Choosing the Right Stand and the Right Spot
Different Types of Stands
Selecting the right tree stand is the first, and arguably most crucial, step in preparing for a successful hunting season. The market is flooded with options, each designed with a specific purpose and catering to different hunting styles. It’s essential to choose one that fits your needs, experience, and the type of hunting you intend to do.
Consider the different types. Hang-on stands offer a blend of portability and discreet concealment. They are often the most compact and lightweight, making them ideal for mobile hunters who prefer to move frequently or hunt in locations where access is difficult. They do require a pre-placed tree step or other means of ascent, which may involve more time in setup.
Then there are climbing stands. These stands offer impressive mobility as they allow you to climb the tree with the stand itself. This eliminates the need for pre-placed steps, making them a good option if you are unsure where you will be hunting. However, they are typically limited to trees with a certain diameter and require a stable, non-sloping trunk.
Ladder stands offer unmatched comfort and ease of access. They provide a stable platform with a ladder that allows for easy entry and exit. These stands are perfect for hunters who prefer a more comfortable experience, have physical limitations, or want to hunt with a companion. Keep in mind that they are less portable and require larger trees.
Other options might suit different hunters and situations. These might include tripod stands which offer versatility if a tree isn’t available or elevated blinds that provide shelter from the elements. The ideal stand depends on your individual preferences, the type of hunting you are doing, and the terrain you are working with.
Key Features of a Tree Stand
Beyond the type of stand, consider the features that are important to you. Safety should always be the top priority. Look for stands with full-body safety harness compatibility, platforms that are large enough for comfortable movement, and robust construction. Check the weight capacity carefully to ensure that it can safely accommodate your weight plus your gear.
Comfort is another significant factor. Think about the size of the platform, the design of the seat, and the presence of a backrest. You’ll likely spend several hours in the stand, so choosing one that promotes comfort will reduce fatigue and help you stay focused.
Ease of setup and transport are vital considerations, especially if you plan to move your stand frequently. A lighter stand is easier to transport and set up, while a stand with a simple setup process will save you time and effort.
Accessibility is particularly important for those who have physical limitations or are new to hunting from elevated positions. Climbing a tree can be challenging and even dangerous. If you have any concerns about your ability to climb safely, choose a ladder stand or a location that offers an easy climb.
Selecting the Right Location
Once you’ve selected your stand, the next step is to find the right location. This is where careful scouting and an understanding of animal behavior come into play. Observe the trails and areas where the animals are travelling. Where are they eating? Where are they bedding? The goal is to position your stand so that you are likely to intercept the animal as it moves naturally through its habitat.
Wind direction is perhaps the single most important factor in location selection. Deer have a keen sense of smell, and you must avoid alerting them to your presence. Carefully consider the prevailing wind patterns and choose a location where your scent will be carried away from the area the animals are likely to occupy. Utilize scent control products and protocols.
Look for cover and concealment. A well-placed tree stand should blend in with its surroundings. Choose a tree that offers natural cover, such as a dense canopy or branches that can help break up your silhouette. Also, ensure that your stand offers the same type of cover, even against the tree.
Finally, think about visibility and the angles. You need enough space for a clear shot. You will want to have clear shooting lanes, free from obstructions. However, the goal is to minimize the visibility of your tree stand as much as possible.
Always check local hunting regulations and property lines to ensure that your chosen location is legal and safe.
Tree Stand Safety Above All Else
Hunting from a tree stand offers significant advantages, but it also introduces risks. Falls from tree stands are a leading cause of hunting-related injuries and fatalities. Safety must be the number one priority. Never sacrifice safety for convenience or a better hunting position.
Essential Safety Equipment
The most crucial piece of safety equipment is a full-body safety harness. This harness should be worn at all times from the moment you leave the ground until you return to the ground. A properly fitted harness should be comfortable and allow for a full range of motion. Practice putting on and taking off your harness and make sure you’re familiar with all of its features before hunting season.
A lineman’s belt is essential for safe ascent and descent. Before leaving the ground, the lineman’s belt should be secured around the tree trunk. As you climb, you can move the belt up the tree, providing continuous support and preventing a fall. When you get to your stand, you must ensure the harness is secured to the tree before you disconnect the lineman’s belt.
A haul rope is used to raise and lower your equipment. This is a simple, but essential, tool to prevent dropping your bow, rifle, or other gear while climbing or descending. Tie one end of the haul rope to your equipment and the other to the tree stand. Always raise and lower equipment before climbing or descending.
Consider carrying emergency communication devices, like a cell phone or a two-way radio, in case of an accident. Have a plan and let someone know where you will be hunting and when you expect to return. If you can, hunt with a partner.
Safe Practices in the Stand
Regularly inspect your tree stand and all of your safety equipment before each hunt. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed straps, loose bolts, or damaged components. If you find any problems, replace the damaged part.
Always maintain three points of contact when climbing a tree. This means that at least three limbs or points of attachment are secured to the tree while climbing.
Check the weather forecast before each hunt. Strong winds, rain, and ice can make tree stands unsafe. If conditions are dangerous, postpone your hunt.
Never hunt from a tree stand if you have consumed alcohol or drugs that might affect your judgment or balance.
If you are unfamiliar with first aid, consider taking a first aid course. In case of an emergency, immediate action is crucial.
Setting Up Your Shooting Position with Precision
Once you’re safely in your stand, the next step is to optimize your shooting position. This will vary depending on the type of weapon you are using.
Bowhunting Shooting Position
If you are bowhunting, accuracy is paramount. The ideal shooting position will give you the best chance of a clean kill. Choose an anchor point that will allow you to draw your bow consistently every time. This might be using your jaw, or your nose, or your teeth, depending on what is comfortable for you. Take into consideration your field of vision and the angles to potential targets.
One of the most challenging aspects of tree stand hunting is dealing with the angles of the shot. When you shoot from an elevated position, the distance to the target is shorter than the horizontal distance that you need to account for. As a result, your arrow will travel lower than if you were shooting from ground level. Understand this principle, and practice accordingly. You must become accustomed to the different angles.
A rangefinder is another valuable tool for bowhunters. Use it to determine the distance to your target and adjust your shot accordingly. Remember to practice at different distances and on varying terrain to become comfortable with all of these variables.
Rifle Hunting Shooting Position
Rifle hunters must also set up their shooting position to optimize their accuracy. The same principles of stability and clear sightlines apply, but the execution will be different.
Rifle hunters should seek a stable shooting position, such as leaning against the tree. Some tree stands provide built-in shooting rests. You may want to take this into consideration when selecting a stand.
Rifle hunters must understand bullet trajectory, or the path that the bullet will take after it leaves the barrel. The bullet will drop slightly as it travels, due to gravity. Consider bullet drop.
You should clear your shooting lanes before setting up your stand. Carefully cut away any branches or vegetation that might obstruct your shot. However, be careful not to create too much disturbance or to make it obvious that you have been there.
Minimize any movement. Animals will notice movement from a long distance, so be still. Choose clothing that blends in with your surroundings, and avoid making sudden or jerky movements.
Shooting Techniques and the Ethics of the Hunt
Accurate distance assessment is critical for ethical shot placement.
Range Estimation and Angle Compensation
Rangefinders are an indispensable tool for determining the distance to your target. Use them before you draw your bow or raise your rifle to your shoulder.
However, don’t rely solely on your rangefinder. Practice estimating distances by eye. This skill will be particularly useful if your rangefinder malfunctions or you encounter a target that moves quickly.
The angle of the shot can also affect where you aim. When shooting from an elevated position, the angle to the target is often greater than it appears.
Practice angle compensation. This can be done using specialized rangefinders that calculate the horizontal distance to the target or by understanding the relationship between the angle and the impact point. If using a normal rangefinder, calculate the adjusted distance or use a chart to compensate for the angle.
Wind, Sighting, and Ethical Shot Selection
Consider the wind and its effect on your shot. Wind can push arrows and bullets off course. The stronger the wind, the more significant the effect.
Before taking a shot, always make sure that your weapon is properly sighted in. Zero your bow or rifle at a known distance and regularly check your point of impact. This will ensure that your shots are consistently accurate.
When you finally have a deer or other game animal in your sight, it’s essential to make a responsible decision. Choose ethical shots. Always choose shot placement that is most likely to result in a clean kill.
Understanding the anatomy of your target is essential. Choose an area that will guarantee an effective hit. Avoid shots that are likely to wound the animal or cause it to suffer.
If you wound an animal, it is your responsibility to track it and bring it down as quickly as possible. Tracking may involve following blood trails, observing animal movement, and calling a professional if needed.
Practice and Preparation
To be truly successful in tree stand hunting, the preparation begins long before the opening day of the season. Consistent practice, equipment maintenance, and diligent scouting are all critical elements of a winning strategy.
Consistent Practice
Practice your shooting from an elevated platform. A platform is just as good as a tree stand for practice. This helps you become familiar with the shooting angles, the feel of your bow or rifle, and your body position. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become.
Simulate hunting scenarios. Imagine different scenarios and practice responding to them. Practice drawing your bow or raising your rifle from various positions.
Gear Maintenance and Scouting
Equipment maintenance will extend the life of your gear, and make your hunting season more enjoyable. Before each hunt, inspect your tree stand and safety equipment for signs of wear and tear.
Proper weapon maintenance is also essential. Keep your bow or rifle clean and lubricated.
Scouting is vital for success. Visit the area you plan to hunt before the season begins. Identify potential stand locations, consider wind direction, and animal movement patterns.
Preparation and planning before the season is crucial. Planning ahead will help you make the most of your time in the woods and improve your chances of a successful hunt.
Shooting from a tree stand is a time-honored hunting technique that allows you to access and observe your prey in a way that is simply impossible at ground level. Following the principles outlined above will increase your chances of a safe and successful hunt. By prioritizing safety, practicing diligently, and respecting the animals you hunt, you will increase your enjoyment and success in this classic hunting method.
