Tree stand hunting on the ground

[Toby]

After reading through the thread on "What gives tree stand hunting a bad rap?" And getting some good advice from Swede, I decided to start a new thread. I am a Wisconsin Whitetail Hunter and have spent lots of time in a tree stand. One of the many things that I like about elk hunting is running and gunning, partially because it is different from the way I normally hunt here in Wisconsin. But, I also realize the value of a great stand sight.
Even with that said, I am not likely to bring a tree stand with me when I head West to hunt elk. But, I can see the value of sitting and waiting for them in the right place. I will usually run and gun in the mornings and will look for an ambush sight in the evening.

So, my question, what strategies would you use to sit and wait for elk, without a tree stand or ground blind. How would you beat their nose and eyes? What areas would you look for during the rut, I usually hunt the last half of the season.

Toby

[Indian Summer]

Find what I hope to be the trail that comes out of the bedding area and assuming the evening thermals will be downhill I'd get on the down side of a trail. Maybe where a finger comes off of the ridge so I'm not shooting at much of an uphill angle. Try to sit where there's a big tree or something that will block whatever comes along so I can draw. Ideally this would be in some sort of bottleneck as in just below a cliff or rockslide etc. where several trails come together to increase the chances that an elk will use that particular route.

Sounds like a great place for a tree stand doesn't it. LOL If you knew you'd be sitting the same place every night or when you did sit it would be worth the effort to get a stand hung. It will increase the likelihood of getting a shot and decrease the odds of getting busted.

[elkmtngear]

This can be done effectively. Elknut "jaquomo" is a master at using natural ground blinds, and he often supplements with the SLIP System to help shield his movements. Both these bulls were taken within days from the following setup (with traditional bows)

Having a favorable wind is huge in this type of ambush, as Joe stated, you have a much better chance if elevated.

[Toby]

Neat set up, wow, those are some dandy bulls.

[WapitiTalk1]

OK, now I'm just plain getting excited to try my new slip system out in a couple of spots this year

[Swede]

Wind is the big problem I have found with ground blinds. Sometimes the ground blind is just fine, but the wind is often unpredictable. It is interesting I have found water holes under a bluff where I had a natural elevated perch, so I did not need a tree stand to get well above the animals coming in, and the air currents did not drop directly to the water hole.
I have not used the Jeff's SLIP system umbrella, but it appears to me that it would make a great portable blind so a hunter could use at a trail or water hole. In the morning and afternoon when the wind direction changes, you could get up and move to where the wind was again in your face as you look toward the trail or water.
Another problem to be dealt with at ground blinds is noise. You need to carefully clear out your waiting place. It is sure easy to move a little to reposition yourself for a shot, and snap a twig or brush up against something.

[elkmtngear]

Another problem to be dealt with at ground blinds is noise. You need to carefully clear out your waiting place. It is sure easy to move a little to reposition yourself for a shot, and snap a twig or brush up against something.

This is great info. A little pre-planning can make all the difference when you are relying on limited shot opportunities!

[timberland]

I carry a ratchet type clippers for dealing with clearing shooting lanes and brushing in spots to sit. Makes quick work of branches up to 1" or better and is quiet.