWHERE in the woods. They are perfect for hunting on the ground, I find. You set up behind them close to a trail and you don't have much to worry about, cover wise.
I do alot of still-hunting and I have what I call Ambush sites. On days with windy conditions or days with moisture I sneak into these spots and sit for a few hours then still-hunt to the next. I like to hunt this way because you can really get to know the land, where the deer bed and how they travel it. I also use treestands and sit in those more often during calm dry conditions. I shot this buck on the ground, but only because I learned of his bedding spot.
I shot my first buck from a natural ground blind. Make sure you stay nice and low behind your cover. I drew my bow from a low crouch on my knees and slowly raised up to make the 20 yd shot. Good Luck!
Nice! thanks. The area I have been scouting is pretty thick, but I have seen or heard deer every time. Just have to learn to move slower and quieter to get in there..
Go to menards or theisens and you can get yourself a tree stand for under $50 bucks! mine were both around $30, if you find a good spot on the ground you will be fine. And there are many hunts on the ground like pat reeve in primetime bucks 5 in kansas as well as many others. Good luck on the upcoming season brother! Hunt hard and hunt safe!
You can kill deer from the ground, no worries. Yes wind and weather dictate your success, but it can be done. The first 3 antlered bucks I've taken were all on the ground. Treestands will help your success, but inexpensive ones aren't the answer. Get some hunts under your belt and save your cash. One high quality portable stand is worth 10 cheap ones, both in comfort and ease of use. just my .02
Some of the best hunts I've ever had have been on the ground. Definitely the most thrilling type of hunting. It's more difficult than stand hunting but when you get everything right it makes for a very awesome hunt. Plus I have friends who spear hunt on the ground with objectives of getting a dear within 10 yards for a kill. They haven't scored yet but they have had very close encounters with deer. I say go for it.
Probably just as good as in a stand, but make sure to conceal any possible movement as you are obviously at eye level. Good luck!
I've taken 6 deer (two bucks) from the ground or sitting next to a tree so it is doable.the keys are wind,cover and patterning.I use a small stool or the trelax hanging seat and always brush myself in,its tough to do but very rewarding.Dont forget scent control and be quiet,good luck.
No, it can't be done !! Carzy talk if you ask me. If you still want to try it... expect to take very long shots. I mean very long !!! 3 yards 5 yards 6 yards for the doe / 31 yards for the coyote / shed was just icing on the cake. Still one of my favorite hunts. 12 yards 14 yards 15 yards 15 yards Tim
Thanks for the tips/support, they paid off! I tucked myself against a tree and sat on a gardening cushion..not sure I would recommend, I couldn't pull back until I was able to get up higher. He came within 15 yards and didn't even realize I was there for a minute. My first archery and public land hunt.
Kmaier, Since you're from Wisconsin, you may be able to take advantage of natural Hills/morains to ensure your scent remains above deer traveling between bedding and feeding areas. Bring something comfortable to sit on that allows to to stay low to the ground and set up 20 yrds down wind behind a blind/ natural tree and plug em once the walk by. The first time around, you will need to do some scouting; and it's probably best to go in around noon, so you have plenty of time to set up the ambush. Sometimes, getting up and looking around is actually better than waiting around and hoping they come to you. In most cases, deer will have a large range used extensively at night, but return to a fairly small area to bed. The idea is to head em off at the pass while there's still shooting light. Go get em! P.S. look for hilly or otherwise protected brown switch grass/sedge bedding areas.
