do i need to hunt deer from a tree stand or can i hunt ground level?

Question

p.s. this is my friend and i, first time hunting. we are using compound bows wit 60lb pull. we are taking all necessary precautions to hide our sent and are using full body ghillie suits for camo. my friend has a large population of deer on his land with some huge bucks.

Answer 1

If you adopt the stationary tree stand, apply some scent bait, acorns, berries, and whatever edible else herbivore deers feed on. If you stalk and track deer, wearing camo may invite a hunting accident. Other hunters become trigger happy, and will fire at the slightest movement of bushes. You risked getting shot by other hunters if you wear camo clothing. Bright flourescent orange clothing may save your life, and not end up another hunting accident statistic.

Answer 2

You didn't mention if you are hunting with firearms or bowhunting. Either way you are better off hunting from a tree stand as you were advised earlier...The height gives you definite advantages over hunting on the ground. Better vantage point due to the extra height. Less likelihood of being "busted" by the Deer smelling you or seeing ground level movement as you walk/stalk. Camouflage is a good idea, but if hunting with firearms Hunter Orange is a requirement in most states and neccessary for Hunter safety in the woods......

Ghillie suits are a bit over the top and are much more than what is called for. After all you are Deer hunting (supposedly) and not playing "sniper".......

Answer 3

I’m a very avid bow hunter. And have had rather good success through the numerous years I have been doing it.

Certainly do not consider myself an expert, but will offer a few suggestions.

Do NOT wear the suit. Will be to difficult to draw-aim and shoot and maintain stealth.
Basic camo will be much better.

Only use the tree stands after you both become very adapt at using them. That is after you become quite proficient at placing them. And climbing into and out of them. Using the type of clothing you will wear while hunting.

And always, and I mean always make sure you have a good support harness. Wear it at all times. Use a small rope to raise and lower your bow.

When hunting on the ground, the most common error new hunters make is moving to fast. This is true for both gun and bow hunters. Move but a few feet. Stop- Look-Listen. If your causing birds, squirrels, etc to scatter your moving much to fast.

In heavy timber-Kneel down- your looking for the horizontal outline of the animals back.

Practice shooting from a tree stand. Practice shooting on the ground. Standing-sitting, and kneeling.

Have fun and enjoy yourselves.

Answer 4

You don't necessarily have to hunt from a tree stand. I've hunted for 6 years, off the ground, out of stands, ground blinds.. you name it, I've hunted out of it.. I've never been successful hunting out of a treestand, mostly because I get very insecure, because I have somewhat of a fear of heights. You should be just fine hunting on the ground as long as you're still.. and you don't make alot of noise or anything. No sudden movements, either. Basically, just use good common sense, and you should be fine. However, by bow hunting.. you're making it alot more challenging than it really has to be. If you get discouraged, try rifle hunting (if it's legal where you live, of course) All in all, just go out there and have fun enjoying the great outdoors. Welcome to hunting=] &&, I may be a girl.. but trust me, I know what I'm talking about. I've killed just as many deer as my Daddy, and he's hunted pretty much his whole life. :D

Answer 5

I would agree with Justin, although I haven't gone bow hunting. The disadavantage of the tree stand is that it must be set up where you have all-around visibility. Because although it is supposed to provide better visibility, it can only do that if there is no foliage between your level and the ground that might obstruct your view. In that situation, the ground hunter has the better advantage. Otherwise, if you can possibly put the tree stand up near a clearing, it would be better than a blind.

Answer 6

Bow hunting makes it more critical for tree stands than gun hunting in my opinion. Your shots are generally closer and follow up shots are usually not in the cards.

I don't bow hunt but ground hunt exclusively for gun hunting.Mostly cause I don't like heights and cases of human urgency preclude any quick tree exit. You'll know what I'm talking about when you get into your 50's.

The area and herd will also determine how touchy game are to your presence. I'm just glad a new generation is going out for the hunt and hope you do well.

Answer 7

It will be difficult to draw on a deer while wearing a noisy ghillie suit. I would forget the crap you see in the movies, get normal camo, set up behind a blind or in a stand, and then you will have a reasonable shot at shooting a deer.

Answer 8

You'll be much more effective in a tree, but to tell the truth, I have a somewhat more relaxed idea of deer hunting, and I've been known to shoot a deer while I'm on the ground, wearing blue jeans, and knocking the cigaret out of my mouth when the string hit it on drawing. It just depends on how serious you want to be about it.

Answer 9

You can, but with bows, I wouldn't hunt from the ground. It's just harder to stand-up, pull back, aim, and realease with out the deer seeing you.

With firearms it's totally different though. You don't have to move as much to aim and everything else. I actually prefer hunting on the ground sometimes.

Answer 10

there's nothing wrong with hunting from the ground. You just need a good brush blind to hide yourself. Like a few others said, though, you will be on eye level with the deer, which makes it much easier for them to pick up your movements.