How to Hunt Deer From a Tree Stand
The use of tree stands has been a debatable issue among hunters for many years. Many hunting enthusiasts believe that a tree stand is beneficial, and makes hunting easier; others believe that it defeats the purpose of hunting altogether. No matter your view, if you wish to hunt from the comfort of a stationary position in a tree stand, and maintain the element of surprise, a few techniques should be learned. Such techniques include tree stand placement, line of sight and camouflage. All tree stands vary in design: Some are crude wooden platforms, while others are elaborate cushioned chairs with adjustable heights. Regardless of the tree stand you use, you can greatly enhance your hunting ability by following a few time-tested techniques.
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Instructions
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Place or construct your tree stand in the area where a food source is readily available for deer: Areas where acorns, hearty green-leafed vegetation or other hard-mast nuts are available for foraging must be scouted out first. The tree stand should also be placed corresponding to the specific range of your rifle or bow.
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Decide on a location that is upwind from the deer foraging area. Deer can smell human scent very well, and you will easily give away your position even if you're high in the tree. Upwind placement also helps with rifle or arrow trajectory; the wind variable is kept low and usually doesn't require last-minute sight adjustment.
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Remain still when in the tree stand. If you must leave the tree stand when nature calls, go far away from the immediate vicinity of the stand, and try to bury your business to keep the deer from hitting on a human scent.
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Keep your rifle or bow at the ready, so you don't have to move around and make noise to get into position for a good shot. Holding your bow drawn may not be an option, as this will become difficult over time; instead, keep the arrow in the rest and draw back slowly when your target arrives. When using a rifle, keep your round chambered, and as you scan the area, do so with the rifle as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Camouflage your tree stand by selecting an area with cover of tree branches, just ensure that the tree branches don't affect your line of sight.
Only place a tree stand in areas where tree stand use is allowed. Many public hunting grounds do not allow the use of tree stands for hunting. Consult your local ordinances prior to hunting with a tree stand.
Some manufactured tree stands are painted in camouflage.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit fall aspens 17 image by Lee O"Dell from Fotolia.com
