Bowhunting From the Ground: Tips to Increase Success and Stay Hidden This Season
More bowhunters are discovering the advantages of bowhunting whitetails from the ground. For decades, most hunters relied almost exclusively on treestands. But with the rise of pop-up blinds and mobile ground setups, hunters now realize that hunting from the ground is safer, more flexible, and surprisingly effective. If you’re preparing for a ground hunt this fall, make sure your bow is supported and ready with accessories from Pine Ridge Archery.
Set Up Blinds Early and Blend Them Well
If you plan to use a pop-up blind, timing is crucial. Set your blind up several weeks before the season to give deer plenty of time to get used to it. Brushing it in with natural cover helps it blend into the landscape. The goal is to make the blind look like it has always been there.
If you’re hunting public land or don’t have time to pre-set your blind, consider placing it in an open field instead of deep woods. According to Brooks Johnson, founder of Double Bull Blinds, deer are less alarmed by blinds in open areas because they can see them from a distance and approach cautiously. But a blind that suddenly appears in the middle of dense cover can spook deer quickly.
To make your setup even more natural, add color-matched accessories like bow slings, peeps, and stabilizers from Pine Ridge Archery.
Choose a Blind That Doesn’t Look Like a Box
Surprisingly, deer often react more negatively to square-shaped blinds than rounded or irregularly shaped ones. Consider using a bale blind, tipi-style blind, or even a tent-shaped blind. These options break up your outline and blend more naturally into fields, brush, or wooded edges.
No matter your blind choice, a scent-free strategy is a must. Use scent-eliminating spray, activated-carbon clothing, or ozone units to help control odor. While blinds contain some scent, they don’t eliminate it entirely.
Hunting Without a Blind
Ground bowhunting without a blind is an exciting challenge—and more doable than many hunters realize. You can tuck yourself under low-hanging branches, hide near brush piles, or wear a ghillie suit to blend in. This method gives you maximum mobility and allows you to adapt to wind direction instantly.
To keep your bow ready when a buck appears, use the Kwik Stand from Pine Ridge Archery. The jaws grip your bow limb securely, and the extendable legs keep your bow upright and easy to grab.
Movement Control: The Key to Success
When hunting from the ground, the most important rule is to stay still. Deer catch even the smallest movement. Practice drawing your bow slowly and smoothly while seated or kneeling to prepare for real-world scenarios. Ground hunting puts you at eye level with the deer, making patience and timing essential.
To stabilize your bow’s performance, consider adding NITRO accessories like peep sights and stabilizers from Pine Ridge Archery.
Final Thoughts
Bowhunting from the ground offers a refreshing change of pace and a rewarding challenge. You stay safer, more mobile, and more connected to the landscape. With early blind placement, smart concealment, scent control, and the right bow support, you can enjoy a productive and exciting season.
Before heading into the woods, gear up with high-quality accessories and bowhunting tools from Pine Ridge Archery.
BY TRACY BREEN
