Stalk Hunting on Leafy Ground
#21
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,227
Man, last year dragging my button buck way downhill from halfway up the ridge---even with my dad's help---was quite a workout! I can't even imagine what it'll be like if this year I'm fortunate enough to shoot a deer, only this time 150 yards down the other side of the ridge, and then have to take it up, then down!
#22
However, as things stand right now, I don't process my own meat, and I prefer the deer age in the processor's cooler intact, with its hide on. Perhaps part of the reason is I'm concerned that freezer space in our small DC-area apartment cannot accommodate un-butchered quarters for ageing, and the fact we don't have a meat grinder.
#28
As hookeye said, alleyyooper, everyone develops their own style---his happens to be stream of consciousness, haha. It may just be a matter of personal taste, but I'd rather read the posts split up by topic than a huge behemoth post.
#29
Spike
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 15
The way you walk is as important as what you have on your feet. If you want to be quiet you can't wear thick waffle stomping lugged rubber soles. I have sets of homemade vellies and deer hide (hair on) over shoes to dampen the crisp crinkle of leaves and twigs. Animals feet are quiet because they move with the ground and tend to have hair around the edges. They also have small footprints so they affect less area - stepping between more than they step on. I'll wear my vellies while walking in, then strap on the insulated lug boots when I get into the stand too. When you're walking, you're warmer than sitting static, so you really don't need as much boot anyway. A good pair of running shoes will be quieter than a big insulated rubber sole boot.
My preseason prep also involves cutting a highway system with the brush hog, raked clear, to let me move quickly and quietly. I cut it late enough each year to give some grass regrowth, but not so late the deer aren't used to it. It doesn't get me everywhere I want to go, but it gets me a long ways. Plus, a side effect is the deer will use the trails too, so it gives me a bit of control over their movements and where to expect them. Not always an option, but always a good one when it is.
My preseason prep also involves cutting a highway system with the brush hog, raked clear, to let me move quickly and quietly. I cut it late enough each year to give some grass regrowth, but not so late the deer aren't used to it. It doesn't get me everywhere I want to go, but it gets me a long ways. Plus, a side effect is the deer will use the trails too, so it gives me a bit of control over their movements and where to expect them. Not always an option, but always a good one when it is.
This is absolutely fantastic advice, thank you!
#30
Since I didn't have adequate hunting boots for walking all day, I went ahead and invested in these. They have great reviews on Cabela's and Amazon, too:
http://www.fieldandstreamshop.com/p/...slnthntrwp4fbo
I'll also be using these when my dad and I go after grouse---put the miles on them!
http://www.fieldandstreamshop.com/p/...slnthntrwp4fbo
I'll also be using these when my dad and I go after grouse---put the miles on them!