Hunting Zen/ Ambush Fu/ What Have You

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Alright Gents, I need some advice. As I was wandering the halls of my office at work, (being very productive and industrious, of course) I caught myself scheming up ways to make my arrows a hair lighter, so the trajectory would be a bit flatter, so I could shoot a bit farther. Then it hit me, that if I were simply sneakier I could be more deadly without taking longer shots! Whazzat, you say? Woodsmanship, not Ultra-Extreme-Armageddon-Elite-UFOC arrows and gizzmos? The heresy!  

Just bear me out, you techno savvy tradgangers! As I pondered this new thought, I started thinking about ways to quiet my gear even more. I even started assembling a checklist of to-do's. But the real lightning bolt, my 'Eureka!' moment was when I realized that all tip-top athletes and kung-fu gurus have an amazing amount of awareness and control over their bodies. Now, I try to be stealthy, and try to move slowly or not at all, while out in the woods. But quite frankly, I stink at it. I get busted far more from movement than scent. Which gets us to the real point of this post.

How do you, experts or otherwise, work to be more in control and more self aware of your noises and movements? What steps do you take, ****that do NOT involve gear****, to become more like a ghost (or a lump on a log)? Anyone meditate to become more focused and in-tune with the pace of the natural world? Listen to nothing but classical music? Never listen to music at all? Make it a point of deep breathing thrice between steps while still hunting? I'm looking for ideas that go beyond the physical, and into the realm of the psyche and subconscious thought. Lets get back to our loincloth and self bow roots with this one!

[ChuckC]

I don't know how to "meditate".   Self medicate, yes.  It takes practice and a bit of come down time for most of us to learn to sit still.  You may THINK you are being still.....

No phone.   No book.   No carving.  Nothing but sitting.  Close your eyes once in a while and try to listen to the cells of the trees growing

[ChuckC]

Actually.  Hearing, then learning what made that noise and why, is a great tool.

A cat walks thru the woodlot and the chipmunks make a certain sound.  A hawk sneaking thru gets a different sound.  You learn this by being out there, paying attention, and listening.  If a bird is "telling on you" near the end of day, do you think the deer know about it ?

[tom halloran]

sound like a critter when you walk

[not on the rug]

Become more aware of yourself and your surroundings at all times.  Slow down your entire lifestyle.  Live in the moment and appreciate that moment for what it is.  Thinking about the past is depression.  Thinking about the future is anxiety.  Just be where you are.  

So in the woods...whatever step you are taking is the most important step you've ever taken.  Whatever breath you've drawn is the most important breath you've ever drawn.  Move with purpose.  

In a nutshell, that is meditation.  Just being at peace with who you are, what you feel and everything in your life at that very moment.

And that was your daily zen lesson.

[flyonline]

Tai Chi? Teaches balance, slow movement and awareness as well as breathing and points towards meditation. It's also the kind of thing you can do any time you have some spare time, and apart from maybe getting some classes doesn't cost you anything.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I had a room mate in college who practiced Tai Chi. He had impeccable balance, as I recall. That might not be a bad idea!

I actually like my new idea of a deep breathing routine betwixt steps while still hunting... 5 breaths, step. 2 breaths, step. 9 breaths... you get the picture. I may try it tomorrow!

[Stumpkiller]

Not on this forum, but  caught heat on another when I suggested there is a difference between a hunter and a shooter.  A hunter being able to close the gap  for an "up close" shot.    

[mec lineman]

Every good pool player i watched was capable of making long difficult shots. However, most good pool players line themselves up for position on the table for easy chip shots. This equates to a good bowhunter. Some folks crow about how far they can kill deer with their bow, i liked to crow about how close i can kill them

[BrushWolf]

Not an expert always trying to improve. If you listen to your to what's around you knowing the difference between a squirrel moving or a deer. Look with your eyes and not your whole head. Getting as comfortable as possible when you set up so you don't have to move around. One of my pet peeves is noisy clothing. Years ago I had a big doe at about 6yards and when I tried drawing she hear my clothes and spooked. I have fix the problem and have took about a dozen whitetails now under 8 yards. I have tried to teach my kids you got to become part of your surroundings.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Originally posted by BrushWolf:
I have tried to teach my kids you got to become part of your surroundings.

This is the part I'm trying to develop. I know how to pick good spots to sit, or sneak through. But I don't fit in as well as I could. I got busted last night because I was just plain fidgeting around while settling into my blind. I'd only been there a few minutes, so I wasn't expecting anything to be that close. Had I been tuned in a little better, I think I'd have had an idea the doe was there.

[limbshaker]

Don't step on sticks, and stay outta crunchy leaves.

That's about as far as I get with it.    

[BAK]

Imagine to yourself, that the game you are after is holding an AK47 and is looking for you as hard as you are looking back.

Bet you get quieter!!

[Alvey]

Interesting topic,When I'm hunting I'm always thinking I need to be more like a cat ..still have a long way to go,lol

[Sam McMichael]

I am a stand hunter, because I am simply too noisy for spot and stalk. Scouting is key. You have got to identify exactly where the deer prefer to come through your hunting area. Setting the stand for a close shot with consideration of wind direction is important. Once on the stand sit still and be quiet. Let them come to you, then shoot straight.

[Rough Run]

I hunt from the ground always, either still hunting or from an improvised blind.  I have an acronym that runs through my mind to accomplish, as best I can, becoming part of my surrounds :  SSDS.
Slow - no emergency here, don't rush.
Steady - stay balanced, no herky-jerky movements
Deliberate - every step, move, etc. has a reason and a purpose.  No useless, extraneous movement or noise.
Small - Focus on what is close, see how you are fitting in.  Are the animals reacting to me?  I want to blend into the woods, not have the woods enter my sphere.  Far will become close if I focus small.

[outbackbob48]

Anyone ever try shape shifting or know anything about it?

[achigan]

One of my most useful learning experiences along this line was playing paintball with my son and his friends. I was the hare, they the hounds. Looking at the world from the prey point of view was VERY eye opening. I heard they approach distinctly, and most shocking was how little of them I needed to see to see them. Just their clothing winking on and off through the weeds gave me their exact location. 20 years ago and sticks in my mind today.

[Rough Run]

Originally posted by outbackbob48:
Anyone ever try shape shifting or know anything about it?

I think that is what my father was doing when he referred to undergoing a metamorphosis when he hunted or fished.  He affirms that he "becomes the buck" or "becomes the trout."  My brother and I believe this is not a genetic condition, or at least is a recessive gene.

[toddster]

well, nice interesting topic and good question, that I think those of us that do it take it a little for granted, for those who run "busier-cellphone infested" lives.  As one who practiced martial arts for 30 years and what I learned in the Marine Corps.
 When I stalk this is what I do.  First, take watch/cell and through time away.  Your only limit is legal shooting time.  If you cann't do this, then do not stalk.  You may think, I have a few hours, I will stalk through this woods, then you are looking at clock not game, and that trophy will purposely move just enough to eat up 4 hours of your time.
 Next, take everything in.  Move 10 yards into "woods", lean against a tree, and take everything in, feel the direction of wind, what animals are chirping, listen to sound of woods.  You will be suprised at once you are tuned in, and the sound changes it will alert you, more.
 three, carry bino's and scrutinize everything ahead of you, only move when you know it is clear, not maybe.  It is amazing if we listen to our predatorial instinct how much it works.  Listen to your gut, when you noticed movement, or that just doesnt seem right.
 four, do not move if you have experienced the above.  Find out what it is, wait and study it out.  do not let your mind say "nothing", wait to verify what it is.  Could be a deer, could be a coyote tracking a deer, maybe a racoon (during day sign storm coming).  Know what it around you, not speculate.
 five, when you move, plan it (route selection).  Do not walk like on street, lift your leg, lead with ball of foot, not heel.  When you first do this, you will get tired and bored.  Once, plan where your foot will go, move slow and steady, plant, slowly add weight, then move the next leg.  Do not move more than three steps, then scan your area again (be amazed at what world 3 steps can open).  Move as if you are drawing your bow, at game.  Slow and deliberate.
  six, know the wind and use it.
 seven, Once you find game, good job.  after taking 5 seconds to celebrate, start to plan your approach, study the route and find limits.  Only move when you can.  Plan on rest of day if needed.
 eight, the whole time just relax, listen and feel the woods, take it all in.  This is suppose to be fun and relaxing.  Slow down, see a stump/down tree, sit down and relax.