Setting Up the Best Deer Hunting Stand
Setting up a great deer hunting stand can be the difference between getting the big one and missing completely, so it is vital you set up your stand in the proper manner. The way you go about setting up your deer hunting stand will depend on the type you have and where it is to be set up. Nonetheless, you always want to exercise extreme caution when setting up your stand. Deer stands can be very dangerous if not set up properly, and safety should always come first. Many deer stand go as high as 40 feet, so you never want to set up the stand in a shoddy location in a tree and risk your health. Whether you have a fixed stand, ladder stand, tower stand, or something else, there are a few basics to remember when setting it up. Read below for more information on how to set up the best deer hunting stand.
Prior to setting anything up, you need to pick a location. Make sure the area in which you plan to hunt is legal. It should not be private property unless you have permission of the owner to hunt there. You also need to make sure the area you plan to place your tree stand is one where you will see the game for which you plan to hunt. For a deer hunting stand, look for deer tracks, feces, or antlers in the area. Lastly, you need to pick the perfect tree in the area. Avoid all trees with dead limbs or which look weak. You need to place your deer hunting stand in a strong tree. The side of the tree you place it in should be facing where you think the deer will roam, and it should be relatively well-covered. If you are hunting with a bow, make sure it is close enough to the area where you plan to spot deer.
No matter what type of stand you are going to set up, you need a safety harness, your gun or bow, and a long rope. The only exception is a climbing stand, which has its own mechanism for getting into and out of the tree. Thus, you will not need a safety harness if you have a climbing stand.
Most hunting stands come with directions as to how they should be set up. Follow these directions carefully, practicing caution along the way. Almost all stands come with straps or steps to help you reach the location in the tree where you plan to set up the stand. Use the straps and your own harness to safely scale the tree, leaving your gun or bow on the ground. The gun or bow should be tied to the rope so that you can pull it up safely one you reach the top and have you stand set up Never scale a tree with your gun or bow in hand.
Unless you have a climbing stand, it is always a good idea to set up tree steps even if they do not come with your particular stand. Tree steps are generally made of wood and protrude from a tree's trunk, helping you up the tree. You can use a combination of the steps and harness to safely install your tree stand. Once you are finished hunting, carefully lower your bow or gun to the ground with the rope prior to exiting the stand.
