Dec. 10: Hunting from the Ground, Creating Funnels | Bowhunting Whitetails w/ Bill Winke

[@donaldbowling8620]

Keeping it real Bill. Love it. I would much rather watch real hunting then the manufactured hunts we all see people produce. 👊🏻🦌

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Donald. Eventually my farm will get better (each year it should get a bit better) and I can offer more action on this series from the home front. I do plan to hunt more places in the future to spice things up. I do appreciate you and all the others who are following along with the season. Best of luck and have a great late season.

[@donaldbowling8620]

@@bill-winke like I said, watching you basically start from scratch is awesome. Much better perspective and info then most shows. Merry Christmas to you and your family sir. 🎄

[@Jeffchizoate]

I always love watching your stuff, Bill. Definitely my favorite hunter to watch and listen to. The farm I hunt is about 3 hours away so I have been looking at hunting public land sometimes closer to home. I hate to leave blinds or stands on public land, and I’m honestly not a big run and gun, pick a tree and hang each time guy. I like the idea of using natural cover for a blind. I’m pretty sure the public lands in my area will allow moving old fallen brush around into a natural blind, but if not, maybe I can just find some fallen vegetation that just happens to be in a good spot. Thanks again for the show and this episode. I love it!

[@bill-winke]

I know people have had good success doing that while wearing Ghillie suit. That might be something to consider. Also, some of the stand systems are fairly easy to deploy. I do think that the greatest strength of the Elevate stands is their portability. You may be able to come up with a system that is easy to set. Even if it only gets you 10 to 12 feet off the ground, as long as you set up on the backside of the tree, away from where you think the deer will be moving, you can likely get away with it. Good luck and thanks for the support.

[@paulbernitt4280]

Thank you for making such good matter-of-fact content filled with years of whittail success. I'm looking forward to the day of having a "whole season" to hunt my property and surrounding public in SW WI and abroad. I have a couple more years before that can happen. Until then I can have my 2 weeks of bowhunting per year and live vicariously through you and your experiences in the field. Keep up the great work! Cant wait till I can see how things continue in Iowa this season. Love your passion.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Paul. I appreciate the support and the comment. You must be getting close to retiring. Good for you. That will definitely be a great day. Best regards.

[@alexpinnow6509]

Always like to see your creativity Bill, those cedars definitely make for a good ground blind

[@bill-winke]

It would have been tough without the cedar trees/branches. Good luck Alex.

[@bryanmoorefield8890]

I hunted Nebraska this Friday and Saturday outside Beatrice on wife’s family farm. Saw several bucks working scrapes and licking branches. Saturday was WINDY as heck, 30 mph winds most of the day. I do believe in second rut just not quite as active. Anytime hunting is fun, love your videos. I’m 67 and still hard at it 🦌🦌🏹🏹

[@bill-winke]

Agree. I think the second rut takes place on some level everywhere every year even if it is only fawns that are receptive. As you say, the movement is much less obvious compared to the primary rut.

[@Farmersforever1993]

The secondary rut really kicks off in end of December by Beatrice. It’s been very consistent the last 8 years, trail camera pictures and multiple encounters with mature bucks the last week and half. I’m just northwest of there and have farms down by there.That’s when the big boys are chasing the last esstrus doe’s it seems but i believe it comes down to the individual farms and if the deer are wintering there. The more does you have the more active the matue bucks are in the wintering grounds.

[@Bryan-wc3et]

My wife’s family farm is along the blue river. I have 5 farms I hunt pretty much to my self. I’m in kc area will be back up end of December hope your right. We have a bunch of does

[@joshcastle360]

Enjoyed the short series! I’ll be watching along as usual. Stay safe.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Josh. Much appreciated. Have a great day.

[@gfalk3972]

This is great. Really look forward to each days hunt!!!

[@bill-winke]

We have been having a lot of fun doing this and are glad you enjoy it. Have a great day and thanks for the comment.

[@stevemlejnek7073]

Glad to see you do some ground blind hunting. Would like to see more of that. I stopped climbing a few years ago, and have found good success on the ground, and even more excitement during close encounters eye to eye!

[@bill-winke]

I can believe that. It was fun. We hunt a good bit from Redneck Blinds, especially late season, but those will spoil a guy! Have a great day and thanks for the comment.

[@ajkelley20]

I like that location and your reason for setting up in that spot. I learned a lot about my own property by looking at the map and picking different spots,for various reasons.

[@bill-winke]

Agree. The best (and easiest) way to scout a property is from the aerial photos and topo maps. Edges and corners and spots where deer are likely to funnel or move through are pretty easy to spot on a map/photo if you study it for a while. Good comment. Have a great day.

[@dougreese9122]

Reminded me of my hunts in the 90s. Now I enjoy tree stands set up prior to bow season and comfortable chairs in warm blinds😀. Great memories tho. Enjoyed the video!

[@bill-winke]

I hear you Doug. I am not a huge fan of the hang and hunt strategy now either. I used to do it all the time, but it is sure nice just to go to a stand that is already there! Have a great day.

[@woodardcsw]

You two are a good team

[@ethan_stubbs]

We appreciate the support. Thanks for tuning in this week!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks. I appreciate the comment. We enjoy hunting together. Ethan takes the ribbing very well. Have a great day.

[@JayN4GO]

Ethan is a great camera man for sure. I’ve had a lot of success hunting on the ground with blinds like this. Natural cover. I bet you guys have tagged another Iowa buck by now

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Jay. He definitely does a good job and puts up with the "adventures" that come along the way. We haven't started the late season hunting yet. That starts Monday. Have a great day and thanks for the comment and support.

[@ethan_stubbs]

Thanks Jay! With any luck, we can notch a tag or two this late season.

[@jamosley96]

Glad y’all saw some deer out of your setup. Hope y’all have a safe trip home. Hopefully y’all can get a Christmas buck!🤞

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Mosley. We did make it back safely and are looking forward to the late season hunting back home. Have a great day and good luck to you also.

[@stevenschmidt5712]

Always nice to get in a new hunting experience during the season and also nice to get back home for some home cooking. Sorry it didn’t work out for you along the Platte. Looking at the long range weather it doesn’t look great for cold weather any time soon. Let’s hope once the holidays are behind us until the tenth it’s gets frigid. Those 10 days will fly bye quickly, good luck!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Steven. It was a fun trip. If we do it again, we will know better what to expect. That farm needs a really good late season food source. Most of the deer (all of them actually) were just wandering around eating grass. I think we can pick off a buck late season without the cold if we are patient enough and don't go after them too soon. But, for sure, the really cold days (especially the first ones of the year) really get them moving. Good luck to you.

[@jimpowers2047]

Nice that Ethan appreciates your humor as do we😊

[@bill-winke]

Sometimes it is not truly funny, but as long as he laughs... He is kind of like Ed McMahon to my "Johnny Carson".

[@jimpowers2047]

if only Carnac could divine where your big bucks are 😁@@bill-winke

[@ethan_stubbs]

It’s hard not to! Thanks for watching

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Bless your heart. Sad you didn't harvest. Great experience though. Thank you for solid & honest content. Happy hunting you all.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the comment. Have a great day and good luck.

[@charleywalker2982]

You have to have your A game on when bow hunting from the ground. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and keep your videos coming please.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Charley. We had fun. I think that setup would have worked if they had crossed the creek and headed to that grass field behind us, but they stayed along the creek eating grass there.

[@warbirdflyerF4U]

Looks like you guys got close No cigar Long as you enjoyed the trip And couldn't hunt at home anyway I would say it was a success Best to walk when you get back out bill And Ethan

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Warbird. We had an awesome time with Ev and that was a big part of the trip. Have a great day and thanks for the comment. Good luck to you too.

[@ethan_stubbs]

Thanks! Good luck this late season.

[@stevedenoyer5956]

Had some smaller bucks chasing doe last weekend 12/9. It’s about the time the doe and fawns that are big enough come back or into estrus. I’ve not really experienced much of a 2nd rut where I am, just not enough does that make it thru without getting bred. Low deer densities

[@bill-winke]

Makes sense. We get some fawns every year around here that come into estrus in early December. Unfortunately for me, that is during the regular firearms season most of the time so I don't really hunt that movement pattern. Late season on food sometimes produces a few bucks pushing fawns around, but not a ton of that here either. Good luck.

[@stevedenoyer5956]

That’s good concealment on your ground blind!

[@bill-winke]

It worked better than I expected Steve. That was a fun hunt. Tree stands are usually better though but the only tree nearby would have had us completely skylined.

[@JeffGardner-h3u]

Really enjoyed the episodes of you and Ethan hunting Nebraska. Would've been nice if you could have crossed paths with one of those shooter bucks from the trail cam pics. They were certainly respectable looking racks. Best of luck as you prepare for the late season back home in Iowa. I'm betting you'll fill a tag before the season is over! Take care, good hunting, and always enjoy your videos!

[@ethan_stubbs]

Thanks for the support! Good luck this late season.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks. We had a fun time hunting Ev's farm out there in NE. I have driven past that farm many times on I-80 over the years. Pretty cool to actually sit there. Good luck this late season to you too.

[@bownockoutdoors]

I've always been curious about the Platte and all the deer I see there off of 80 when on my way west to elk hunt. Looks like you are ready to try saddle hunting for these hang and hunts.

[@bill-winke]

That is a really cool area. I have looked at that exact area out the side window of my truck many times while zipping across on I-80. I am not a huge fan of hang and hunt though. I did it a lot when I was in my 20s and 30s (always in the afternoon, never in the mornings), but I am far from that age now. I like having the time to set up a spot really well in advance and make sure that I do all I can to assure that any passing buck will present a shot. Those hang and hunts can produce good action since you have the element of surprise, but often you don't have shooting lanes where you need them, or you are just a touch out of the action. Thanks for the comment and have a great day.

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

I bet it was nice to do something in a place where the deer haven been pressured. Sure looked like a calm place. Like u said...back to reality.🎉😅

[@bill-winke]

I have hunted deer that have more human interactions than the ones on that Nebraska property. There are people in and out of there all the time. I think the hardest deer to hunt are the ones that only encounter people when they are being hunted.

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

@@bill-winke I agree. The Conservation land I've spent alot of time on the deer get spooked by dog walkers & I have some incredible video from a place I've been @ multiple times & I've gotten videos in March through May of deer close to me. It's only cuz I'm in camo from head to toe. I also only scout where the wind is in my favor. U don't get 2 chances ever to make a good 1st impression. I've watched deer cross open areas of CRP that time of year. U never see that in the fall.

[@artbrennhofer8283]

Thanks for sharing the hunt with us Bill and Ethan. looks like you both had some fun. Is Nebraska an over the counter State?

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Art. Sometimes they have leftover tags, but it is a draw state. You should apply to be sure you get a tag. Good luck.

[@mitchellgenz1373]

Great sit Bill.

[@bill-winke]

It was fun Mitchell. We enjoyed the action and had fun being a bit more creative in our approach. Have a great day.

[@samp3087]

Clang bang clang..... you could have stealth stripped, and para cord wrapped those stands ya know ;-) that's what interns are for right?

[@bill-winke]

Yes. That was kind of bad. It was dark and I couldn't see the stand coming up through. And the tree leaned so there was no other way than over the limb stubs. Had I known I could have had Ethan climb with it part way up.

[@stefanosoderi4152]

I actually made a tree branch wall to funnel them and I watched them jump or walk right through it lol

[@bill-winke]

I am sure they jumped this one too, but for sure some deer were using the hole Ev and his buddy made.

[@Pwrcritter]

I70 is just north of my stand location. Hear it all day long. That 7 point looks like the 8pt i let go opening day of gun. It went around the hill and was shot by the neighbor, smh.

[@ethan_stubbs]

Dang, that’s the reality of deer hunting pressured areas. Thanks for watching!

[@bill-winke]

Man, I hate that. It sure would be nice if people could be a bit more patient on the bucks. Even if they never get huge, it is just more fun to hunt mature bucks - and a few will get huge! Just something about knowing they have made it a few years and are still out there that keeps the juices flowing. Good luck in the future.

[@takurghar1621]

Have taken some nice bucks from the elm creek area before the conservancy came in and bought up the river ground. Those camera pics of the better deer look pretty typical of what the area can provduce

[@bill-winke]

I enjoyed the area. That is what I gathered from talking with Ev and others in that area. A 150 inch buck is pretty much the biggest one can expect in that area, most years, with a lot of nice mature bucks in the 120 to 145 range. I would have been happy with deer of that class, for sure. They were there, just not moving. Have a great day and thanks for the comment.

[@NateMercier-j2d]

You have likely mentioned this before, but what quiver are you using? I've been looking for one that is more easily removable. Thanks!

[@bill-winke]

That is a Fuse model. Here is the link: fusearchery.com/products/alpha-strike-xl-quiver

[@arthurdirindinjr1792]

If I has access to a huge chunk of private ground excellent big buck habitat that had fields on it and was having problems seeing mature shooter bucks Id give using a buck decoy a try set out a buck decoy with a set of about 130" antlers on him and see what happened

[@bill-winke]

I think that would work around the rut, but not as likely now as the deer are mostly coming to the fields to eat now, but that is a good strategy. Have a great day and thanks for the comment.

[@stanleybuck4195]

Your expensive fur camo looks good.when you're on the ground, it doesn't look too thick. Wonder if all your talk hurts your hunting.

[@bill-winke]

Maybe I don't know enough about deer to know what they can hear. I guess we can all keep learning. Or maybe we have to turn the volume up on low volume conversations when we are editing the videos later so viewers can hear it better. Hmmm.

[@edwardclark5211]

Dream Big brother 🙏

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Edward. Same to you.

[@stevedenoyer5956]

How do you like hunting in such tight quarters?

[@bill-winke]

It is super hard when producing video. Not much we can share with viewers. I don't mind it personally but it is hard to produce interesting video when you so little to film.

[@charleywalker2982]

👍

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the support Charley.

[@specag31]

You had nothing to lose, what you tried didnt work. Uh, hate to be that guy, but you need new thinking at the dream farm too. Actually, i get paid a lot to be that guy, The Evaluator.

[@bill-winke]

Late season brings new opportunities. I am not dead yet.

[@specag31]

@@bill-winke 👍. What i sent same out a big cross, sorry, the dangers of email. Looking forward to it. When i was a teen I loved late season hunting in marshes along NW Chesapeake Bay. No one out, shallow marshes frozen, could use cattails and fragmite to sneak. Hooked school but as long as i brought meat home, no problem. As a teen, before WW2, thats how my dad brought meat home so it was a tradition.

[@cray-z7404]

Y’all are extremely loud Putting stands up so that’s probably part of reason not having the best of luck 😂

[@bill-winke]

It was a tough tree, but yes, that was loud. But, we did drive right past that spot in the truck about 15 minutes earlier. There are duck hunters all over that place so the deer are used to a bit of human activity.

[@kurtpearson2793]

First

[@specag31]

Doh! Second.

[@ethan_stubbs]

Thanks Kurt, have a great week!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the support.

[@Scott-ol9zs]

nebraska waste of time

[@bill-winke]

Come on now. There were some decent bucks there. I think under different conditions (more food sources and colder weather) we could have had some success.