Tips for Hunting From a Tree Stand
Learning how to hunt deer is a passion that you share with thousands of hunting enthusiasts around the country and the world. Deer is one of the most popular animals, if not the most popular animal, to hunt. There are many great places in the United States to hunt different breeds of deer, and many great techniques to improve your hunting technique, including hunting from a tree stand. Here, learn tips from experts about hunting from a tree stand to catch the ultimate trophy prize when deer hunting season next opens.
Make Sure you Have the Right Height
There are different schools of thought regarding the right height and setting for a deer tree stand. Some hunters believe that a 20-foot height gives you the best vantage point. This height also gives you the element of surprise, as deer are not likely to look up that high for predators, since most of their predators are grounded. Your scent will likely pass right over their heads as well.
However, other hunters believe that heights as low as 12 or 15 feet give you better tree and foliage cover, as well as a more accurate and clear vantage point that more than makes up for sacrificing the element of surprise. The best height for you may depend on what your hunting area provides in terms of cover near your desired hunting location, and you may need to experiment to find the right height in different areas. Also be mindful that changes in the light of the day from morning to afternoon can affect whether the height of your tree stand is more or less advantageous.
Be Safe
One of the most common injuries during hunting season, believe it or not, is due to hunters who are not properly prepared to ascend and descend from covered hunting areas like tree stands. You should always keep safety as your first priority, not only in wearing the proper blaze orange hunting apparel, as your state may require, but also in making sure that you have a good foothold, adequate light, and a safety harness on when you are climbing into and out of your tree stand.
Be sure that the tree stand you choose is sturdy, and that you inspect it prior to every use. Your risk of injury increases when you use a permanently installed tree stand instead of a portable tree stand, because it is easier to get careless and forget to inspect a permanent tree stand before climbing up. Also remember that you should always check your state requirements before installing any permanent equipment to make sure that it is legal.
Choose an Advantageous Location
While this should go without saying that you want the best location to find the most deer during your hunt, one of the most important considerations is to make sure that your scent trail won't give your tree stand location away. Be sure you scout the area thoroughly before you set up your tree stand to avoid this common issue.
