Tree Stand Preparation
Deer Hunting: Preparing For Tree Stands
Preparing areas for a tree stand to be used for deer hunting takes time. In most cases, whenever possible, this should be done several months prior to the season.
Entry And Exit Routes
It is important to have simple and clearly marked entry and exit routes to the stand area. These routes should be cleared of anything that may cause noise or create problems when walking through.
The path should be marked with easy to follow tacks, tape, or ties that reflect light during darkness. Doing so even on easy access areas will prevent locating problems.
When encountering a turn, place more than one marker. This will remind the hunter to adjust accordingly.
Place markers close enough to be easily found all the way to, and including the actual stand tree. This will reduce searching in the dark.
Shooting Lanes
The first step in preparing shooting lanes is distance. After determining most likely deer travel routes, make notes of the distances by walking them off or by using a range finder.
Begin at the point of impact and clear away any limbs, saplings, thick grass, or other objects that may deflect a shot. At the very least, allow enough open space that is the size of one whole deer in length.
Saplings that need to be completely removed should be cut to ground level. Saplings that can be adjusted can be cut partial way through and allowed to lean over.
Stand Tree
Work your way back to the stand tree. Make sure to climb the tree for a better visual and remove anything remaining on the ground that may cause issues.
In preparing the actual stand tree, clear away any debris at ground level that may hang on equipment.
If using steps, make sure to place them short distances apart to allow for easy climbing.
While climbing the tree, remove any limbs, vines, or bark that may cause problems.
After hanging the stand, climb on, sit and stand up to make sure there is not anything else that needs attention.
Remember to use good scent control tactics and always use proper safety equipment.
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Tree Stand Set Up
Tree Stand Height
One of the more popular questions when it comes to deer hunting from tree stands is how high to climb. There is no perfect answer when it comes to feet. Stand height can be determined by a variety of factors. The size of the trees in the area to be hunted is one. You Can only go as high as the trees will allow. In some areas 10 – 15 feet may be the maximum. Whereas in other areas 20 – 25 feet may be possible.
Another issue is concealment. This is broken down into two parts, scent and cover. The stand needs to be high enough off the ground to reduce the chances of being detected by the deer’s nose. The stand also needs to have adequate cover provided by the tree or surrounding trees to prevent deer from seeing you.
Tree Set Up
When placing stands, make note of which direction the sun will be shining during the times that the stand is to be hunted. The stand should be positioned to have the sun at your back if possible. This helps the hunter see better by not looking into the sun. It also reduces the chance of being silhouetted.
Place the stand near several other trees to help break your outline. It is better for stands to be placed just off the travel zones of the deer. Being too close often will result in being seen when attempting any movement. When hunting near open fields, set back off the field edge at least 5 yards. If hunting near a bedding area, remember not to get too close as to spook the deer.
To And From
An important factor to remember about tree stand set up is how to get to and from the hunting location. It is better to choose a route that will offer the least chance of alarming the deer. It doesn’t do any good to find the best spot in the woods only to spook the deer every time you walk to the stand.
Good Luck and be safe.
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Tree Stands
Deer hunting tips: Tree stands come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There are portable lock-on and climbing stands as well as ladder stands. All can be used effectively in the field. This article will provide brief descriptions of each.
Lock-on
Lock-on tree stands are a good all around stand to use. They are attached to trees with cinch cords, chains, or ratchet type straps. They can be transported by strapping to the hunters back. They generally weigh less than twenty pounds. They need to be attached to trees large enough to support the weight of the hunter. Tree steps are needed with lock-on stands. They can be used at greater heights. They can not be used on smaller diameter trees. They take longer to install due to steps being required.
Climbing
Climbing tree stands are versatile and sometimes more convenient to use than other stands. They require learning as to how to climb a tree with them however this is usually relatively simple. Climbing stands can be attached and removed from trees fairly quickly. They also can be strapped to the hunters back for transport. They allow the hunter to climb higher into trees. They are generally a little heavier than lock-on stands. They have to be attached to adequately sized trees. Limited to trees with fewer limbs.
Ladder
Ladder tree stands are the easiest of all stands to climb. They can be set up in just about any tree regardless of size or shape. Once in place, they are simple for a hunter to use and be on stand quickly with little effect. They allow for heavier hunter weights. They are very effective in thickly wooded locations where other stands can not be used. They are awkward to transport. They are the heaviest of all stands. They have limited height ranges.
All three of these tree stands can be used to aid the hunter in the field. They each have excellent qualities with very few problem areas. As always, before using any tree stand , climbing safety equipment should be used.
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Tree Stand Locations
Deer hunting tips: There is no perfect set up that can be used every time out in the field while deer hunting. The reason is simply because conditions change too often. Each situation is different whether due to weather and wind conditions, hunting pressure, or deer movement activities. Paying close attention to these details and following some basic guidelines, one can narrow the margin of error in finding proper tree stand locations.
Placement
To start, tree stands need to be placed as close to an area as possible of where suspected deer movement will occur. These locations are found through scouting and monitoring deer in the chosen hunting area. Stands should be placed where the hunter will have the best opportunity at a shot. The stand should be placed down wind of deer activities. Also make sure that the stand location provides the hunter with cover but does not prevent the hunter from making an accurate shot attempt.
Hunting Style
Choosing proper tree stand locations also involves the hunter’s style of hunting. This may include hunting near food and water sources, trail crossings, or rutting and scrape lines. For example, if hunting a food source area, stands should be placed in between the food source and the deer bedding areas for best results. If hunting during the rutting season, stands should be placed near scrapes and rubs or near doe movement areas.
Helpful Tips
Tree stands need to be checked prior to hunting situations to make sure there are no loose or squeaky parts. They need to be sprayed with cover scent before and during use. Stands need to be placed at the hunting areas several weeks before they are to be used. If this is not possible, place them during the times when deer are the least likely to be moving in the given area.
The hunter should remember to use cover scent while erecting stands to minimize scent contamination. Also, there needs to be simple enter and exit paths to the stands that do not come into direct contact with deer trails. When using tree stands, always use safety climbing equipment. Use these deer hunting tips for proper tree stand set up locations to better prepare for a successful hunt.
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Tree Stands Placement
Deer Hunting Tips – Deer hunting has become one of the biggest of all game sports. To be successful, one has to be able to think like a predator. A way to do this is by setting up an ambush location. By using permanent or portable tree stands, one can use natural tree cover to gain an advantage in the field. Knowing the best placement location for tree stands takes experience, often obtained through trial and error. Understanding deer movement and activity will help guide the hunter in the right direction.
Styles
Tree stands come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are ladder stands, lock-on stands, and portable climbing stands. All can be used effectively and safely by hunters. The most important things to remember about stands are to follow the climbing instructions and to use safety equipment. The next step is finding a proper tree to securely attach the stand against, making sure the tree is adequate in size.
Location
The big question is where to place a stand. There are several different issues involved in stand placement. The time of day that one will be hunting needs to correspond with deer movement. Therefore one should place a stand in a location that will provide the best opportunity for deer contact. Using a morning, mid-day, and evening hunting set up generally works best. The wind direction needs to be monitored at all times with stands being placed down wind of approaching deer. One also needs to consider how one will get to the stand without alarming the deer. All these factors should be taken into consideration prior to stand placement.
Field Of View
Once the tree stand location has been chosen, one then needs to make sure that adequate view points and shooting lanes are available. This may require pruning of limbs by the hunter. Try to provide several positions for shooting, generally in a circular area around the stand if possible. Don’t over prune the area as this could alarm deer. Also, climb into the tree prior to hunting to make sure that every thing is secure and that the sight point is adequate.
The use of deer stands can give the hunter a chance for a more productive hunt while in the field. Just remember that safety and positioning are of the utmost importance. Use these deer hunting tips the next time you go to the woods for a better chance at success.
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