I am planning on trying to deer hunt(bow and rifle) the Francis Marion Forest this year and I aint even been there!! My question for anyone who has hunted there is what would you recommend and why, blind or climbing stand? Advantages/disadvantage of both. I’ll be by myself so room/size isn’t a concern. Your input would be great! Thanks
depends on setup. A climber is versatile and can get you up high where necessary. However, if the canopy is high and you need to stay below it for better sight, then blind. Blinds give you ability to stay all day, due to comfort and are pretty easy to carry long distances. Important in FM. Besides, I like being at eye level with the deer.
Hunting, fishing, and poker are my sports. Work when necessary.
I guess you could call me an expert on this subject. The more comfortable you are, the easier it is to be still and quiet. Elevated blinds do help some with scent control, and give a better view if whats coming to dinner. Climbers and portables offer the ability to move around , but the climber comes with a danger! , and the work of climbing in the SC heat causes one to sweat - lots of scent. My ideal set up is an elevated box blind SW of the objective area, with a ground blind NE. Each location needs a way in without getting your scent where the deer will bust you. When it rains , I RUSH to my blind. A few things happen - the rain knocks down your scent. And as soon as the rain stops the deer walk .
The best cover scent you can get is the wind in your face!
The last pic is the result of a rain ending hunt!
nice box, but harv would catch hell trying to keep that thing in the F.M. National Forest.
Bolbie, It is perfectly legal to place a blind in the FM - The rules must be followed - no nails in trees and the blind must be removed at the seasons end. I have done it successfully . I know some remote areas than few humans have set foot in. Lots of hardened chain and good locks. I’m not saying climbers don’t have a place - they do. I have several . I also like to spot and stalk, easing through with the wind in my face.
never said it was illegal, only said he would catch hell. Plus, its a little late in the game for a transplant from west coast to purchase a box blind and haul it to F.M. Nat’l Forest.
try and lighten up a little if you’re selling , I will be in the market for replacement box blinds later in the season, I need to replace 5 on property that are nearing 20 yrs of age. They are too hot to sit early, but we use them late season frequently. I would like to purchase locally, as Red Neck blinds are the only other option, and they have to come from Millen Ga. Thanks.
I like to get down eye to eye with them on the ground myself, and at my age I don’t climb trees anymore. Never did like it very much. I’m likely to kill myself now 
Never messed much with fancy blinds either. Put my back to a tree or stump with the wind in my face, stick a couple of palmetto fronds in front of me, good enough. If you stay still and practice scent control you don’t even need a blind.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
nature boy installed 3 of his blinds for me last week and I think they will work well. However, for the FM, I would use a small pop-up blind. Lightweight and sets up in about 2 minutes and take it home at the end of the day.
Hunting, fishing, and poker are my sports. Work when necessary.
Anyone who sits on the ground in FM is asking to be shot. I would not trust my life with the brightest Clemson orange suit to sit on the ground there. I live with the back of my property right at the FM and all you hear all season (heck all year) are gunshots. Elevation equals added safety. Plus there has been a couple bear sightings as of late. And before it starts yes I know there are some deep dark portions that receive no pressure because people don’t tend to work hard enough to find them. But that being said it is a quite the drive for city folk to come put in the leg work 13 days prior to season opening.
Well, I definitely would like to try and get in deep where maybe there aren’t a ton of folks running around (there I can see the benefit of a pop up ground blind) but then again I do see advantage of the tree stand especially with a bow. Let me ask this. Is the FM covered in off road trails and access roads or mainly just foot traffic with just main roads cutting through?? I always try to stay away from guys with side by sides, atv’s etc.
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wma/maps.html
You are just going to have to go burn some gas, reference the maps/signs, and scout it out. Many of the WMA area ancillary roads are blocked off now to any vehicular traffic these days. For the most part, those far away places are foot travel only. Some folks use a bicycle to get in and out easier. In the Francis Marion forest, the big names are Santee, North Hampton, Waterhorn, Hell Hole, and Wamba. Always check the regs for when they are open. Some are pretty easy while others have specific dates. For example, North Hampton usually just opens and closes with dog hunting days sprinkled in while Waterhorn is more controlled with specific hunting dates, weaponry, ect, ect. Either way, it is going to be an adventure for you until you learn what works for you and what does not.
quote:
Originally posted by harv0042Well, I definitely would like to try and get in deep where maybe there aren’t a ton of folks running around (there I can see the benefit of a pop up ground blind) but then again I do see advantage of the tree stand especially with a bow. Let me ask this. Is the FM covered in off road trails and access roads or mainly just foot traffic with just main roads cutting through?? I always try to stay away from guys with side by sides, atv’s etc.
2012 Skeeter ZX22 Bay
Yamaha 250 hp SHO
Minnkota Riptide 101
Summit viper, Thermacell, and a desire to get off the beaten path = Success in the FM. Elevation is a huge advantage out there, make sure your tied off using a Hunter safety system or other quality harness as well.
no atvs allowed- foot traffic only- that’s why I recommended a light weight climber
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Originally posted by poly ballnever said it was illegal, only said he would catch hell. Plus, its a little late in the game for a transplant from west coast to purchase a box blind and haul it to F.M. Nat’l Forest.
try and lighten up a little if you’re selling , I will be in the market for replacement box blinds later in the season, I need to replace 5 on property that are nearing 20 yrs of age. They are too hot to sit early, but we use them late season frequently. I would like to purchase locally, as Red Neck blinds are the only other option, and they have to come from Millen Ga. Thanks.
Redneck blinds cost more than twice what my blind costs I have one in the woods that’s over 26 yo. On my personal blinds I paint the roofs white - it lowers the inside temp 15*
By lighten up - does this mean I have to become a liberal and a climate change alarmist?
for francis marion i recommend a climber stand, but it will also depend on where you set up. at least in my spot of choice there was a lot of thick undergrowth so the climber was portable and allowed me to see over the undergrowth where all the animals moved through. rifle hunting you will also be able to see farther and thus take longer shots. archery ive never had a problem with my climber shooting a bow from either, but blinds are also popular for good reason.
quote:
Originally posted by Partners-Shipnature boy installed 3 of his blinds for me last week and I think they will work well. However, for the FM, I would use a small pop-up blind. Lightweight and sets up in about 2 minutes and take it home at the end of the day.
Hunting, fishing, and poker are my sports. Work when necessary.
I do agree - a cloth pop up is the way to go in the FM . I used to hunt the FM almost every day - I saw lots of lock-on’s 10’ up a tree - but no ladder - one day I stepped on some leaves and fell on a ladder - Hunters are quite creative!
I hope you do well on that property! If you get a chance please post some pics of your blinds! Good Hunting!
I will definitely post some pictures and keep you guys posted…with any luck Ill have some pics of dinner too!
quote:Nope, but you never know who the next customer might be, a good salesman knows that. You've proven your point.
Originally posted by natureboyquote:
Originally posted by poly ballnever said it was illegal, only said he would catch hell. Plus, its a little late in the game for a transplant from west coast to purchase a box blind and haul it to F.M. Nat’l Forest.
try and lighten up a little if you’re selling , I will be in the market for replacement box blinds later in the season, I need to replace 5 on property that are nearing 20 yrs of age. They are too hot to sit early, but we use them late season frequently. I would like to purchase locally, as Red Neck blinds are the only other option, and they have to come from Millen Ga. Thanks.
Redneck blinds cost more than twice what my blind costs I have one in the woods that’s over 26 yo. On my personal blinds I paint the roofs white - it lowers the inside temp 15*
By lighten up - does this mean I have to become a liberal and a climate change alarmist?
Stupid people are too stupid to know they’re stupid! The same is true with a$$holes!
You can always get a redneck blind and pay more than double for lesser quality!
Natureboy-since you are the resident “expert” on the FM do you prefer to use shelled or cob corn. how do you keep the hogs away?