How to Bowhunting Without Tree stand
redzwan12Introduction Bowhunting Without Tree stand
While tree stand hunting has been touted as the be all and end all bow hunting method due to the superior vantage point, you can still hunt using other ways that are just as effective. This article will explains about how to bowhunting without tree stand and as a hunter you must know how to hunting without depends on tree stand. Tree stand will provides right angle if you want to hunting but you can also hunting from the ground. It is hopes that this article will provide guidelines about how to bowhunting without depends on tree stand.
The most effective ways of ground stand hunting include using natural blinds, still hunting, and spot and stalk hunting. These are unencumbered methods that if done correctly can be just as good if not better than getting a tree stand, which ties you to a tree and location. Here is how to bow hunt without a tree stand.
Natural Blinds when Bowhunting Without Tree stand
In the years before portable blinds became popular, the only way bow hunters used to conceal themselves was through natural blinds, Natural blinds came in the form of thick stands of brush and foliage, rock outcrops, and downed trees. Natural blinds are a viable alternative if you do not have a tree stand. In fact, many legendary hunters such as John Christainer who has killed more than 30 whitetails swear by it.
Natural blinds require that you use natural undergrowth and camouflage to conceal the human form from the deer. You can set up about 20 yards from the funnel or path frequented by the deer and significantly improve your chances of shooting deer. At its core, the ground blind is very similar to the technique employed when using a tree stand. You set up a blind in a strategic location, taking into account traditional travel and wind patterns.
The best thing about natural blinds is that they can typically be set up in minutes as you will be using natural outcrops or materials such as rocks and twigs. For instance, if you are in a cornfield, you set up with cornstalks, if you are setting up near a cedar tree, get some cedar branches to cover the surrounding area. You will only need enough to break up the human outline and if you set it up right, the deer will never see you standing in your natural blind.
NOTE: You need to remove any twigs and leaves beneath your feet as these may cause noise that may spook the deer when you are about to shoot.
Still Hunting when Bowhunting Without Tree stand
Still hunting does not mean that you hunt from a stationary still position. Unlike tree stand hunting where you may sit in a tree for hours waiting for deer to walk past, still hunters do not sit still in one spot. When you still hunt you prowl and stalk your prey through marshes, river bottoms, overgrown fields, and thick undergrowth just like a leopard would. Using the wind to your advantage, you walk slowly and try to blend as much as possible into the environment.
The name still hunting is derived from the deliberate and slow movements that you make when stalking the prey. While it is impossible for a human being to be completely silent, you would be placing each foot carefully to avoid crunching leaves or snapping twigs. The way I like to do it is to take two steps and then pause for 30 seconds to observe the brush. For the most part, I spend about 90 percent of the time listening and watching.
What you are looking for is a signs of life, an outline of a deer, movement, bedding, animal tracks, or even an antler or ear. Doing this, you can find yourself within 30 yards of a deer, which makes it easier to kill the animal than if you were high up in a tree. I find still hunting to be one of the most exhilarating ways to hunt, as it sends the adrenaline pumping particularly when you have a close encounter with a deer.
Spot and Stalk when Bowhunting Without Tree stand
This is not a very popular method for hunting deer in the Eastern states though it is very effective in sparsely forested areas such as the Midwest and the West, where whitetails frequent are easier to spot. As the name suggests, you need to find a good spot and from where you can observe the environment for deer. I typically combine binoculars and spotting scopes on a tripod with natural eyesight and have found success with both ways.
Once you spot a deer, you need to determine the feasibility of a stalk. You need to be downwind from the deer and then check that you have a quiet and accessible passageway that gets you into bow range. You need to be very careful, particularly with bedded deer that tend to be warier as compared to browsing or walking deer. Bedded deer are usually not distracted by feeding or walking and hence are constantly scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.
To successfully take down your quarry you will need to be very stealthy and choose the best path that has the least amount of foliage and twigs that may give you away. I will often remove my boots and walk on socks though you could just get moccasin style shoes which are a warmer and safer alternative.
Why Hunt From the Ground
While tree hunting is very popular, it is not for everyone. Some people may have back issues, while others have an aversion to heights. But hunting from the ground provides several advantages over tree stand hunting.
1.According to legendary whitetail hunter Christainer of Twig Archery, you get better shot angles while standing on the ground which can get you better kill rates. He also asserts that you tend to get a much larger kill zone when your feet are on the ground.
2.Setting up on the ground is much easier as you will for the most part be using natural materials such as twigs undergrowth or even rock fall and fallen trees.
3.Unlike tree stand hunting where you have to sit on the spot for hours waiting for prey, ground hunting is more exciting as you are more mobile. Siting up in a tree can get really boring and monotonous and the lethargy may make you less effective when an animal turns up.
4.Since you can move from one place to another, you are essentially creating your own luck rather than waiting for the deer to come to you. Creating your own luck significantly increases your kill rate.
5.When you are hunting from the ground, you do not have to worry about finding a good spot or the wind changing as you can set up wherever you feel there are good trees, grass or brush to conceal your outline.
How to be more Effective when Hunting without a Tree Stand
1.One of the most important aspects of bow hunting without a tree stand is being well camouflaged. Get some 3-D leafy suit which is perfect for breaking your outline. With a 3-D suit, I have had deer come to within 30 yards of my spot and never see me. You should also combine the suit with appropriate camouflage headgear.
2.Since research shows that deer can see UV light, you should clean your clothes in detergents and soaps without any ultraviolet brightener. It is a hassle but it could be the difference between outsmarting the deer and being spotted immediately.
3.Hunt near water sources, food sources or mock scrapes as these significantly increase the odds of spotting animals. I have found scrapes to be very effective since they act as a distraction for the deer allowing you to prep the shot and hit them while they are not looking. Water and food sources have higher numbers of animals
4.Pay attention to the wind direction and ensure that you have as little scent as possible. Spray your boots and gear with Scent Killer Spray and wear a carbon suit. You can overcome marginal winds from a tree stand, but when you are on the ground you need more, and nothing is better than Scent Killer spray.
Conclusion
As a conclusion it should be noted here that hunting without tree stand can also be done without it provide that you must the understand the concept and principles behind it.
