Blinds and tree stands can offer numerous advantages, but they may not always be the most effective method for hunting whitetail deer. Fortunately, bowhunters can still have success without relying on a blind or stand.
Hunting on public land or your property can be more enjoyable and relaxing when done from below. Blowdowns, thickets along deer trails, and other places offering natural cover make excellent spots for bowhunting from below.
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Choosing a good spot
The initial step in bow hunting on the ground without a blind is selecting an advantageous location. This will guarantee that your arrow can hit its target without alarming any deer away.
Ideally, you should select a location close to a trail or ambush point where deer are likely to walk. Doing this allows you to get within several yards of the trail so your shot hits broadside instead of off to one side or another.
Another important factor to consider is wind direction. To get a successful shot, you need the right wind which will depend on where you hunt and the time of year you go hunting.
When hunting, you must consider the terrain and how it may impact your sight picture. If you are hunting in densely wooded areas or up a steep hill, it may be harder for you to discern where deer are approaching from.
Once you’ve selected an ideal spot, the next step is to install your ground blind. You can either opt for a pop-up type blind or construct one from scratch; just make sure the ground is level so deer won’t have any difficulty entering and exiting through it.
Depending on how you set up your ground blind, you may not need as much cover as a typical deer blind used for rifle hunting. This option works great for hunters who don’t feel confident using treestands or are limited in space.
Many bowhunters still prefer sitting in a treestand, but more and more hunters are opting to hunt from the ground as well. No matter your level of experience or proficiency with bowhunting on the ground, this method can be highly effective and provide you with a new perspective when hunting whitetails.
Choosing the right blind
Many hunters enjoy hunting from a tree stand, but blinds can also be an effective option when bow hunting on the ground. Not only do they provide cover from animals while allowing you to take a clean shot with accuracy, but choosing the right blind for this type of hunting can be challenging.
First and foremost, select the correct camo pattern for your blind. Make sure it will blend in with the area where you’re hunting rather than standing out like a giant cube that appears out of nowhere – this could be intimidating to deer.
Additionally, you should ensure the blind is large enough for everyone in your group to sit comfortably without feeling crowded. This is especially crucial for bowhunters since it will enable them to move around more freely and shoot accurately.
Finally, opt for a ground blind that has multiple windows. This will enable you to adjust your view and take time if needed while decreasing the risk of spooking animals while hunting.
If you’re uncertain which blind to choose, visit a sporting goods retailer that has demonstrations of different blind types available. This will give you an idea of which ones work best for bowhunting and which aren’t.
Once you’ve selected the ideal blind for your needs, it’s time to scout and plan its location. This will allow you to determine where deer travel and feed/bed regularly. Be sure to do extensive research before setting up your blind so that it has a maximum success rate.
In addition to scouting, you must prepare the area for your blind by clearing away all obstacles. This includes a brush, fallen trees, and any other items that could obstruct setting up your blind.
It’s essential to hide your blind in an area that blocks out sunlight. Doing this will prevent shadows on the inside of the blind from being visible to any animal you may be hunting.
Getting ready to hunt
Before bow hunting on the ground without a blind, you must first scout your area to determine how deer travel and rest. This will help you decide where best to set up your tree stand or ground blind.
Once you’ve chosen the ideal spot, it’s time to create a ground blind. This will shield you from wind and keep whitetails from noticing you.
You can use a folding saw, machete, or hatchet to cut away any branches that might obstruct your vision line. Additionally, bring a 1/8″ parachute cord with you which can be used to bend and tie the branches into place securely.
Some hunters will improvise makeshift blinds from materials found around their stand sites. Ohio hunter Julie Hall, for instance, often makes ground stands out of limbs found in cornfields.
She and her husband Buzz have taken several trophy bucks from ground stands, and both say they enjoy bowhunting on the ground because it allows them to move about more naturally than treestands allow them, and it allows them to take advantage of different weather conditions during hunting season.
Many hunters feel intimidated about hunting on the ground. This misconception can be easily dispelled with practice and confidence in one’s abilities; all it takes is some practice and confidence to succeed in this activity.
Spending the time to practice your shot can increase the odds of success during bow season. Additionally, it will give you confidence in your ability to shoot accurately, which in turn leads to increased assurance when taking down another deer.
Preparing for your hunting trip should begin months in advance of when you plan to hit the trail. Start by inspecting your hunting property and noting any large trees such as preferred oaks or persimmon trees that might be present. Once identified, start marking off areas for future hunts with markers.
Getting in position
One of the greatest difficulties bow hunters face is getting close enough to an animal to shoot accurately. This drive motivates them to put in the extra effort each season to succeed. Whether hunting from a tree stand, hanging a blind, or hunting on the ground without one, getting in position for taking an accurate shot at a deer can be tricky no matter where you hunt.
Fortunately, there are a few tips that can help you improve your chances of successful bow hunting on the ground without a blind. Following these guidelines will put you in an advantageous position so that you have the best chance at shooting a deer and filling your tag successfully.
First and foremost, it’s essential to remain quiet and motionless when hunting from the ground. The more noise you make, the higher the likelihood that a deer will spook and take off.
Second, it’s wise to find a cover that will break up your silhouette. This could be as straightforward as a tree or cluster of trees.
Third, make sure to have plenty of covers behind and on either side when scanning for deer. This will help conceal your silhouette and prevent them from spooking when scanning for you.
Fourth, make sure there’s plenty of cover in front of you. This could include something as straightforward as a pile of brush or an enormous tree.
Fifth, ensure to clear away any leaves or twigs that could interfere with your bowstring. Rake the ground to eliminate dry vegetation beneath you so it doesn’t crunch beneath you as much.
Finally, selecting a seat that is both comfortable and discreet is ideal. This is especially relevant during the late season when stealthiness is more crucial.
On cold days, having a chair or seat that can be pushed back will be beneficial, as will adding a camo cushion for extra warmth. You could even put a blanket over the chair to keep your body warmer.
