Still Hunting

[oldschoolhunter55]

Any place that has a lot of pressure hunting, you will find deer looking up. Due to many people using tree stands. Ask anyone thats spent more than one day bow hunting Prudence Island about deer looking up. They are so used to bow hunters in trees they don't go far without looking up. Something I take full advantage of lol and have been able to take some nice deer cause they had no idea I was sitting there on the grown. :haha:

sometimes a hunter has to change the ways they hunt. thumbs up to you friend

 

[oldschoolhunter55]

Cool, this "tree hunter" will see myself to the door and won't let it hit me on the way out. I love to still hunt and never said anything derogatory about it. I'll be still hunting next week. Later, Chris

dang. dont go chris. its all good. we all hunt. i sit up a tree too.

 

[oldschoolhunter55]

The idiots could think they're a squirrel, and shoot them out of the tree.

It's a chance we all take hunting. No matter what method you use.

yep you are right. never know whats going happen while you hunting

 

[oldschoolhunter55]

I understand your feelings about still hunting. I enjoy hunting this way, however I also love to hunt from a tree stand or a ground blind. Heck, I have even been known to crawl into a old brush pile... not the best idea here in louisiana :idunno:. I am a meat hunter first and foremost so I use what tactics work for a given area. I love my woods here even though some of it is darn near impenetrable. Still hunting is what I do after the deer have been pushed back into the deep woods. The places most hunters won't go because of the swampy terrain. Can be a real challenge with the slurping sounds of rubber boots in gumbo mud and muck but that is where they go so.. me too :v

dang bet that is some rough stuff u hunt in. deer can get in some bad areas when pressured.

 

[oldschoolhunter55]

I agree. It is the same here. Pressure put on game is allot different here than in the big places. I have hunted the west, where what is thought of as pressure there, doesn't even compare here. I have NO interest in drives, actually I am more of a bowhunter than anything. When I did hunt the west, it was with a rifle though. Stalking there was so easy compared (please remember I said compared) to still hunting here. I walked up on so many animals while there, that doing any still hunting here, is great training for terrain that rolls, has saddles, ridges, valleys and draws. I am sure in some of those areas, the better way is to still hunt as stand hunting here is much different if you hope to see game. Yes, I got my elk still hunting in the shadow of Pikes Peak, out of Cripple Creek, while hunting the west. I know you want to keep this a friendly thread, I just want to be sure it is not a thread of "out way is better than yours". It certainly can be, if the terrain permits it. I feel ambushing it is more into the hunting mode than anything. IMHO. As a hunter, you have learned your games habits, it's breeding and feeding schedules as foods sources change and you have used nature to your advantage to claim your price. That means wind, cover, knowledge of your game. Because YOU KNOW your quarry and are not just looking around hoping to see one. It is a matter of what you are used to,where you hunt and what you have learned about your way of hunting. But yes, I certainly do enjoy still hunting, when the conditions permit it. It is a great way to see new country. See what and where the game is going, has fed, bedded, looks to breed. Things that a stand hunter has probably already determined by scouting, because the area to hunt is smaller and the hunting pressure more congested.

well said

 

[mikesto44]

When I first started hunting both my Grandfather and my Dad taught me to still hunt. I remember what my Dad said. " Walk little see much...Walk a lot see little "
Latter on I met a fellow who through that statement right out the door. This guy was a legend in our area.
He taught me to walk at a casual pace. Forget about breaking sticks an stuff. Hunt with your eyes and learn to snap shoot once you recognise your target animal.
He said deer learn to stay still an let the danger pass.
Don't look for the whole animal but for parts of one.
Once you make eye contact the gigs up an you better be ready to shoot...
He taught me all about sign, tracking and yes how to tell a buck track from a doe track and it's not about their hoof print either.
He was the best hunter I ever knew. Every year he shot a nice buck. Miss him...

 

[Marshhawk]

Not much choice here. I use tree stands and a climber. I hunt a number of small properties, so walking them, even slowly, wouldn't take too long. I have to wait til they come to me from surrounding properties.

 

[OldMaineWoodsman]

I really enjoyed cutting a buck’s track in the snow and following it. I can’t think of the last time we had snow on the ground during muzzleloader season here in Virginia.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

For folks interested in Still Hunting, here was one of the first, if not the first sources on it..., The Still Hunter Theodore Van Dyke (free online version)
Now Van Dyke was good enough to be the primary N. America guide to Teddy Roosevelt, and Roosevelt knew enough about hunting in N. America to choose a capable guide.
Van Dyke in his book uses what was "state of the art" for firearms in his time..., so his firearm of choice isn't what we use..., but he also wore moccasins, and his observations on how to pick areas to hunt, where deer hide, the wind, and how to move are still very applicable today.

I've never been a tree stand guy. I used to teach Hunter Safety, and 90% of our accidents and 99% of our fatalities were guys falling out of stands. They have improved some since those days, but I use a ground blind or tight tree formation to break up my outline.


LD

 

[The Appalachian]

Not very period correct for the staunch traditionalist but a modern tool that just about every still hunter should use is a pair of binoculars. The stigma of using binoculars is that they are only for looking long distances at things we can't see very well with our naked eyes.

That's only half true......

Binos are VERY good at seeing things up close that our naked eyes can't see very well either. Using them in the woods and heavy brush is almost like having xray vision. You can see things 30 or 40 yards in front of you that your naked eye will miss. An ear, an eye, the tips of antlers, a tiny little twitch of a tail.

Ever have a whitetail explode in front you at very close range, and give you a heart attack? You had no idea at all it was there, but he had known you were there for quite a while. He just held tight, motionless, until you got close enough and his flight instinct kicked in.

What if you were able to peer into the brush 60 or 75 yards ahead and catch a glimpse of part of that whitetail before he became aware of your presence? Wouldn't that be a game changer on how you deal with stalking the next 30 or 40 yards and setting yourself up for a shot? Possibly a shot at an oblivious bedded deer?

It's possible, because I've done it.

Try it sometime.......

 

[mikesto44]

Excellent advice for any type of hunting Appalachian..

 

[OldMaineWoodsman]

For folks interested in Still Hunting, here was one of the first, if not the first sources on it..., The Still Hunter Theodore Van Dyke (free online version)
Now Van Dyke was good enough to be the primary N. America guide to Teddy Roosevelt, and Roosevelt knew enough about hunting in N. America to choose a capable guide.
Van Dyke in his book uses what was "state of the art" for firearms in his time..., so his firearm of choice isn't what we use..., but he also wore moccasins, and his observations on how to pick areas to hunt, where deer hide, the wind, and how to move are still very applicable today.

I've never been a tree stand guy. I used to teach Hunter Safety, and 90% of our accidents and 99% of our fatalities were guys falling out of stands. They have improved some since those days, but I use a ground blind or tight tree formation to break up my outline.


LD

Nothing like the hard copy to read on a cold evening.

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

For many years, I was an environmental consultant on wetlands and wildlife. Worked the SE of the USA, Central and South America. And I worked much as a still hunter, though usually with a camera and notebook rather than a hunting weapon, but generally had some sort of weapon with me. I would spend several weeks at a time wandering through swamps, forests, and jungles. I've walked up on many different animal species, some dangerous, some not so much. Been within arms reach of jaguars, giant anteaters, sloths (my favorite animal!), black bears, bobcats, white tail deer, etc. All kindsof snakes! Never been hurt (yet!) by any animal except a cow, donkey, or horse. And I've taken my share of whitetails and feral hogs. Most, admittedly, mostly with non-ML firearms. A few of each with flintlocks, tho I have several percussion types.
Go slow and silent, look at everything. Don't worry overmuch about twigs and leaves. Watch for spiders! And hornets - they hurt!

 

[oldschoolhunter55]

For many years, I was an environmental consultant on wetlands and wildlife. Worked the SE of the USA, Central and South America. And I worked much as a still hunter, though usually with a camera and notebook rather than a hunting weapon, but generally had some sort of weapon with me. I would spend several weeks at a time wandering through swamps, forests, and jungles. I've walked up on many different animal species, some dangerous, some not so much. Been within arms reach of jaguars, giant anteaters, sloths (my favorite animal!), black bears, bobcats, white tail deer, etc. All kindsof snakes! Never been hurt (yet!) by any animal except a cow, donkey, or horse. And I've taken my share of whitetails and feral hogs. Most, admittedly, mostly with non-ML firearms. A few of each with flintlocks, tho I have several percussion types.
Go slow and silent, look at everything. Don't worry overmuch about twigs and leaves. Watch for spiders! And hornets - they hurt!

you sir had a very interesting job. bet that was enjoyable i also figure it wasnt easy. respect sent to you

 

[ETipp]

For many years, I was an environmental consultant on wetlands and wildlife. Worked the SE of the USA, Central and South America. And I worked much as a still hunter, though usually with a camera and notebook rather than a hunting weapon, but generally had some sort of weapon with me. I would spend several weeks at a time wandering through swamps, forests, and jungles. I've walked up on many different animal species, some dangerous, some not so much. Been within arms reach of jaguars, giant anteaters, sloths (my favorite animal!), black bears, bobcats, white tail deer, etc. All kindsof snakes! Never been hurt (yet!) by any animal except a cow, donkey, or horse. And I've taken my share of whitetails and feral hogs. Most, admittedly, mostly with non-ML firearms. A few of each with flintlocks, tho I have several percussion types.
Go slow and silent, look at everything. Don't worry overmuch about twigs and leaves. Watch for spiders! And hornets - they hurt!

Interesting job you had there sir. Must have been neat. I would love to have a job such as that.

Actual still hunting is my favorite of all in the thicker, dark hardwoods of the south east region. I got into this years ago squirrel hunting, then carried it over to deer hunting. I go at a snails pace, often taking quite some time to cover only a short distance. It’s amazing what one cannot only see, but get very close to without them knowing you are there IF it is properly done. Cammo helps IMO.

I use this tactic extensively when squirrel hunting with my Crockett rifle. It’s about as challenging as it gets and is the most fun someone can have with their clothes on.

I do believe that some people get actual still hunting and stalking mixed up. They are not the same.

 

[oldschoolhunter55]

Interesting job you had there sir. Must have been neat.

Actual still hunting is my favorite of all in the thicker, dark hardwoods of the south east region. I got into this years ago squirrel hunting, then carried it over to deer hunting. I go at a snails pace, often taking quite some time to cover only a short distance. It’s amazing what one cannot only see, but get very close to without them knowing you are there IF it is properly done. Cammo helps IMO.

I use this tactic extensively when squirrel hunting with my Crockett rifle. It’s about as challenging as it gets and is the most fun someone can have with their clothes on.

I do believe that some people get actual still hunting and stalking mixed up. They are not the same.

i used to know some older guys.they would tell me stories about stalking and still hunting. lol them 2 guys loved each other but they honestly loved and look forward to drinking coffee and arguing about the difference. lol. i was young. i asked them could i go(was around 12 years old) ugh. they both said a flat out NO. hahaha. really miss them old boys and their stories. good neighbors to have around.

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

you sir had a very interesting job. bet that was enjoyable i also figure it wasnt easy. respect sent to you

Thanks, OldSchool. There were times when you didn't know where in the heck you were, for sure. Luckily I had a pretty good sense of direction. And I'd get 0300 surprises. Doing some waterway flow measurements in the Reedy Creek drainage (Now Disney, west of Orlando), heard something rustling through my camp, I found a feral hog. Ten minutes later, he was gutted and hanging up in a tree. Ate well for 3 days, then the meat went bad.
In Brazil, luckily, the monkeys go to sleep at dark! And most snakes are not venomous, although I met up with plenty that were.
Had to retire in '08, effects from Agent Orange back in '66. Still miss that work - for several years couldn't stop getting up at 0500! Now it's hard to walk to get the mail, or shop at Walmart. VA does a good job overall, however.

 

[oldschoolhunter55]

Thanks, OldSchool. There were times when you didn't know where in the heck you were, for sure. Luckily I had a pretty good sense of direction. And I'd get 0300 surprises. Doing some waterway flow measurements in the Reedy Creek drainage (Now Disney, west of Orlando), heard something rustling through my camp, I found a feral hog. Ten minutes later, he was gutted and hanging up in a tree. Ate well for 3 days, then the meat went bad.
In Brazil, luckily, the monkeys go to sleep at dark! And most snakes are not venomous, although I met up with plenty that were.
Had to retire in '08, effects from Agent Orange back in '66. Still miss that work - for several years couldn't stop getting up at 0500! Now it's hard to walk to get the mail, or shop at Walmart. VA does a good job overall, however.

sounds like you had a lot of adventures. talking about getting lost that is something im very good at. you would call me expert at getting lost. lol. but i bought a little contrapsion called BACKTRAC. now im good to go. havent been lost since. lol. wish u the best SIR. be safe. and also thank you for YOUR SERVICE !!!

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

sounds like you had a lot of adventures. talking about getting lost that is something im very good at. you would call me expert at getting lost. lol. but i bought a little contrapsion called BACKTRAC. now im good to go. havent been lost since. lol. wish u the best SIR. be safe. and also thank you for YOUR SERVICE !!!

TY!

 

[phdchemeng]

Not very period correct for the staunch traditionalist but a modern tool that just about every still hunter should use is a pair of binoculars. The stigma of using binoculars is that they are only for looking long distances at things we can't see very well with our naked eyes.

That's only half true......

Binos are VERY good at seeing things up close that our naked eyes can't see very well either. Using them in the woods and heavy brush is almost like having xray vision. You can see things 30 or 40 yards in front of you that your naked eye will miss. An ear, an eye, the tips of antlers, a tiny little twitch of a tail.

Ever have a whitetail explode in front you at very close range, and give you a heart attack? You had no idea at all it was there, but he had known you were there for quite a while. He just held tight, motionless, until you got close enough and his flight instinct kicked in.

What if you were able to peer into the brush 60 or 75 yards ahead and catch a glimpse of part of that whitetail before he became aware of your presence? Wouldn't that be a game changer on how you deal with stalking the next 30 or 40 yards and setting yourself up for a shot? Possibly a shot at an oblivious bedded deer?

It's possible, because I've done it.

Try it sometime.......

I definitely agree! I leave mine focused at about 75-100 yards, and generally don't change it all day. Amazing how it lets you see through all the intervening brush. I have rings on my eyeglasses from the binoculars wear. My only regular season deer taken this year was at 125 yards in woods (up on a hillside while i was in the bottom), and I spotted him with the binos and he never saw me. Two years ago I had one pair of binos, and now I have three. I appreciate all the tips I get from this forum.