Tips for Hunting on the Ground

[kaizen leader]

I did this for 2 years before I got my climber…
First piece of advice - get a climber lol. It's not too late, they're readily available (used on FB or this forum if money is a limiting factor). I've seen 10x as many deer from a tree than I did on the ground.

Anyway, to answer your question. Comfort is key. Being at their eye level, you can't fidget. Whether that means a cushion on the ground or a chair up against a tree (what I did), you have to be comfortable or they'll see you before you see them. I would always set up against a tree wider than myself (both for comfort and to conceal silhouette). I would try to have some cover in front of me as well, but couldn't be blocking my ability to shoot. It's tough off the ground. People are far more successful than I was, but it is possible.

Good advice but if you don't want to use a pop up those cheep ground blind fences are good. They fold up small. I use a turkey ground chair backed up to a large tree and stake the fence in front of me. Works good but you still must move very carefully. Those ground turkey/deer chairs are very comfortable. I need to sell my climber. To much of a hassle for this old guy.

 

[Ski]

Just go do it is my advice. Start aggressive and you'll soon find out what you can and can't get by with. You'll be surprised. Every situation is a little different but often times you can be very close to deer without them knowing it. Being a predator is built in to you. You'll naturally be better at it than you might think.

 

[Jdd65]

Wow! I am so grateful for all the responses. All great info abs really pointed out some big mistakes I'm already making. I appreciate this community so much and I thank you all for the feedback. Can't wait to put all the info to good use.

 

[WTNBowHunter]

I would play the wind, like you mentioned, and setup how I would when turkey hunting. Would spend a little money to get a stake blind to cover movement and well as a turkey seat…something like camo netting that you can place around you to help hide movement and still allow you to shoot over the top of the net. Deer are trying to stay alive and will pick up on movement at eye level so anything you can do to hide your movement and stay comfortable to sit longer. Those are my thoughts.

 

[WTNBowHunter]

I just remembered this, funny looking back on it but was mad at the time. Had pics of a trespasser walking by my camera several years ago that me and a buddy nicknamed Harry Potter. This fella wore what looked to be an oversized cloak into the woods. We assumed he was using it to cover his legs once he sat down. Halloween is coming up so if you see any camo or drab colored cloaks online you better order it quickly.

 

[TnTurk]

I climbed down from the trees several years ago with the sole purpose of the challenge that ground hunting presents with a bow and arrow. I use a homemade ghillie suit stuffed in a backpack and a stool strapped on. I still have an occasional bad encounter, but this style has definitely made me a better hunter. Limit your movement to eyeballs only and position yourself for your expected shot. With that said, and I can't emphasize this enough, wind obviously is important, but thermals will reck your day if you don't understand how the move throughout the terrain. Sinking and rising thermals are no big secret, but how they are redirected due to the layout of terrain, trees, bluffs, creeks, etc. are crucial for success. When thermals change, you must change too or it's game over. It's not uncommon for me to move several times throughout the day, especially mornings, to accommodate this change. Milkweed wind floaters will be one of your most valuable tools you carry into the woods.

 

[Lost Lake]

I hunt from the ground quite a bit with firearms. With a bow, I much prefer to be in a tree, but have killed a few with bows with my feet planted on terra firma.

Try to take advantage of blowdowns, tree laps, or multi-trunked trees near deer sign whenever possible. Get tucked back in them and make a nest that allows you freedom to maneuver with your weapon of choice.

The hardest part for me has been when targeting specific deer when others are filtering through the area. If those deer show first, that's a lot of eyes and noses to fool.

The easiest times have been during the rut and bucks are less wary, when I've been after any deer.

Best of luck. Ground hunting is a lot of fun, and the true definition of "going in light."