Scbasshunter Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 I'm not a big fan of walking through the woods alone in the dark. Do most of you take open paths to the stand and back or make your way through the thick stuff to avoid spooking deer? I guess I'm just paranoid about what is or isn't out there. From what I understand, there isn't much out in the woods that will mess with people to the point of it being dangerous? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92xj Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 In South Carolina, you have nothing to worry about. Our here, I do. Cougars, grizzlys, moose and wolves. But it doesnt stop me one bit. There is somewhat of an uneasy feeling but I will walk through the woods all night. The only reason I won't is if I put an animal to bed and dont want to bump it. I have a stand I will only hunt in the evenings because I have to go through a ditch where the deer hang out during the night for some reason. So, I will avoid walking it and bumping game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethan Givan Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 Guess it depends on what part of the country you are in. Most places I would say you are, for the most part, relatively safe. We just let our minds run wild when we are in the dark, and we freak ourselves out. If I lived where there are bears, mountain lions, or wolves, then I would be worried lol I usually take the path to a stand that I feel is the best way to get to where Im going the quickest and the quietest. I try to choose stand sites that I feel give me the best access to and from them without alerting deer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 I figure I got the weapon..whatever is out there better run..did walk up to a bear siting on my trail on the way out one eve. got within 10 feet of that "black stump" and it got up and ran off..most things will run when they figure out you are a human Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 Suppose if I were scared to walk in the woods I would not walk in the woods. Try to go directly to my stands on paths where I am least likely to blow deer out of the area. If this is a "deer hunting" question suppose you maybe should put it in the deer room? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 Never really bothered me to walk in the woods in the dark. If it did, I'd use a flashlight way more often than I do, which I don't unless it's black dark. I have had a few unnerving experieces like walking within a few steps of a pig before he busted...that will make you levitate! Another was stepping on a small rattlesnake but hey...that happens down here. Never thought twice about it while hunting the midwest either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawg Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 My box stands all have have paths big enough for a truck or ATV to drive to so I'd be dumb to walk thru the woods with a path so big. My tree stand has a small foot path to it. I can walk it alright in the dark but there's always an uneasy feeling when I walk it. Guess I'm so on edge waiting for a bird or something to fly from roost and scare the ever living crap out of me. I walked to a tree stand one time and had a flashlight with me, I shined it and saw two pair of eyes in front of me about 50 yards, just could make them out in the dim light. One pair would rise up and go down while the other stayed close to the ground. I had no idea what it was so I quickly climbed the tree. A few minutes later I heard a rukus, flipped the light on and saw two coons come running by my tree. I guess one of them was climbing up and down the tree, that's why one pair of eyes was going up and down. LOL, it shook me pretty good and then I had to worry about them running up the tree I was in, which thankfully didn't happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 We have some cougars around here, lots of wild hogs, coyotes, etc. Nothing too large other than the occasional black bear. Ive never been scared to walk out into the woods. Snakes are probably our biggest threat but I rarely see them while hunting. I have danced a jig or two while walking face first into a common orb spider web. I am not afraid of spiders but im not too thrilled with the thought of them on my face either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 I'm not a big fan of walking through the woods alone in the dark. Do most of you take open paths to the stand and back or make your way through the thick stuff to avoid spooking deer? I guess I'm just paranoid about what is or isn't out there. From what I understand, there isn't much out in the woods that will mess with people to the point of it being dangerous? Don't kid yourself SEEBASSHUNTER, there are diamondback rattlesnakes everywhere, and one bite from one of those will give you at least a 2 week hospital stay and maybe even cost you your leg. The thing is that the snakes usually hole up during the night, so while it is dark that being your worst enemy may not bother you. If you step on a momma black bear, she can smack you around good too. If I am going to occupy a blind or stand before light, I will bring a nice bright flashlight, and will have marked the trail to it with reflective surveyors' tape as well. It always gives me the creeps to walk in the dark though, even armed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 We have some cougars around here, lots of wild hogs, coyotes, etc. Nothing too large other than the occasional black bear. Ive never been scared to walk out into the woods. Snakes are probably our biggest threat but I rarely see them while hunting. I have danced a jig or two while walking face first into a common orb spider web. I am not afraid of spiders but im not too thrilled with the thought of them on my face either. If you want cougars you should come to California. They are protected here. And they have proliferated all over. They also eat lady joggers and moutain bicyclists as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 My box stands all have have paths big enough for a truck or ATV to drive to so I'd be dumb to walk thru the woods with a path so big. My tree stand has a small foot path to it. I can walk it alright in the dark but there's always an uneasy feeling when I walk it. Guess I'm so on edge waiting for a bird or something to fly from roost and scare the ever living crap out of me. I walked to a tree stand one time and had a flashlight with me, I shined it and saw two pair of eyes in front of me about 50 yards, just could make them out in the dim light. One pair would rise up and go down while the other stayed close to the ground. I had no idea what it was so I quickly climbed the tree. A few minutes later I heard a rukus, flipped the light on and saw two coons come running by my tree. I guess one of them was climbing up and down the tree, that's why one pair of eyes was going up and down. LOL, it shook me pretty good and then I had to worry about them running up the tree I was in, which thankfully didn't happen. Those were raccoons. They're everywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 Never really bothered me to walk in the woods in the dark. If it did, I'd use a flashlight way more often than I do, which I don't unless it's black dark. I have had a few unnerving experieces like walking within a few steps of a pig before he busted...that will make you levitate! Another was stepping on a small rattlesnake but hey...that happens down here. Never thought twice about it while hunting the midwest either. Exactly right, rattlesnakes are the biggest threat anywhere. Especially diamondbacks. Snake gaiters are a necessity. Cabela's sells them online for about $75. A $75 pair of gaiters can save you $250,000 owed to the hospital later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 Suppose if I were scared to walk in the woods I would not walk in the woods. Try to go directly to my stands on paths where I am least likely to blow deer out of the area. If this is a "deer hunting" question suppose you maybe should put it in the deer room? Fear is healthy. It does not stop everyone. It make them more cautious and better prepared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 I figure I got the weapon..whatever is out there better run..did walk up to a bear siting on my trail on the way out one eve. got within 10 feet of that "black stump" and it got up and ran off..most things will run when they figure out you are a human I do not know if diamondbacks range as far north as Wisconsin. Too cold! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 Guess it depends on what part of the country you are in. Most places I would say you are, for the most part, relatively safe. We just let our minds run wild when we are in the dark, and we freak ourselves out. If I lived where there are bears, mountain lions, or wolves, then I would be worried lol I usually take the path to a stand that I feel is the best way to get to where Im going the quickest and the quietest. I try to choose stand sites that I feel give me the best access to and from them without alerting deer. Smart kid. Bears, mountain lions, wolves, and diamondbacks give me a whole new perspective on life. Man is not always the top predator. Sometimes, but not always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 In South Carolina, you have nothing to worry about. Our here, I do. Cougars, grizzlys, moose and wolves. But it doesnt stop me one bit. There is somewhat of an uneasy feeling but I will walk through the woods all night. The only reason I won't is if I put an animal to bed and dont want to bump it. I have a stand I will only hunt in the evenings because I have to go through a ditch where the deer hang out during the night for some reason. So, I will avoid walking it and bumping game. Yay though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death I fear no evil, for I am the most heavily armed mother loving son in the valley. With snake gaiters on though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 You stole my line Shoobee... Humans are noisy creatures. Our feet are flat and cover a lot of ground. We are the only species that walks with intent to get someplace. Animals dont live by a watch/clock like us. They are trying to survive. Time means nothing to them. Our pace when we walk, unless when we are stalking...is brisk. Animals will usually get out of dodge because of our scent and the non familiar noise we make when we walk in the woods. Mammals anyway. Yes, there is the snake danger if you live/hunt in snake country. I have paths to my stands that have been beaten down with the four wheeler and mowed. For gun season, I rake my trail to get in quiet. It works. Animals will also use that path because they wish to be quiet also. Don't be a fraidy cat:p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 Exactly right, rattlesnakes are the biggest threat anywhere. Especially diamondbacks. Snake gaiters are a necessity. Cabela's sells them online for about $75. A $75 pair of gaiters can save you $250,000 owed to the hospital later. Not everywhere. No diamondbacks in these parts, rather we have copperheads and cottonmouths and plenty of them and they can have pretty nasty dispositions. Timber rattlers are rare here, but there are a few around. This time of the year right now when our archery is about to open is when the snakes are kinda cranky too, ran into a cottonmouth over the weekend that was ready to strike. I wear snake boots during the archery season, still using them some years into our gun seasons, have seen copperheads out and about in January here before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OKstate Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 My usual path is fairly safe (none of the above mentioned predators to worry about), but I have been chased by a skunk under the full moon. I started carrying a better light and a sidearm after that encounter.... not sure if it had rabies or not, but glad I didnt have to find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
propeller head Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 We got a few cougars, lots of hogs and more snakes then you can shake a stick at. I almost stepped on two different rattle snakes last year. One didn't do so well when I got through. The second scared me so bad I left the woods, went to another stand and smoked a doe. Snakes is our only weary at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted September 19, 2012 Report Share Posted September 19, 2012 I've got a buddy who has always been wigged out about setting up in the morning. It's never bothered me much, but I will say that I have to be pretty motivated to go hunting in the morning alone these days for some reason. I think I just prefer to hunt with someone vs. hunting alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scbasshunter Posted September 19, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2012 I wear snake boots but I still look out for them. Unfortunately, I've found with bowhunting you pretty much have to get off the roads and beaten path to even have a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted September 19, 2012 Report Share Posted September 19, 2012 Not everywhere. No diamondbacks in these parts, rather we have copperheads and cottonmouths and plenty of them and they can have pretty nasty dispositions. Timber rattlers are rare here, but there are a few around. This time of the year right now when our archery is about to open is when the snakes are kinda cranky too, ran into a cottonmouth over the weekend that was ready to strike. I wear snake boots during the archery season, still using them some years into our gun seasons, have seen copperheads out and about in January here before. No doubt. Don't know what your thing is with diamondbacks Shoobee, but they are not everywhere. I'm sure westerns are common where you are, but the eastern has a limited range. Biggest biter in these parts is the copperhead by far. I have no fear of the woods, though do have a respect for stepping on some critters. I keep a small led light that has the red/green/white light. Walking in the woods at dark, it's so much quieter to have a little light so your not stepping on sticks breaking them and stumbling around. Also when I have my girls with me at night I will ALWAYS have a light going. If I forgot my flashlight I will take out my cell phone and use it for light. Had a friend that was gut shot with a 30-06 ballistic tip and lived ten days before dieing because some idiot thought the climber sticking up from his back was deer antlers. Almost no chance of anyone hunting around the places I hunt, but like I said when my kids are with me coming out at night you'll see me a mile away with my light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted September 19, 2012 Report Share Posted September 19, 2012 Hello. I really don't mind leaving my stand after dark. I usually do so I don't scare any more deer than I have too. Lots of coyotes around, and when start to holler, it gives me the creeps. I imagine I walk out a little faster on those nites LOL. One nite while tracking a deer in a swamp late, a bobcat let loose with a couple of screams. I don't know how many have ran across them before, but they compare it to a baby hollering, and I agree. :wacko: I will never forget the time when I left my stand after dark, walked up to my truck, and all **** broke lose. I had a flock of turkeys that had roosted right about the truck. I came close to filling up my drawers on that one ! too_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 19, 2012 Report Share Posted September 19, 2012 The thing is that the snakes usually hole up during the night, so while it is dark that being your worst enemy may not bother you. Ummm, wouldn't be so sure about that either. Some snakes prefer to hunt at night and are more active then than during the daytime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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