Archery stalk questions

[Mtbhikernv]

Brand new to archery, and thinking about Nevada style stalks. What’s everyone do with their bow as they stalk outside their shot range? Hand carry, sling, or something like the spider? Issues with low crawling and keeping the bow out of the ground debris? Does anyone run a big pack then switch to a second smaller water bladder style for the final stalk?

 

[2Stamp]

If I'm making the stalk, it's in my hand. If I'm low crawling or moving low through brush I'm generally moving slow so it's not really an issue with keeping debris out of the bow. Is it going to get a little dirty? Absolutely. But I'm moving deliberately enough I can keep branches and other items out of cams, sight, etc. I've tried slings and don't care for them. I started using the Hoyt bipod thing and really like how I can just set the bow down, and keep the bow upright. However, I have had it come loose once on a stalk because of side pressure on a leg. I just loctited it when I got back home.

The only times I've actually used a separate small pack (Kifaru Bane) is when stalking pronghorn a few times.

 

[Mtbhikernv]

If I'm making the stalk, it's in my hand. If I'm low crawling or moving low through brush I'm generally moving slow so it's not really an issue with keeping debris out of the bow. Is it going to get a little dirty? Absolutely. But I'm moving deliberately enough I can keep branches and other items out of cams, sight, etc. I've tried slings and don't care for them. I started using the Hoyt bipod thing and really like how I can just set the bow down, and keep the bow upright. However, I have had it come loose once on a stalk because of side pressure on a leg. I just loctited it when I got back home.

The only times I've actually used a separate small pack (Kifaru Bane) in when stalking pronghorn a few times.

Thank you! I got the jakt sling for my Mathews and it doesn’t really feel organic or low profile. Plus my archery muscles suck so adding weight and magnets is hurting. I did get the arc feet, glad to hear they work in the field as well as the country.

 

[2Stamp]

Thank you! I got the jakt sling for my Mathews and it doesn’t really feel organic or low profile. Plus my archery muscles suck so adding weight and magnets is hurting. I did get the arc feet, glad to hear they work in the field as well as the country.

I know two guys that have lost their Mathews tripod off their Lift/Liftx while hunting. Just be aware.

 

[Beendare]

I've done those stalks a bunch.

Many times they bed in a spot thats not conducive for a stalk. It's important to recognize that. They will bed in a depression out in the open sage and you literally need to be 4 feet from them to see their body. Most sloped bedding spots you won't see them when coming in from the top so be prepared to spend hours waiting for them to stand.

in general, the trick is to move fast when you are out of sight and a ways out...but when you get inside about 200y, every step and every noise matters. Most of my stalks were blown due to a bedded deer I didn't see....so the spotting from afar don't just focus on the one animal but scan for others.

Inside about 150y, I take off my pack, put my RF in my pocket, take off my boots and slip on another pair of heavy wool socks or my felt liner sandals, and just carry my bow. I have a thin set of leather gloves I wear too. When crawling just push it in front. When crabbing, I lay it on my lap.

The key is to go Slow, Slow.....way slower than you think.

I'm getting old so I do it less than I used to- I'm just not limber enough anymore...but it was one of my favorite ways to hunt.

 

[Huntforthesoul]

Brand new to archery, and thinking about Nevada style stalks. What’s everyone do with their bow as they stalk outside their shot range? Hand carry, sling, or something like the spider? Issues with low crawling and keeping the bow out of the ground debris? Does anyone run a big pack then switch to a second smaller water bladder style for the final stalk?

Mine is always in my hand. I’ve tried it on my pack, but that leaves a lot of room for it snagging on anything and making unwanted noise. It’s a really good idea to practice crawling with it.

 

[Mtbhikernv]

Mine is always in my hand. I’ve tried it on my pack, but that leaves a lot of room for it snagging on anything and making unwanted noise. It’s a really good idea to practice crawling with it.

Great idea, thank you! I’m all about practicing like you fight!

 

[Mtbhikernv]

I've done those stalks a bunch.

Many times they bed in a spot thats not conducive for a stalk. It's important to recognize that. They will bed in a depression out in the open sage and you literally need to be 4 feet from them to see their body. Most sloped bedding spots you won't see them when coming in from the top so be prepared to spend hours waiting for them to stand.

in general, the trick is to move fast when you are out of sight and a ways out...but when you get inside about 200y, every step and every noise matters. Most of my stalks were blown due to a bedded deer I didn't see....so the spotting from afar don't just focus on the one animal but scan for others.

Inside about 150y, I take off my pack, put my RF in my pocket, take off my boots and slip on another pair of heavy wool socks or my felt liner sandals, and just carry my bow. I have a thin set of leather gloves I wear too. When crawling just push it in front. When crabbing, I lay it on my lap.

The key is to go Slow, Slow.....way slower than you think.

I'm getting old so I do it less than I used to- I'm just not limber enough anymore...but it was one of my favorite ways to hunt.

These are awesome points, thank you saving me learning these lessons the hard way!

 

[tetonantler]

Definitely hand carry for me! Honestly sometimes I find my bow can help stabilize me when going over/through awkward terrain. I don’t switch to a smaller pack, but I definitely have ditched my pack and end up having to go 75+ yards back to go get it.

 

[kcm2]

Nocking an arrow involves a fair bit of movement and potential for noise. Minimize that by nocking an arrow early, and using your index finder to keep the arrow in place and quiet. Raising the bow to shoot is a lot of movement, too, don't add noise or motion. Best of luck.

 

[Beendare]

These are awesome points, thank you saving me learning these lessons the hard way!

Oh, you will learn them the hard way....grin....at least with me, it always looks easy from afar. My last stalk in the AZ desert just a couple weeks ago....big 3x3 in the rut with 8 does. He was just below a sharp ridge milling around with the does and they were pretty much holding in the same spot.

Easy peasy right? Just get around the other side and pop over and kill him. Yeah, right. The mountain was boulder strewn with Cactus and Mesquite.......it took me a lot longer than it should have to get up there- about 40 minutes. Those deer were gone. I don't know if they smelled me- probably not...or heard me- likely.