The Joy Of Still Hunting
 

Though it's certainly no Swan Lake, in a very real sense, still-hunting is the dance of the woodsman. Done properly, it is choreographed and precise. It's planned out so that every movement combines agility, grace, and stealth, so that each step, head turn, and pause serves an artful purpose - to collect venison.

A quick definition
A still hunter prowls the woods, river bottoms, marshes and field edges in search of deer. He moves through prime habitat with faith, and faith alone. He is certain that a deer is nearby, and he knows that if he moves carefully, and with the wind in his favor, he might earn a chance to shoot that animal before it is even aware of his presence.

Most commonly, it is a tactic employed by the lone hunter. But two hunters, one trailing the other by 100 yards or so, can also be very effective. In either case, skill, woodsmanship, and incredible patience are required to succeed.

Perfect conditions
Let's begin by conceding, that not every day is suited to still-hunting. Crunchy snow, frost, or brittle leaves can make stealth difficult. If the woods are crowded with hunters, it's probably best to still-hunt on another day too.

But if I wake up to a countryside blanketed with powdered snow or bathed in gentle rain, still-hunting suddenly becomes a very real option - since footsteps and sound is muffled. Soil-covered trails and crop field edges are also ideal for stealthy patrols.

All of these things, combined with the right winds and room to roam, amount to perfect conditions.

A little faith
The proper mindset is also critical. This means recognizing that deer can and will show up anywhere along your route, assuming, of course that you are in good deer country.

This recognition is important because if you have faith that deer are in the immediate area, maintaining the patience and focus required to still-hunt properly is easy. And, make no mistake; patience is key. Without it, you'll move too fast, make too much noise, lose your concentration, and alert every deer in the area.

On the other hand, having complete faith in your hunting grounds means you'll remain confident and in the zone.

One step at a time
The mechanics of still-hunting are simple: step forward, stop, have a good look around and then shoot if you see the deer you want within practical range. If you don't see it, repeat the process.

All this is easier said than done, however. First, you need to pay special attention to where you'll place your next step. You're looking for a path that favours quiet walking and a route that keeps you downwind of high percentage spots such as major trails, scrape lines, cedar swamps, old orchards, and isolated fields. Your rifle, bow, or shotgun should be at the ready too; things can happen fast.

Concealment is also important. Never walk through a meadow, for instance, when you can sneak in the shadows along its edges. Similarly, don't silhouette yourself on a ridge top. The idea is to ghost through the woods using terrain, foliage, and even distant noises to your advantage.

Any movement should be slow and deliberate; after all, you are trying to penetrate the defenses of one of North America's most wary game animals. Don't worry about covering ground either; instead worry about sneaking up on the unsuspecting deer that could be just over the rise.

If you're moving more than 200 yards an hour through good deer cover, you're probably moving too fast for stealth.

Each step in this dance is important, so pick up your feet; don't shuffle them. Put your heel down cautiously and then lower the outer edge of your foot, compressing rather than breaking or crunching twigs and leaves. Then, slowly roll your foot to the ground until all your weight is shifted onto that spot. Done correctly and deliberately, this will minimize noise. After a while, this will become second nature.

In any case, the snapping of twigs or the crunching of leaves, does not necessarily spell disaster. The truth is it's going to happen no matter how carefully you proceed. If infrequent, these transgressions are not a big deal. The woods, after all, are teeming with chipmunks, mice, chickadees, and squirrels.

As previously mentioned, background noises can help mask any sounds incurred by movement. If a chainsaw is being used in the distance, for instance, take a step when the whining is at its peak. If you create a really loud or unnatural noise (such as clanking metal on metal), freeze for a few minutes until the woods have settled down again, and then carry on.

Detecting deer
None of this is of any use if you don't spot deer first. So, stop to take a long hard look around after each step. This might seem excessive until you consider that each new position presents a different vantage point into the deer woods. Old-timers prescribed looking around first from a standing position and then from a crouching position with each step forward. This is still good advice.





Most of us notice movement first - we see the easy things like walking or feeding deer. But sometimes, the flick of a tail or ear or a smooth horizontal shape is the only clue we're offered. That's why we need to pay attention to details and scrutinize every bit of cover.



I once noticed something different about a familiar apple tree at last light - the silhouetted trunk seemed much wider than normal at the base. It took minutes before the deer moved, but that simple observation allowed me to get a shot when it did. Which leads to another point - if it looks like a place where a deer could hide or should be, take your time and really examine it. The biggest buck I ever still-hunted up to held-tight behind a blow-down until I turned to look at something else. Then, at a mere 10 yards, he leapt up and bounded off in a truly dramatic and textbook example of how to break a hunter's heart.

Don't expect to see a full deer either - you rarely do. Often, the white edge of a tail, a leg, the top of a back, or some other body part is all that stands out. Examine any small movement that catches your eye too. What you thought was a squirrel, just might be the flick of a deer's ear. A blown down log, might turn out to be a bedded buck.



Also pay attention to your back trail and, in hill country, have a good look at the side hills. On occasion, deer you didn't detect will circle around in an effort to wind you.

And while you've stopped to look around, listen. The swish-swish-swish sound of ungulated hooves through brittle leaves can be heard at quite a distance. So can sparring.

Lastly, though it won't happen often, on occasion, I've actually smelled bedded deer before ever seeing or hearing them. If this is the case, get the rifle ready, it's close.

Stealth gear
Still-hunting doesn't require much specialized gear. Clothing should be quiet, not too bulky, and reasonably warm. I prefer wool, but there are several excellent modern materials with similar qualities that will certainly do the job.

When it comes to footwear, it's hard to beat a broken-in pair of insulated hunting boots. If conditions allow, I sometimes don a pair of lightweight hiking boots. Whatever footwear you chose, solid ankle support is a must, and you should be able to step quietly in them.

I'll carry several essential items in a small daypack too. These include a knife suitable for field-dressing, a rope or deer drag, lunch, a few granola bars, a water bottle, extra ammunition, a flashlight, matches, extra batteries, a cell phone (if the hunting area gets coverage) and a topographical map.

Since your hunt might lead you into uncharted territory, a GPS and compass is also essential. The former is also useful to mark the location of a downed animal, should you have to leave it to get help.

When it comes to weapons, I prefer a lightweight, compact and fast-handling rifle or slug gun - which of the two depends entirely on what the terrain and regulations dictate. Use whatever firearm you prefer - just remember, you're carrying it at port arms for the duration of the hunt.

Conclusion
Still-hunting is not easy, but it can produce deer when no other tactic can. And, truthfully, I can't think of any deer that are more memorable or exciting than the one's I have taken while cruising through the woods. Perhaps that's because success in still-hunting is a true testament of your woodsmanship and hunting know-how.

This deer season, when the conditions are right, get out there give still-hunting a whirl. In this dance, two-left feet don't matter at all... so long as they're quiet.

Steve Galea is a full-time outdoors writer who lives in central Ontario, Canada. He divides his time afield between hunting big game, chasing ducks, geese, and upland game, and fly fishing the lakes and rivers around his home. An award-winning columnist, his work is featured in several community newsapers as well as leading outdoors magazines.

Muley Hunter

That is a great write-up! Sounds like the way I used to hunt in my younger days. It is a very productive method but I believe that the hunters of today would rather sit in a tree or a blind and wait. Old ways are not the modern thing to do anymore. Brought back a lot of memories just reading your post. Thanks a bunch! Rogo

Thanks Rogo, but let me say up front. I completely agree with the article, and love hunting this way.

I didn't write it.

You left out the most common occurrence that happens to me................................................ .................................................. .................................................. ....Them white things waving good by that i see so very often. It took me 18 day of hunting to notch my tag during the hills rifle season. It took me 6 days to notch my tag during muzzle loader season.

Still hunting is the only way i can hunt. This year i found 3 tree stands that i walked............er still hunted by; never once could i stop and sit in them.

Sometimes i get bored still hunting, and just walk as quiet as i can. There are times i wish i could just walk through the timber, and enjoy being there. What i mean is, i would like to just go for a walk, and see some country. This is when i see them white things waving good by.

Who wrote this? I suggest adding the source.

Well Muley, I apologize. I thought you had written it. Regardless it is a very good piece and like I said it brought back a lot of old memories for me. That's the way I was taught to hunt and the only way I ever hunted until my ailments all started. Now I have to do things a lot differently. Walk a little when the terrain allows me to and sit and watch for the most part. I love deer hunting and will never stop until such time as I cannot hold up my rifle.

You're right. I thought I had included it when I copied it. I'll add it now.

I agree Ron, and that exactly what I do all year. I take my dog, and drive to the areas I hunt to scout and just go for a walk in the mountains.

I don't think I miss 10 days a year from doing it.

The only difference for me when I hunt is the dog isn't with me, and i'm carrying a gun.

Muley being from the west and considering the wide open terrain i hunt in, still hunting is very common. i still do a lot of it although i have incorporated variations into it. i do a lot more scouting prior to the season, which i feel is key to consistently taking deer, i also look for things that funnel deer, even in wide open country.i am 52 now now closing on 53 and put down a lot less boot leather, then when i was a younger man.good equipment such as large light weight pack, quality binos,good shooting stick also help.i don't drag my deer anymore, they are boned using the gutless method and packed out, unless of course the animal is close to my vehicle, which rarely happens lol. the mountains here in California are as steep as any i have hunted, including your state of Colorado,where i also once lived.hunting in other states requires a different style, which includes stand hunting.i know many people who stand hunt and spend countless hours afield, deciding the best area's to set up on.i suppose it's a matter of how one was taught to hunt and the type of country they hunt that dictate hunting styles. in the end all that matters is getting out and hunting along with ones family and friends and keeping the tradition alive. those who have never experienced something like sitting on the continental divide at day break and watching the sun come up and a herd of elk moving slowly across the mountain or sitting with your 9 year old eating peanut butter and honey sandwiches, glassing a canyon IMHO have not lived! Ray

I have tried different states.

I was born and brought up in Springfield Mass. My dad taught me to hunt, and we hunted together for many years.

I then moved to Cailf. and hunted there for 25 years.

Now i'm in Colorado and retired. Hunting is my passion and consumes me most of the day.

If i'm not hunting. I'm in the mountains scouting, staying in shape, and finding new areas to hunt. Plus just enjoying it. I'll never get tired of the Rockies.

I was taught to hunt this way and love it. I'm not sure why stand/blind hunting is so popular, because to me sitting on ambush all season is as much fun as watching paint dry.

i love to still hunt. However, this part of OK has not had a good rain in six months. Walking in the woods sounds like a 250 pound bar queen in high heels walking across the dance floor on six inches of peanut hulls.

It all depends on the weather and how bad i hurt the day i hunt deer. I stalked or still hunted exclusively for years. When i want meat on the table though and the weather sucks, im in my fancy tree "house" with a heater, cooler and a "sofa". :D

Some days i just sit up there and enjoy a few hours of watching the wildlife and learn their pathing habits.

Well, I wouldn't live at 8000 ft in the Rockies if I was worried about weather. If it's not cold and snowing. It's not a good day to hunt.

For me. Anything over 50 degrees is a heat wave.

However, if I had to sit in one spot. I might like it warmer too.




I'm just saying.:p

The reason some people blind hunt is a matter of hunting populations and land ownership issues. In Wisconsin for instance, the area you hunt might have numerous people in that small area. You want to make people upset, go tracking through an area they are sitting or hunting. I've seen hunters almost come to blows.

The other issue is land ownership. In Wisconsin there are severe trespassing laws. Although I admit they are not enforced the way they should, but with the GPS and the camera now, land owners are taking the issue of trespassing in their own hands. They mark you and photograph you and then then press charges.

For instance, a farmer owns 120 acres of fields which draw deer. He then posts his property and allows no one without permission to enter his land. He has people sitting the edges of the field watching for moving herds. If you stalk, you are doing them a big favor by pushing deer. Your better off to sit up trail of them on your property, and wait for deer to move from bedding areas to feeding areas. You ambush hunt, but it works. Also in some areas of the State baiting is allowed. Again, you wait for the deer to come and feed.

Where I live in the state, I am surrounded by National Forest. So it is common for me to find a good fresh track in the snow and start to walk it out. I've moved miles on a trail. And that is a lot of fun. But you have to remember, the further you track into the National, the further out you have to move that animal after the harvest.

We have the same problem here. Lots of private land in between the public land. In Colorado they don't need to mark it either. It's up to the hunter/fisherman to know where the private land is.

The game knows where they're safe too, and will go on the private land to get away from the hunters.

It's not as easy to get elk here as out of state hunters think. Only 20% get elk here, and you only have a week to do it.

I hunted Mass for many years with all the problems you mention. I never hunted in a tree or blind with or without bait. If I lived in an area that I could only do that. I'd move.

Well, I did move. To Colorado. I came here to hunt and fish. Too bad it's so hard to get an elk tag here. I should be able to hunt my own state, but that's not the case.

cuz, they sell the tags to out of staters lol.. more denero! Ray

I know. It sucks.

I have applied for elk tags in colorado twice and got tags both times. Unfortunately both years I was unable to go on the hunt so I had to return the tags. Colorado is great for giving your money back if you don't go hunting as long as you return the tag before the season.

The season and where I want to hunt takes points. Ok, so I save points. The minute I get enough points and make it my 1st choice, my points are gone and I start over again.

Then next year i'm hunting an area and season I don't want to so I can get points again.

Try to get a muzzleloading bull elk tag in a good area. In my case it's not even a good area. I just want an area that's close to me.

I run into the same thing in fly fishing. We have the caddis hatch on the Arkansas River every year. Good luck getting near the river during the hatch. Everybody and their brother comes to fish it. I usually get pissed and go fish a creek in the mountains. Few do that. It's too much work.

I do the same with hunting. I go where nobody wants to go. Hopefully, the elk won't feel that way too.

Oh well. That's what I get for living in paradise. :)

In Michigan, what cayugad wrote/typed.
+ many times when it has snowed, then got bitter cold, the crunching underfoot can be heard for a quarter mile. Those are the "watching" the paint dry" days, but can be very productive. I love to still hunt the most, but some times you have to sit. Really enjoy chasing antelope/deer hunting out west, never a dull moment.

Yeah, crunchy snow is hard. We get it too. I just move in slow motion.

That's why i'd like to hunt the muzzleloader season. It's early Sept, we rarely have snow.

The problem is it's during the rut and everybody wants it. Getting a bull elk tag for ML season takes points. So, I can only get it every 4 years when I have the points.

The rest of the time i'm in crunchy snow hunting for cows. :cry:

I always wanted to have the option of still hunting but in almost all of my many years of hunting the terrain where I have lived and hunted never allowed it much.

Yes, Still Hunting. When done right can be very effective!

Well, we all get tired FG. A little nap will perk you right up. :p

I have always taken naps when out hunting..this year i taught my 9 year old how to do it lol. we were on a steep slope and i said i was going to relax and take a nap. the boy says how i am sliding. so i proceeded to dig a sopt out with my foot to kkep my backside form sliding down the hill and took a nap lol. woke up about a hour later and he was sound asleep..carrying on the tradition!!:party0005:

Woke up once sitting on the ground with by back against a log and my chin down on my chest. Under the brim of my hat I could see four deer feet about fifteen feet in front of me. Nope, didn't get a shot off and so far as I know that doe is still running.

And laughing. :D

i am a little more cautious when the boys with me. we have a serious Mt lion problem in california..there everywhere! Ray

What usually happens to me when i nap, is i start in in a nice warm sunny spot, and then as the sun moves, i end up in the shade. I awake cold and shivering. This napping mostly happened quite a long time ago. These days, what with global warming, it is usually too cold, and snowy in the mountains. One good thing, beins how i am retired, i am more rested when i hunt, so don't so strongly feel the need for a nap.

That would make taking a nap difficult for me.

Another reason it's better to be a still hunter than to sit in a tree stand...you're closer to the ground when you fall asleep. :p