How to Use moving water as a highway

[Northcountryman]

Many times during this past season, I sat in my stand wondering if the stream that I regulary crossed to get to one of my "spots" could potentially be an excellent entry and exit route to explore some other nearby areas. A few times, I actually did wade into the stream to follow some  tracks along a fairly well-traveled route used by a family group of does, but I never actually tried to walk directly up or downstream in the water for an extended period of time.  I did mention my thoughts to a few of the "Elders" in my club but they advised against pursuing that course or strategy, saying that I would likely fall and either get hurt and/or damage my gun and thta it wouldnt be worth it.  Based on their advice, I shelved the idea but am thinking maybe they're being overly cautious and  it might be productive, afterall.  The stream itself is no more than like 10-15 ft wide and  is approximately 2 feet deep, maximum--in most places, less.   It is a little rocky here-and-there but I've negotiated far more precarious waterways when fishing.  My idea is to slip in and walk upstream using a walking stick -- gun carried slung  over shoulder , backpack and all--to stalk stealthily, and efficiently , thereby covering more territory in the process.  what do you think?

 

[BowmanMike]

A stream provides excellent visual an audible cover and as a bonus your scent generally flows downstream with the water as well. 

As long as you walk carefully it should be great. Dont underestimate the rocks though,i have come close to falling and have on occasion while wading a stream in pursuit of trout.

[wolc123]

I am interested in hearing how you make out with that.  There is a similar stream at my spot up in the northern zone.  I think it might work at times when the prevailing wind direction aligns with the current.

That way, one could sneak in from downsteam, without the wind and water currents tipping the deer of of your approach.

You would definitely need some good, high boots, and I would only attempt it on warm days.

[ncountry]

Walking stick is a must..imho. Depending on the bottom it can be very slippery.. I have used this method a few times.. If I had been hunting does , I would have been successful everytime.. the spot I used is relatively slow moving with a small stone or smooth shale bottom.. the bank is over my head, so I would still hunt along and poke up and over the edge periodically... One of these days I will sneak up on mr. Big.

[Lawdwaz]

Trying to negotiate the creek with a walking stick, carrying a pack and a slung rifle all while hoping to sneak up on a deer? If you think it’s worth the try, have at it.  
 

 

[Daveboone]

Why not? The "elders" advice would also be applicable to walking on hillsides where you could slip, etc. My advice would be to walk the stream as you discussed pre season to find just what you may run into.

[moog5050]

Be careful, the stream that runs my property quickly goes from rocky bottom to a muck base that will pull you in deep enough to ruin your day.  

[wolc123]

I know that I killed my first and largest Adirondack buck, as he walked right along a stream, much like that you describe.  That time, my shots came from high up on the adjacent mountain ridge, and the bullets traveled nearly 300 yards. 

I had watched the buck approach from over a mile away, and he stuck close to the creek the whole time.  I shot when he reached a clearing at the nearest point to my location. 

My first, well-rested shot missed him clean.  I think it may have struck a branch.  He walked on and I followed from up high.  He must have heard my second, rushed offhand shot, taken when he reached the next opening.  He stopped walking, just as I reached a sturdy tree to rest my heavy rifle on.  My third shot was on the mark.

That was late in the fall, and the creek was too high for me to cross.  Getting to the carcass on the opposite bank involved a 5 mile hike.  Had the water been a bit lower, and the wind favorable, I can see where I might have been able to take him with a 30 yard shot from the middle.

The area down by that creek is swampy, and it is always loaded with deer sign.  Quite often, I hear them snort down there, when I am walking the ridge and the wind carries my scent down. 

If it is warm, the wind is favorable, and the creek is low this early ML season, I might give the creek walk a try.   Does are fair game then, and there always seems to be lots of them down in that swampy area. 

 

[Northcountryman]

19 hours ago, Lawdwaz said:

Trying to negotiate the creek with a walking stick, carrying a pack and a slung rifle all while hoping to sneak up on a deer? If you think it’s worth the try, have at it.  
 

 

I know, it is a pretty tall order, thats why the guys in my club thought it would be too difficult, but I think its worth a try, at least.  I think what I would do is scout it out real good this spring vis fishing excrusions and figure out stretches that provide easier access and travel.  I DONT see my self traipsing up the creek for miles on end , but perhaps, could  do roughly 1/2-1 mile here and there if practicable.  What would be cool is to find some spots and lay down pins on myapp to erect a climber at different point along the stream that look productive.  Then , before the season, I would bring my climber in and chain to a nearby tree across the stream and adjacent to several different spots so that I didnt have to lug it across the water each and every time. My thoughts are it would provide a faster and more stealthy approach to my spots while scounting AND hunting--until I fall on my ass and get soaking wet that is!! lol  

[phade]

Creeks are one of the best entry and exit paths to get in undetected. People wade, kayak, boat, etc. 

Not to be confused with easy, or safe, at times, but it's a good place to enter and exit a property quietly and get around deer from time to time.

[Jeremy K]

Theres a nice creek at my buddies that I've walked down during gun season,it runs through an old over grown orchard that is hard to navigate through silently . There is one section about 60 yards long in a straight line that I sat at and watched a train of does go through the creek. 

[Northcountryman]

I noticed last season that one of the major crossing points for the deer jus happened to be across an old logging road or trail that abutted the stream.  It was old and very faint--couldnt see it that well at all with the naked eye from the main road unless you actually got in there; but there it was, and made alot of sense that they were often using that spot as their main crossing point cuz it wasnt as steep and much smoother to walk.  It never ceases to amaze how deer are--like people--kinda lazy  and , when they are afforded the choice, will select the easiest routes to traverse that require far less effort.

[wolc123]

On 2/15/2021 at 8:24 AM, Northcountryman said:

I know, it is a pretty tall order, thats why the guys in my club thought it would be too difficult, but I think its worth a try, at least.  I think what I would do is scout it out real good this spring vis fishing excrusions and figure out stretches that provide easier access and travel.  I DONT see my self traipsing up the creek for miles on end , but perhaps, could  do roughly 1/2-1 mile here and there if practicable.  What would be cool is to find some spots and lay down pins on myapp to erect a climber at different point along the stream that look productive.  Then , before the season, I would bring my climber in and chain to a nearby tree across the stream and adjacent to several different spots so that I didnt have to lug it across the water each and every time. My thoughts are it would provide a faster and more stealthy approach to my spots while scounting AND hunting--until I fall on my ass and get soaking wet that is!! lol  

I like the idea of spring deer scouting while fishing.  I always wondered if there was brook trout in the little steam up where I hunt.  I think I will bring my fly rod with me, over Memorial day weekend this year, and try and find some.