Thread: Hunting footwear & techniques

Hi everyone, in my never ending quest for knowledge when BUSH hunting, would anybody like to give their preference to footwear....if they wear any at all...

ive read plenty of articles on the subject, i read wear nothing! (im a pommy tenderfoot, ouch) wear thick socks taped tight! (sounds good) wear neoprene dive boots! (sounds good)

what do you NI BUSH hunters do to keep quiet when hunting?

also watched a 'you tube' vid, where the hunter used a stealthy 'heel first, roll onto outside of foot, then onto ball of foot, slowly as you can keeping your balance jobbie'....anybody do that?.....

Heel first can be noisy, toe first is quieter IMHO. Get proper socks and they last longer than cheaper ones and fit and feel better. Get some decent leather boots, your body will thank you for it... Just get out there and get used to walking round in the bush. It can take time but you will get better over time. Dive booties for round camp and crossing rivers

12 inch calf length boots for me

I hunt mostly in New Balance cross trainers. They were the last ones left on a Rebel Sports sale about 5 years ago and are bright Blue. Deer don't seem to notice them.
Sometimes a bit of noise can be a good thing
I will wear my boots in winter but summer/spring time they are too hot and clumsy.
When in a hot zone, I go heel first and feel for sticks. Short steps. Stop on the left foot forward ready for a quick shot

When bowhunting in Oz, for some reason I didn't really fancy going barefoot in the bush!!
I just hunted in a lightweight pair of leather walking boots and was surprised how quietly you can move when you pay attention to your foot placement and put your foot down VERY slowly!
The dried out gum leaves made it difficult but it's possible to be very quiet with practice and easier here in NZ.

Bullers

I wear some medium sized kathmandu boots.

I stalked in socks when I was in fiordland in February because the beech was like cornflakes

In Lentle/Saxon's Red deer in NZ they talk about try to walk in a way which mimics the footfall of a deer. Anyone else got thoughts on this technique? I wouldn't really know where to begin.

Originally Posted by phillipgr

In Lentle/Saxon's Red deer in NZ they talk about try to walk in a way which mimics the footfall of a deer. Anyone else got thoughts on this technique? I wouldn't really know where to begin.

Phillip take your shoes off, cut three toes of each foot and then sharpen the two that are left. Now when ever you go hunting just walk around on those two toes.

Originally Posted by Rushy

Phillip take your shooes off, cut three toes of each foot and then sharpen the two that are left. Now when ever you go hunting just walk around on those two toes.

Nailed it!! Let us know how that goes Phil!!

If deer are grazing and browsing, they go a few steps then stop for a munch, go a few steps..... and that is a good way to hunt in a area with good sign.
Deer don't thump their feet down so watch those tree roots etc. The sound will travel through the ground and get picked up by a deer nearby.
all this means nothing if the wind is from behind

Originally Posted by Pointer

Bullers

I see those are pro-series racing bullers, fully modified. Cleats on sole, wire laces and drainage holes no doubt. No sidling spikes in the arch?

Had self tappers on the rear cleats but they ripped out

Don't walk like a person, ie regular footfalls. Nothing else in the bush does.
Hunted in everything from barefeet to some heavy duty merrels, not much difference really if you think where to put your feet.

Originally Posted by Rushy

Phillip take your shoes off, cut three toes of each foot and then sharpen the two that are left. Now when ever you go hunting just walk around on those two toes.

Too easy!

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