Are you seeking a more intimate and challenging hunting experience? Do you dream of feeling the pulse of the wild, truly connected to the environment and the quarry you seek? Then consider the world of bow hunting from the ground. Unlike hunting from the elevated perch of a treestand, this method places you directly on the earth, immersed in the game’s domain. It requires a different skill set, a heightened sense of awareness, and a meticulous approach, but the rewards—both in the thrill of the hunt and the connection to nature—are immeasurable. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding how to bow hunt from the ground, from essential gear and tactics to crucial safety considerations, empowering you to pursue big game with confidence and success.
Embracing the Ground Game: The Allure of Low Profile Hunting
At its core, ground hunting involves pursuing game animals from a position at or near ground level. It’s a departure from the more common practice of using treestands, and this distinction creates a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The advantage of being level with the animal is that it can sometimes make it easier to predict their movements and set up ambushes. But the advantages do not stop there.
Ground hunting often forces you to become more intimately acquainted with the environment. You are no longer a detached observer but a participant in the woodland’s drama. You’ll become acutely aware of wind currents, the subtle sounds of the forest floor, and the intricate details of animal behavior. This heightened sensory awareness is part of the appeal, making each hunt a more immersive experience.
This method also provides a significant level of adaptability. You can quickly change locations to follow the game’s movement. It’s also a more cost-effective method. You don’t need to buy or maintain treestands, and you can use natural cover more easily.
However, the very proximity that makes ground hunting exciting also introduces challenges. Concealment is paramount. Game animals have a keen sense of sight, smell, and hearing, so any misstep can alert them to your presence. Wind direction becomes your most crucial ally, and scent control is an absolute necessity.
Essential Equipment for the Ground Hunter
Success in ground hunting hinges on having the right equipment, not just to shoot, but also to make sure the animal does not know you are present.
Choosing Your Weapon
Your bow, whether compound or recurve, should be well-suited to your draw length and strength. Consider a bow that is quiet, relatively compact for maneuverability in tight spaces, and has a draw weight appropriate for the game you’re pursuing and your physical capabilities. If you are new to bowhunting, seek guidance from an experienced bowhunter or archery shop to select the proper bow for you.
Arrow Selection for Performance
The arrow is the vessel that delivers the shot. Choosing the right arrows is critical. Consider factors like arrow spine (its stiffness), weight, and compatibility with your chosen broadheads. Heavier arrows generally carry more kinetic energy, which can be beneficial for penetration, while a properly spined arrow will fly more accurately from your bow. Ensure your arrows and broadheads are designed for the game you are hunting and that you practice with them consistently to ensure proper flight and accuracy.
Camouflage: Blending Into the Scene
Camouflage clothing is not just about the pattern; it is about breaking up your outline. Opt for patterns that match the environment you’ll be hunting in. Consider using a combination of layers to adjust for varying temperatures and weather conditions. In addition to your clothing, don’t overlook your face and hands. Use face paint, a camo mask, or gloves to conceal these areas, as they can easily give you away. Remember, any reflective surfaces (e.g., watch faces, shiny belt buckles) can also be seen and should be covered or concealed.
The Blind or Natural Cover
A well-placed ground blind can be a game changer. Pop-up blinds offer portability and quick setup. Natural cover, created from branches and vegetation, is a lower-cost alternative. If you choose to build a natural blind, be sure to do so strategically, considering wind direction, concealment, and your shooting lanes. When using a blind, make sure to brush it in well with natural vegetation so it blends into the surroundings.
Accessories for the Ground
A rangefinder is invaluable for accurately judging distances, especially when hunting from the ground, where the terrain can deceive you. Binoculars allow you to spot and evaluate game at a distance. A quiver (either bow-mounted or a ground quiver) will keep your arrows readily accessible. Safety equipment is critical. Your hunting knife is also crucial; make sure it is razor sharp and you know how to properly field dress an animal.
Finding the Spot: Scouting and the Art of Location
Mastering the art of ground hunting requires meticulous scouting. Pre-season scouting is time well spent, helping you to get ready for your hunt.
Understanding Animal Behavior
Become a student of the game you’re pursuing. Learn their preferred food sources, the location of their water sources, their bedding areas, and their travel corridors. Pay attention to the subtle changes in their routines throughout the season.
Reading the Tracks and Signs
Scour the area for tracks, droppings, rubs (where animals have rubbed their antlers on trees), and scrapes (where animals have pawed the ground to communicate). These signs will give you clues about the animals’ presence and movement patterns. Use a game camera to gather more information.
Utilizing Terrain Features for Your Benefit
Look for natural cover that can provide concealment. These can include fallen logs, brush piles, dense thickets, or the edge of a field. Think about how you can use these features to your advantage to get close to your target. Consider how the natural features change the wind flow.
The Blind Placement, If You Use One
If you choose to use a ground blind, its placement is critical. Consider the prevailing wind, your shooting lanes, and the visibility of the area you want to hunt. Carefully consider your entry and exit routes to minimize scent and noise. The objective is to get into your hunting spot without detection.
Tactics for the Ground Hunter
Success in ground hunting hinges on more than just gear. Effective tactics are essential.
Setting Up Your Blind and Positioning
If using a ground blind, position it strategically. Consider the prevailing wind, your shooting lanes, and how you will approach and depart from the blind. Brush the blind to blend with the surroundings, and keep the interior clean and organized.
The Stealth of Stalking
For those who prefer to forgo a blind, stalking is an art form. Use the wind and cover to your advantage. Move slowly and deliberately, pausing frequently to scan the area and identify potential dangers. Be mindful of the sounds you are making; every step should be placed with care. Constantly observe for the reactions of the animals.
The Art of Calling
Calling can be an effective tactic for bringing game within range. Learn to identify the sounds of the game you’re pursuing, and learn the appropriate calls for the time of year. Use a variety of calls like grunts, bleats, and estrus bleats.
Decoy Deployment
Decoys can add a significant element to your hunting strategy. Place your decoy to attract game. Consider wind direction when placing a decoy, always wanting the wind in your favor.
The Critical Moment: Shooting and Shot Placement
Ultimately, the objective of bow hunting is to take a clean and ethical shot. Proper shot placement is critical to a quick and humane harvest.
Consistent Practice at Varying Distances
Practice with your bow at different ranges. Practice at longer distances than your expected shooting distances so that you are confident when a chance comes.
Knowing Your Distance
Always know the distance to your target. Use your rangefinder to confirm the distance.
The Vital Zone
The aim point must be the vital organs. Aim for the heart and lungs to ensure a quick and humane kill.
Following Up After the Shot
Be patient and evaluate the shot. Be sure that you know where your arrow hit. Give the animal time to expire.
The Pillars of Safety
Safety should always be the number one priority.
The Wind’s Direction
The wind is your most critical asset. Ensure that the wind is blowing toward the game.
Clear Shooting Lanes
Always know what is behind your target. You should have an unobstructed view of the animal so you do not miss an opportunity.
Ethical Hunting Practices
Respect the game.
First Aid Preparedness
Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit and know how to use it.
Refining Your Skills: Advanced Insights
As you gain experience, you can refine your techniques for even greater success.
Adapting to Your Surroundings
Ground hunting is a dynamic pursuit, requiring you to adjust your strategies based on the environment. Adapt to different terrain, vegetation types, and weather conditions.
Tackling the Weather
Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Dress in layers for cold, rainy, or snowy weather. Be able to stay in your blind comfortably for extended periods.
The Power of Trail Cameras
Trail cameras can be invaluable scouting tools. Use them to monitor game movement, identify patterns, and learn about the habits of the animals in your hunting area.
Learning from Your Experiences
Every hunt provides an opportunity to learn. Analyze what worked well and what didn’t. Continuously refine your skills and strategies based on your experiences.
Ground hunting is an art that rewards patience, persistence, and a deep connection to the natural world. Understanding how to bow hunt from the ground will let you enter a world that most hunters miss. By taking the time to prepare, develop your skills, and embrace the challenges and the rewards, you can increase your chances of success.
