Spot and stalk questions

[bigmike86]

Hey guys, quick question about archery spot and stalk tactics

I understand having the wind in your face while approaching the deer, but what if your only route to your attack position (last covered position before you're in sight of the enemy) was upwind of the animal?  How close would you be willing to circle up wind of him before getting to your downwind shooting spot?

Additionally, if you were on the reverse slope of a ridgeline while circling upwind, would this affect your decision? For example would you accept more risk and let your route take you closer than normal since you have the cover of the ridge?

2nd question is this: If you spot your buck in some thicker timber or brush and you plan a long stalk route to get close, what methods do you use to make sure you know where he is when approaching from the opposite side? Do you plot him on map, gps, use compass? to shoot a back azimuth?

Thanks again everyone

-Mike

[Big6bull]

I don't risk any upwind situation unless I'm over 100 yards out. Patience is your friend waiting him out for a better senario usual is worth the effort.

[Gringo31]

As a general rule, I don't go upwind.


The buck I killed this year I bedded and we had a very cold and fairly strong north wind.  The problem was he could see everything to his south.  Because the wind was so consistent and strong, I did come from the north and guess that my scent only cleared him by maybe only 30 yards. 

I had no play on this buck but that one....

It worked and I killed him at 28 yards in the sage.


It's easy to lose where they are bedded during a spot and stalk.  Real easy.  Best method is to have a buddy and use hand signals.  If on your own, study the area well, keep mental notes and you just do the best you can.  Several times I've snuck up to a pin point area frantic I can't find him to realize I'm 50-60 yards off or in the wrong patch.

[Karl Blanchard]

Like has been said before, if the wind is wrong, you simple don't force the situation because it will end poorly 100% of the time.  Best to pull back and wait for a better stalk opportunity.

One good method to relocating an animal is to take a picture from where you were spotting from.  If you lose a landmark, or get off track, you can often times pick out a new reference point from the picture that will get you back on course.

[bigmike86]

Thanks for the input guys. Any other tips on keeping track of the target while on the stalk? All comments are very much appreciated

Mike

[Jonathan_S]

Thanks for the input guys. Any other tips on keeping track of the target while on the stalk? All comments are cery much appreciated

Mike

This has a lot to do with understanding your prey and faith that he'll be there when you come back into view.  That doesn't mean he'll always be there but you still have to commit to the stalk and have the discipline to not want to peek at him every 100 yards.

[bigmike86]

Thanks that's a good tip. Patience is definitely tough but I'll try not to blow it by getting any sneak peaks.

I might try to practice on some smaller bucks or does while scouting just to gain some confidence if I do find a toad.

[coachcw]

Wind wind wind always . I'd rather sneak strait in the line of sight rather than risk getting winded . ,   I will say though that once I covered my self in cow elk urine and literally walked right up to a up wind buck . Last day last hour tactics risk vrs reward .

[fly4fish]

You're better off to wait for a different scenario if the wind isn't right. That's where patience comes to play. I film all of my hunts, so I will get some footage of the target's location that  I can look back on if need be.

[bigmike86]

Awesome, thanks for the tips guys. Cant wait til September....sick of waiting in a tree for whitetails in hot stinky Georgia!

[Karl Blanchard]

Awesome, thanks for the tips guys. Cant wait til September....sick of waiting in a tree for whitetails in hot stinky Georgia!

  My little bro is at Benning and he hates hunting down there too!

[fishnfur]

I'd go replace them both in a minute!  Sounds like pure fun in the sun. 

[bigmike86]

Haha yea right, GA is miserable. Its been either 100 degrees or raining this year. Was still getting bit by mosquitos in my tree stand in December. Cant wait to move to Washington!!!!!!

[Karl Blanchard]

I went down there in May for a week to visit and it was your typical South.  Humid as hell, an over abundance of mouth breathers,  and more bugs and snakes than I care for.  I love Southern food though!  There is a place downtown in Columbus called Plucked Up.   Chicken and biscuits smothered in cheese and homemade country gravy, with a glass of sweet tea is heaven!

[tgomez]

Haha yea right, GA is miserable. Its been either 100 degrees or raining this year. Was still getting bit by mosquitos in my tree stand in December. Cant wait to move to Washington!!!!!!

My tip is to get into good shape if your going to move here and be successful in spot and stalk archery hunting. If your not in proper shape you will soon find out very quickly. Best of luck, our great state has much to offer in the way of hunting and fishing!

[bigmike86]

Thanks! I have spent a lot of time in the past few years hunting a different type of game in the Afghan mountains, so although my mountain legs have softened a bit since I've been home, I do know what type of shape I need to be in. I'm excited to have some elevation to climb again. Thanks for the tip!

[MADMAX]

thank you for your service big mike

[Karl Blanchard]

When are you moving west?

[bigmike86]

I'm moving out at the end of march. Can't wait!

[bigmike86]

thank you for your service big mike

My pleasure madmax! Thanks for paying you're taxes/my salary!

[Karl Blanchard]

I'm moving out at the end of march. Can't wait!

I'll pm you my contact info if you wanna hit up a 3d shoot or two or if you wanna meet up and check out some new country.  I'm on the east side of the state but I plan on doing some shoots over there this spring/summer and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is just over the pass from you.  Great mule deer country.

[bigmike86]

Yea that'd be great! I'll never turn down the opportunity to kick it with like-minded folks and get some good info. Thanks man!

[Karl Blanchard]

Yea that'd be great! I'll never turn down the opportunity to kick it with like-minded folks and get some good info. Thanks man!

Awesome man, we'll hook up at some point!  And thank you, a bro with a purple heart on his chest is welcome by my fire anytime   pm inbound!

[bigmike86]

Thanks, and good eyes! Can't believe you can see that. I'll tell you the story some time, although its rather uneventful

[MADMAX]

thank you for your service big mike

My pleasure madmax! Thanks for paying you're taxes/my salary!

and mine
retired FED 38 years