Top 5 Deer Hunting Tips For Ground Setups!

[@jonathansimmons4253]

I used the ground noise trick last season because of the THP videos. Watching yall rattle and tear up the ground, leaves, and saplings, got me to try it. Twice I called in big 8s within 10 minutes of that rattling session. One, I wasn't ready for and spotted me, the second time I tried it, I shot my biggest deer so far. Thanks THP. Also, almost had a copperhead crawl in my lap while ground hunting.

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Sounds like an exciting time for a lot of reasons! Congrats on the buck!

[@sthompson447]

Great job Jonathan! I was inspired by Zach to hunt on the ground this season in his September 2022 appearance on the Wired to Hunt podcast. I set up in a cluster of trees in a full leaf suit from North Mountain gear. About 12:15 I heard a loud, aggressive, and abrupt stomping in the brush behind me. A 130-140-inch buck stopped in, what I'm assuming, was my track to my tree, and paused to sniff the ground. He was about 12 yards from me! I had my Tethrd predator platform buckled to the tree - about 2 feet off the ground, and I was facing in the wrong direction. As I slowly rotated clockwise to get in a standing position to draw, the buck was also rotating. He got to a perfect broadside position at 12 yards, and looked at me like, why is this tree moving???? And then he bolted. I was seconds away from smoking a respectable buck on public in Oklahoma from the ground and I failed. However I'm thankful for that failure because I learned so much that I'll apply to future hunts. And it's like you said - thanks to THP. I really took to heart on that podcast episode what Zach said about not being afraid to fail.

[@umrdyldo4872]

wait till you use it for turkeys

[@marklandgraf7288]

One of the best videos I've seen on ground hunting essentials. I've been following you guys for a couple years and you bring an excellent standard to the outdoors industry!

[@outcastwreckreation6259]

THP is the best thing to happen to hunting since Fred Bear.

[@joshuagibbs8477]

After watching THP, I started making more noise on the ground. BIG difference. Called in 4 bucks last year and took 2 of them. Thanks THP!

[@CarolinaNocked]

This was great. I much more enjoy being on the ground and stalking. Love the call-in tip on natural noise

[@Crackhouts]

I'm so excited for deer season. I'm an Okie. I have a lifetime license. In 2021, I got 5 deer. With a lifetime, I can get 6. This was the first time I have ever taken more than 1 in a season and also my first archery kills. I used a crossbow last fall. I got a compound bow for Christmas (thank you, me), and I have been practicing almost daily. Thanks for the videos. These help me know what I need to change. My results speak for themselves (although there was a lot of luck for me this year). Keep it up!

[@jeffhancott7352]

Been watching these videos from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦. This morning I hunted from the ground and had the hunt of a lifetime minus the harvest. I will continue to hunt from the ground as it gives a lot of flexibility

[@xxbryan715xx]

Hey guys! I wanted to reach out and say thank you. I watched this video and your others on ground hunting and I killed my biggest buck off the ground on 10/02/2021. I followed that up 3 weeks later by killing my second biggest buck on 10/21/2021. Both are nice 8 point bucks. I tried unsuccessfully to hunt off the ground in years past. Your information helped make the difference and helped me seal the deal.

[@ChaseOutdoors]

One of the only tactics that I couldn’t figure out. Thank you boys

[@eggbert191]

Can you go a bit more in depth on calling whitetail. See videos on how to use the call but nothing about sequence, length of grunt, how often you do a call etc. Sure would be helpful. In my 4 years of hunting I've only seen does

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Will do a calling video at some point. That's a good idea!

[@eggbert191]

@@TheHuntingPublic much appreciated

[@timothyhowell7047]

I haven't hunted out of deer stand years. I've heard to many stories and gotten to comfortable for hunting on the ground. Killed my biggest GA buck at 10 yards on the ground 3 years ago. Killed my next biggest buck in ga last year 35 yards on the ground. And I hunt high pressured property that most hunters use the if it's brown it's down rule. Clean you're setup good and get where no one else will go. And I don't use any calling, it doesn't typically work where I hunt. I find a travel route and get in the thickest lowest point I can find

[@fernandocarvallo9135]

What do you mean by "clean your setup" and "thickest lowest point"?

[@timothyhowell7047]

@@fernandocarvallo9135 just like they mention I make sure the ground is clear of any debris so I can shift around in my setup quietly and I try to get in a low point in the terrain in thick cover

[@fernandocarvallo9135]

@@timothyhowell7047 thanks for the reply! I got excited and asked you before finishing the video😆

[@timothyhowell7047]

@@fernandocarvallo9135 ha, it's all good. No problem at all

[@fromontario6954]

Another tip if you are just sitting in one spot is to use a range finder and take a mental note of how far certain trees, rocks, bushes are. So there’s no guesstimating the range of the deer when it comes in.

[@justinmailloux549]

Could you create a video explaining where you set up on the ground in deer habitat, like bedding or transition areas, and what time and how to approach the area depending on when in the season? My biggest problem is entering an area effectively and my timing. Understanding the “if this, then this, and why” thought process is the hardest thing. I know most of that comes from experience and time spent in the woods. Maybe a video on the biggest things not to do in setting up would help too 😂. These critters are tough to hunt and kill consistently the way you guys can. Utmost respect for what you guys have accomplished.

[@ashtonfoy5450]

Man. This video is so great. I literally went out and applied all these tips and they worked so well. The ground noise thing is huge. I called in a buck going exactly what they said. I was floored. Never had a good shot opportunity but it was for sure wild. These tips work. Thanks THP

[@Kurtdog63]

Clearing the leaves out under your feet also stirs up the soil scent to help cover yours. Practice drawing and holding your bow for extended period of time from kneeling/sitting position. Ground hunting and a good breeze go well together. Cover movement and sound. All good tips guys. Tree stands are awesome but not always the solution. You will get busted a lot bowhunting from the ground, but sometimes, everything comes together, and the victory is sweet.

[@Seetheunseen3882]

You guys helped me bring it to the next level on the ground. The older I get the less trees I will be climbing. Although most of my deer have been taken from the ground, your tactics and aggressive style will help me doing what I love for many more years. Thanks guys!!

[@lukes.9360]

Thanks for the great tips, guys. Y'all have taught me more about deer hunting than anyone except my old man! Keep up the good work.

[@JD-mn8cx]

Thanks THP for showing interesting new styles of hunting deer. These styles are so far outside of the box from what I was used to before. A few years ago I saw you hunting on pub land from the ground and it really surprised me. I tried it last year and had one of the best deer hunts of my life set up on the ground, and I didn’t even take a shot! Just exciting to try something new so close to deer! Thanks guys

[@geekazoid1983]

100% of my hunting, so far, has been from the ground. Spot & stalk or ground blind or makeshift cover. These are the tips I've been waiting for. I can feel it. This will be the season I land my first buck. Thanks to the tips learned from here I've gotten the closest I have ever been last season (couldn't seal the deal due to not having a clear shot) but still. I'm excited!

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Good luck! Keep after 'em!

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

You sound just like myself there geekazoid. I sadly missed three does, didn't draw on a really nice buck coming to me at 15 yards and other opportunities. I'm pumped for a redemption season. 🏹🦌

[@geekazoid1983]

@@TheHuntingPublic update to this: Had the biggest buck of my life, ninja stalk up on me last night at 15 yards. I had some cover. I was in shadow. Knew I was something but didn't blow or bust. I waited to draw until his head was behind a tree and as soon as I drew he spooked out. It was heartbreaking. I'm just hoping because he wasn't blowing or anything that I didn't ruin a future hunt on him (I've narrowed down his bedding)

[@ericstevens8660]

@@geekazoid1983 all bucks are diffrent in that regard, But if he didnt act too awful startled and didnt smell you, Chances are you may get see him again

[@LP3me]

You ever go back to that spot? I shot and missed a doe this year and the next few days multiple deer came through that spot that I’ve never seen before almost investigating where I was sitting.

[@abebenson4564]

Just when you convinced my to get off the ground and buy a saddle you make me want to stick to the ground game. Guess I'll wear the saddle on the ground lol.

[@southboundeightyone4958]

😆 I hunt private land mostly and so I bring tree climbing gaffes and my saddle every time I hunt but I also bring a 3 gallon bucket to sit on if I end up on the ground!! Getting in clean and quiet is really the most critical element for a decent hunt, IMHO!!

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

SO thankful for this channel and all the tips and tricks you guys share👍👍

[@chattahoocheeoutdoorsman4865]

Zach has influenced me to start hunting off the ground. When him and Jake got that nice buck sitting in the little willows/grass back in 2017 inspired me. I've killed a few off the ground with a bow since then. Now I just have to start filming my hunts from the ground.

[@boomer2228]

Zach is one of my favorite guys on the hunting public! He's HILLARIOUS! Someone told him that they liked his videos until he used face paint, he said "DARN".... its a you gotta see it for yourself lol. I hope someday I can hunt with him and he can get me set up on some big bucks! Keep at it guys! You guys are AWESOME!

[@country_gbrony721]

Great tips! My greatest reason for not ground hunting much is dealing with other deer busting me before that buck rolls in.

[@keithbanther3385]

Great stuff..I will tell you guys when you hit your mid forties you won't be sitting on your knees for any length of time...just fyi

[@dswish1730]

I always think the same thing..And I am almost 60.My body doesn’t do that stuff anymore.But it tries.A small seat comes in handy.

[@keithbanther3385]

Amen brother

[@2daysoffproductions887]

Definitely need a seat over 40

[@MrFunk-oz8gq]

I’m in my mid forties, have some knee and back pain, but proper exercise and nutrition can help overcome those issues and ground hunting is enjoyable

[@billwallenstein3387]

I’m an old ground hunter. I carry a little fold up trifold chair. Wind in my face feet on the ground

[@Logan_Proctor]

We never ground hunt for deer around here, but I’m gonna start now this looks like it would be even more fun cause you have to be more stealthy

[@vworley21]

Appreciate the information guys! This is my second year hunting but first bow hunting and I need all the help I can get. Trying these tips out today 👍

[@voiceforthevoicelesstruth5480]

We set in the corn tie the stalks together to create v shaped lanes one for observation the other as a quarterly shot

[@OutdoorsAnonymous]

REally great tips here! Thanks boys!

[@stevegermain1222]

I'm not blowing smoke you guys are absolutely awesome stop the great work and sharing the information please

[@Sig_716]

I’m new to the game, and I feel that ground hunting is the way I want to go for several reasons, no idea if it will work for me but I am excited to try, thanks for posting and cool hat gonna snag one

[@cantgetenoughoutdoors3258]

Awesome as usual thanks THP for another great video.

[@joshpriessman7533]

Can you guys do a video on tips for spot and stalking? Love the videos!

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Hope to in the future!

[@themorningwoodz2219]

Great video! We hope to put this to use on some public land down in Texas this year!

[@paulwelhouse4161]

Great information, enjoy your videos immensely. Your down to earth style and passion really come through. Keep up the great work!!

[@ilovenythismuchilovenewyor5801]

great videos ... hunting from the ground you make it look so simple but I know it takes practice and thanks for making videos like this to motivate us to step our hunting game up especially if we wanna put down Buck Legends around our areas ... when I say Buck Legends I mean the Bucks in our hunting woods that ppl dream to get but have one tough time getting....

[@ericwolbert3256]

I learned all them tricks the hard way! Great advice!👍

[@dcclscott]

Please do a video on how you do your scent control!! I am super interested in moving my hunting game to the ground.

[@BlackSunsh1ne]

Pulling back that 70# pretty sweetly!

[@snakehead4213]

Can wait to see the videos of those hunts Unfortunately we don’t have whitetail where I live but I could probably do this to hunt other things

[@tre400emills]

I remember all of these hunts! I love what you guys have done since you’ve departed from Midwest Whitetail. I can see the passion for the Whitetail from each and every person on the THP! Thank you for all you guys do.

[@dimebag117]

Great video guy's, im a full time ground hunter. Knowing where & how to set up, your wind, your approach. The most important thing next to wind is breaking up your outline, also knowing when it's your opportunity to make your move & draw. Just a great video man, everybody really should pay attention to it. Every detail covered in this video is highly important, I think y'all should make a video on choosing the areas to focus on & how you ultimately choose your set ups. It would tie in great with this video, God Bless you guy's!

[@Borderedcollie]

I’ve killed most of mine from the ground with compound. But One of them, I actually laid prone and a slanted hill in a 3d leafy and shot a buck right in the heart. Personally I prefer ground hunting. More fun and challenging, better adrenaline rush when you spot one.

[@GMdrivingMOPARguy]

I'm not inherently afraid of heights but am just incredibly uncomfortable in a tree stand so I much prefer to be on the ground. Some of these tips transfer directly from turkey hunting, especially the cover and stay low parts, others like clear out the ground from underneath you I would never have thought of.

[@mattyice9923]

I’m not good with heights either bro but, some stands aren’t that high. Honestly 8-10ft is good enough. Try using a saddle, get one stick and a platform and that’s your height. I’m buying one for next year, I used a couple stands and I don’t like how narrow some of the ladder steps are especially when it’s snowy,icy.

[@danieljarosz5140]

Thanks for the great tutorial. Tips I'll definitely use this fall.

[@joelv1097]

I cant wait till deer season in texas (october 1 - January) i still youth hunt and i go in a treestand. But my dad and i dont fit so he goes a couple hundred yards away where he can see and hear me. Im yet to bag my first deer hoping its a huge buck!

[@mohunter68]

Zach is my most favorite out of all the THP crew. His stalking abilities are second to none. That hunt in North Dakota where he stalked a bedded buck with Jake filming was Epic!

[@joesandysmokinjoesbeagles5862]

Zach is a beast, love watching him stalk these deer. he goes straight into stealth mode for sure. he is a blast to watch.

[@braydancauwels419]

this video helped me rattle 4 bucks in at one time!

[@bentpolski]

Nothing Like Taking a Whitetail on The Ground. Knee Replacement In March and now I need a complete left shoulder replacement. It kills me to climb with My Shoulder. I came close Monday Morning on a real nice 8 point. 12/15 yards away in waist and chest high Marsh grass covering His Vitals. I just didn't want to chance the shot! Thanks for The Video Zach!

[@tedf7843]

Last 3 Years bucks at 7 yds, 5 yds, and 5 yds from the ground on heavily hunted Illinois public land. Using ghillie suits and setting up watching wind, sun direction and back cover so I don't get backlit, very exciting. The one at 7 yds stood for 4-5 minutes, which is a lifetime in the deer woods, before taking the final step into my shooting lane. Bonus is that from the ground with the shooting angle you are using double lung shot is almost always assured. Downside is with my poundage those arrows are still flying and hard to recover after the shot. Best way I know to spend $20 though!

[@tedf7843]

@M Maple Plenty of dead falls with those storms that went through. Be careful out there keep an eye to the sky lots of big hanging limbs and trees out there. When I find a setup I always look up to see that I am safe good luck some bucks still get old on public land just have to hit the spots no one else thinks of going.

[@1977Mappy]

Great content, thanks for sharing

[@robgreer9726]

Great refresher boy!

[@gosilentoutdoors2094]

0:54 oh what a feeling!

[@jonhaynie1987]

Went hunting for the first time (finally!) last year and got my first deer from the ground. Sat in a stand for too long, didn't feel right, switched to a grassy knoll with plenty of tall weeds and got a deer in a few hours. Just felt more natural to me.

[@jerryscray1789]

Thank you guys for the tips

[@BrothaAustin]

We need a montage!

[@nicholasnorthrup5384]

Zack is one of the best ever to hunt deer on the ground

[@stevenl.halesr.6894]

I have several GREAT ground spots I hunt, and they're both deadfalls along a creek-line that runs East-West. One's on the North-Side of the creek, the other is on the South-Side of the creek (about 200 yards apart), and I hunt them based on the wind. Both are between bedding and feeding areas and between two major crossings. I also wear HECS (WORTH IT"S WEIGHT IN GOLD...TRUST ME), under my regular Camo. I can get to both of them pretty easy as well (normal water depth is 6-8 inches). It's an Urban/Surburban Area that has a few parks and golf courses that are connected by woodlands. While others are hunting the WMA'S or Private Property miles away, I can be where I hunt in 15-20 minutes walking the creek!

[@barryweaver6834]

I hunt a lot from the ground. Have had lots of opportunities but only a little success. Now at sixty and partially disabled with hardware of my own it’s really the only way I can hunt. Satisfying just to be out there. Thanx for tips

[@brettconway4789]

Any tips for black bear hunting from the ground? I watch all y'alls stuff!

[@fmj_patriot4144]

Can you guys making a video going for over everyone’s arrow and broad head setups

[@craig5649]

You guys supply the entertainment along with the education. Can't wait for October and the deer tour. I turned 60 this year and I have to admit I'm still learning from you young punks, not Ted so much though! 🤣🤣🤣

[@kylecollins6835]

I was practice shooting out of a ground blind and shot my arrow right through the blind about a half inch below the window because the arrow was below the window, even though the sight was good.

[@davidsoloninka7742]

Learning a lot from you guys. What do you all do with all the venison that you harvest? Thx, DS

[@campeze7955]

I mainly hunt public with an x bow. So much lighter from the ground- I pack Cammo burlap or netting on my bag - I run line thru it with a carabiner on each side… I put that around some brush or trees to make a makeshift blind if I’m too exposed. Gives great vertical and horizontal cover.

[@lesliecoates7031]

I killed my first buck from the ground this year, largely due to inspiration from watching THP videos. My practice draw revealed a swing obstacle and shooting lane obstructions. I still ended up standing to take a quartering away shot at 23 yards. Amazing experience. Thanks for the tips!!

[@OleSmokey]

After brutal fall outta stand 5 years ago been hunting ground since very lethal. This year hopefully get a kill with my bow first year I can pull it back.

[@lenduty2674]

Good info. So glad Zach brought up front cover/sight window issue! Not saying I learned the hard way, but…😎

[@surfjat15]

as a new bow hunter in new england looking for whitetail i’m eager to use friends tree stands but the allure of ground hunting, sneaking into an area you think is productive and setting up a little natural ground blind just excites me ! i’m up for the challenge.

[@robertmertz4831]

All about the practice draw

[@Valscorn01]

Reason I hunt from the ground: I can’t afford a tree stand or saddle lol

[@patrickstewart3255]

tip number 6....pay attention to the thermals, your scent will linger on the ground longer than in the air.

[@davidhammer154]

You 100% right. From my experience its hard to get them really close if its dead calm. Your scent or thermals will surround you and youll get busted. To me its easier not to get busted by smell if you have a decent breeze

[@cantgetenoughoutdoors3258]

Hearing zachs voice with this music takes me back to the mww days

[@cantgetenoughoutdoors3258]

@@JimRyser great stuff thank you Jim I play your music in my head when I'm hunting really cool!

[@cantgetenoughoutdoors3258]

@@JimRyser love it man its good music!

[@labtrainer09]

As the season approaches here in Maine, I re-watched this "tutorial" and several of THP's ground-hunt videos. I'm SO glad, Zach, that you've fallen hard for this approach. I did, too, and my two ladder stands don't get much use anymore. Being on the ground just feels better and more exciting to me. Hope you film LOTS of ground hunts this season, whether they result in kills or not!!

[@ericwiitala5407]

I've seen more deer from the ground than I have from a tree. I don't know why. The only reason I can come up with is that I'm somehow skylined even though I do my best not to be.

[@grizzlyfish2141]

I wanna get into bow hunting, I like hunting but to me rifle is kinda meh. What bow do you recommend people. Do you have a video on this?

[@jordanpowell228]

Theres gonna be a million guys in the woods this fall rolling around on the ground or shaking trees like sasquatch trying call. It all depends on the part of the country you hunt. If the age class of bucks in your area where you may only have 1 or 2 bucks older than 2 yrs old, calling may not be very effective and if it does work dont be surprised if you see a young deer come in all bristled up. If hunting pressure is above average, odds are pretty good other guys are doing it as well and you end up educating what your hunting. I have had it work and i have also witnessed deer run away from the sound of a rattle or a grunt.

[@BradyJ27]

Can you/would you recommend hunting deer from a ground blind? I have a ground blind I use for turkey hunting and I want to start deer hunting but don't want to buy an expensive saddle or a tree stand. I don't have any ghillie suits or anything, so would it still be suitable to hunt out of a ground blind?

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Brady, people get shots at deer out of ground blinds all the time. They definitely can work. But deer do tend to pick up on them quicker. Older bucks and does likely will know ground blinds are a threat and avoid them more than they would if you were using natural cover to hide. Some hunters use natural cover (leaned against or tied to their blind) to break up their ground blinds. That seems to work really well for deer.

[@ryanmickley3226]

You guys are some of the best out there on KZbin- constantly providing entertaining and educational videos. Keep up the great work.

[@seldomseen_outdoors]

Time to get out and start scouting. Have some cameras out over mock scrape vines. Can't wait to see what I run into this season!

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Good luck this season!

[@mikethadeeter]

Love these types of videos from THP! Keep em’ comin’ …

[@luisl2066]

Thank you very much for this very interesting video that I watched until the last minute. Im a full time ground hunter with my very light and very short 40 pounds Bear Supermag with which I have had great success (several mature bucks including one with 16 points at 5 yards). Hunting on the ground allows me to position myself much more easily on my territory according to the direction of the winds. I bet a lot on the « surprise effect without changing a piece of furniture in his house »..... Tomorrow morning, the wind is very good for me, the dominant is going to have quite a little surprise. Greetings from Quebec.

[@littlepils4187]

Ground blinds rock. Got 2 deer from my ground blind this year Best season ever!! Thanks.

[@dennismosley9163]

Letsss gooooo!...

[@KDOGGER11]

Love this, can't get enough of ground hunting either sitting or stalking. Please do some still hunting this year. Would love to see your guys approach to this age old strategy.

[@Outdoors-lp9tx]

What ghilli suit do y’all use? What’s the best?

[@johnrudy9404]

Solid tips Zack. I'm about done with treestand set up. I'm really excited about traveling light and setting up on the ground. Movement from on spot to another so easy. All the old timers I knew(in the 1960s and 70s) hit the dirt and put venison on the table. Right now, shotgun is my thing, both buck shot and slug. Hope to put all your tips to use. Thanks for your hard work.

[@dinkleberg4387]

You guys are the greatest!!! Helped me a ton scouting this year! Keep up the good work

[@kylebaer9424]

Can you go over tips for finding travel corridors or pinch points?

[@BCGMRMonkeVR]

Have you guys ever got a 10 pint deer before

[@coryschmitt4283]

I got myself a Colorado elk tag as well... but mine is for 1st rifle season

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Good luck! Ted and Hayden have first rifle tags as well!

[@Jake.t.Blais.]

Can you show us video of make if a HORIZONTAL RUB from scratch 🇺🇸🦌🦌

[@goober698]

If I lived in mid west I would have better luck but south Florida is a hard hunt

[@Clif-r1m]

Hunting Texas gov. Or public blinds and tree stands not allowed. I ground hunt with ghillie suit & little stool and recurve. I am in my sixties.

[@carminemonaco5712]

I was literally listening to your podcast yesterday at work and was like “they should make a video about ground hunting” 😂

[@joshblainer2652]

Basically my goal is to be more like Zach lol. Amazing hunter I've learned so much from watching him

[@coltonpolak2849]

Great video I’m looking forward to doing quite a bit of public land deer hunting this year!

[@ronniewhite7414]

STAY IN THE SHADOWS surely could be another tip.

[@RealisticHunting]

Sold my stand and sticks this spring. Committing to the ground from here on out. Shot my last 3 bucks from the ground. Also got the last buck kill on video!

[@anonymous_friend]

What ghillie hoodie are you using there?