A few days ago, I posted that I am going to be a new bow hunter during the deer season this upcoming year (2015 season). I also have come to the realization that with my financial circumstances and budget, I will not be able to afford a good deer stand (unless someone is getting rid of theirs). I write all of that to ask for advice on stalking deer instead of using a stand. Have people done it successfully? What are some of the tricks? I currently wash all of my clothes in Tide Free and Gentle (also for my 4 month old son, love the double benefit). Also, I am looking for pictures of deer in general. Whether they are in the brush or in the open. I would like to see as many as possible so that I can study the background environment as well as distinguishing features of the deer that might make them easier to spot. Thanks in advance.
Looking for pictures
- Thread starter alverson.c0528
- Start date
First off, that is great you are using Tide Free and Gentle for your son. We also use that. However I would never wash my hunting clothes in that. For one it most likely has UV brighteners in it which will make you glow blue (if you buy in to that) to some animals. For ducks, it is a huge concern and deer are supposedly able to see it as well. Additionally it does have an odor to it, so you'll smell like a French whore to a deer even if you can't smell it. I use baking soda and warm water. It's cheap and works well. Wash your clothes 2-3 times before using them again.
Secondly, it is respectable that you want to stalk deer and it is possible to kill them that way. However unless you have tons of land AND patience, I suggest you simply save some money and buy a decent used climber. A climber will make you much more effective and save you tons of frustration.
Where are you located? I might make you a deal on one.
Secondly, it is respectable that you want to stalk deer and it is possible to kill them that way. However unless you have tons of land AND patience, I suggest you simply save some money and buy a decent used climber. A climber will make you much more effective and save you tons of frustration.
Where are you located? I might make you a deal on one.
Deer can be killed off the ground. Use available cover like blowdowns, ditches or standing cornfields to your advantage. When hunting the ground you will have to watch the wind very closely...
I hunted from the ground this year for my own reasons. I killed my fair share of deer this year doing so. I got my biggest buck to date this year also. Take a seat at the base of a big tree and enjoy. Only try to stalk on windy or rainy days with the wind in your face.
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I killed 5 deer with a bow before I ever owned a treestand, and that was back when we only had 1 tag a season! Other than being able to see farther, I don't think treestands provide as much advantage as many think. Set up in funnels with the wind in your face and something behind you to break your outline, keep the sun off of you, and you will see deer.
If you own a small handsaw, you can make some very nice and comfortable groundblinds. Setting up just off a trail the deer use to get to feeding areas are what you wanna look for. Also, if you set up on field edges, the advantages are a few extra minutes of shooting light. Disadvantages are the deer seem to be quite a bit more spooky. Concealment and the ability to ready your weapon without being seen are the 2 factors you want to rely on heavily once you find the spot you wanna set up at. Oh, and try and do the setups well in advance of the season. Give the deer plenty of time to get used to the change in scenery
Like red and a few others said, find a blow down and make a blind out of it. Get some stout sticks and push them into the ground, then arrange some branches in between for cover. Play the wind.
Hortontoter
Senior Member
A tree stand is not a necessity. I've always hunted on the ground from natural cover stands, pop up blinds and permanent wooden or fiberglass blinds. I actually prefer permanent blinds that are in place all year round. I hunt with a crossbow and take shots at 20 yards or less. I've killed many deer this way and you can TOO.
I agree with the others that you can kill them from the ground. My response was stalking versus stand hunting. Stalking is really difficult when compares to stand hunting. I killed my first deer from the ground out of a blind I built from brush and a deadfall. Almost did it again last weekend of the season. It can be really effective when done right.
I am in Knox county. Small farm town called Fredericktown. Thanks to everyone for the answers.
I was looking for something (this is gonna sound oxymoronic) safe. Preferably one that I could just set up once and leave it. Maybe check on it for wear signs throughout the year. I guess that would be classified as a hang-on. I just couldn't justify spending $100 + for a decent one.
You'll justify spending $100+ for one after your ass goes numb sittin on a cheap $40 hang on! Get a millennium M25 and be done with it.
Right now is the time to find cheap treestands on Craigslist. You can make most treestands comfy with some foam rubber or a carry on seat. Ladder stands are cheap and pretty effective too
at1010
*Supporting Member*
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lots of good advice. I would suggest trying to make it to a TOO function. Youll learn more talking to guys than you can ever learn just by looking at pictures. I don't even want to start typing advice as I feel like I will write a book on here.
I hope you the best of luck, and just stick with it! Youll get it down!
I hope you the best of luck, and just stick with it! Youll get it down!
Joel
Senior Member
I'm in Knox County and have a ladder stand you can have. I wasn't real comfortable in it but it is safe and maybe 2 years old. I'll have to get it down and make arrangements for you to come pick it up but it's yours if you want it.
I was actually considering posting it on here for a new hunter to have anyway and then you come along, so...
I was actually considering posting it on here for a new hunter to have anyway and then you come along, so...
Joel, Thanks for the offer. I would always be willing to take a look at it. is there a way to PM me your info so we could set up a meeting? also new to this whole forum thing. Once again thanks for the advice.
I agree, however my schedule currently is constrained to the max!! I was hoping for pictures mainly because most of the deer I have seen over my lifetime have been from the road, either in the passenger or drivers seat of a vehicle.
Joel
Senior Member
It wouldn't be any time real soon. The stand is still in the woods in a tree. We do however have plenty of time before the season comes in. I think the "normal" time for most guys to hang a stand is July or August.
