John's Journal...

Hunt Your Buck Deer Indian Style for Success with Bowhunter Larry Norton

Day 3: Bowhunter Larry Norton Explains the Walk of the Stalker

Editor’s Note: Stalk-hunting deer with a bow was the way of the early Americans. Indians were deadly effective at taking game by using a bow. However, today, because of our hurry-up society, most hunters can’t refrain from walking too fast to stalk successfully.

Click for Larger ViewWhen Larry Norton of Butler, Alabama, a longtime deer-hunting guide and part owner of The Shed Hunting Lodge, spots a deer at 100 yards and then moves to within 15 yards to take a shot, he attributes much of his success to the way he walks in the woods. “When you step into hardwoods, look the area over for about three to five minutes, searching for movement,” Norton advises. “Then move 20 yards, stop, and do the same thing again.” Foot position and balance are the keys to Norton’s technique for stalking. Although most bowhunters stalk on two feet, Norton stalks on one. Click for Larger ViewEvery step he takes is calculated, and when and how he transfers his weight from one foot to the other is critical to his stalk-hunting success. “When you take the first step, you lightly put the heel of your front foot down first,” Norton explains. “Gently and carefully rock your front foot forward with no pressure on the sole of your foot. All your weight remains on your back foot. Your front foot is just touching the ground like a limp rag. I wear rubber bottom boots, so I can feel any sticks or twigs under my front foot. If I feel a stick under my foot, I either move the stick slightly with my foot or reposition my foot to be sure I don’t snap the twig. Your ability to feel what is under your foot before you transfer your weight will determine how much noise you make when moving through the woods.”

Click for Larger ViewOnce Norton has his front foot on the ground, he still has all his weight on his back foot. When Norton’s foot in front is firmly placed, he begins to transfer his weight from his back foot to his front foot. This slow weight transfer ensures steadiness and prevents noise. When Norton has transferred all his weight from his back foot to his front foot, he lifts his foot in the back slightly off the ground, carrying all the weight of his body on his foot in front. Next, he slowly and carefully brings-up his back foot, keeping it close to the ground and moving it slightly in front of his front foot. Click for Larger ViewAs Norton walks, he carries his entire weight on only one foot at a time. “If I’m stalking in water, I try not to ever have a foot out of the water,” Norton comments. “When I’m bringing my back foot forward in the water, I slide it gently and quietly. If you take your foot out of the water, you’ll make a sound. Also, the water will run off your boot and splash in the water below your boot. Too, you’ll disturb the water when you begin to put your foot down again. By keeping your foot in the water and sliding it, instead of pulling it up out of the water, you don’t make as much noise or disturb as much water and are less likely to be detected.” If a deer spots Norton as he’s taking a step, Norton freezes and stands on one foot as long as he must to make the deer quit watching him. By making sure that he takes only quiet and deliberate steps, Norton is much-less likely to spook the deer he’s stalking. To learn more about The Shed Hunting Lodge, go to www.theshedhuntinglodge.com; call (334) 341-1415, (334) 247-2444 or (205) 459-2614; or write: The Shed Hunting Lodge, 253 Pleasant Hill Road, Gilbertown, AL 36908.

Tomorrow: Camouflage Your Stalk for Deer by Wearing Mossy Oak Camo and Odor Eliminating Products and Walking Like a Whitetail



Check back each day this week for more about "Hunt Your Buck Deer Indian Style for Success with Bowhunter Larry Norton"

Day 1: Larry Norton Explains How to Hone Your Stalk-Hunting Skills in Pre-Season Scouting
Day 2: When and Where to Find Deer to Stalk
Day 3: Bowhunter Larry Norton Explains the Walk of the Stalker
Day 4:Camouflage Your Stalk for Deer by Wearing Mossy Oak Camo and Odor Eliminating Products and Walking Like a Whitetail
Day 5:Larry Norton’s Secret to Success When Stalk-Hunting Deer

 

Entry 580, Day 3