Tips for Locating Your Tree Stands

1. Tips for Locating Your Tree Stands With October just around the corner, the annual debate over where to locate tree stands for bow hunting is about ready to heat up. Some people swear against tree stands altogether; others argue the subtle differences between 8 feet and 20 feet. Regardless of which of the many sides you are on, here's what you need to know: tree stands are a personal preference kind of thing. It is very easy to make the case that tree stands are a waste of time during bow hunting season. You can also make the opposite case. A more important discussion is where to locate tree stands if you decide to use them during bow season. There are ways to maximize the advantage of a tree stand if you are willing to put forth a little extra effort. Deciding a Good Height The most important thing to know about bow hunting actually has nothing to do with tree stands. It is the fact that the proper way to use a bow is in a standing position. Therefore, sitting on the ground with your back against a tree is not going to work when you only have a split second to make your shot. That leads us to the right height for a tree stand. There are some people who prefer 8 to 10 feet at the most. Other bow hunters are fond of 15 to 20 feet. Once again, here is what you need to know: Angle of Attack– Experienced bow hunters know that shots have to be a lot more precise compared to using a shotgun. The angle of attack is critical. Therefore, making a tree stand too high could make it nearly impossible to get that kill shot if a deer is too close. Clear Views– There is another problem you might run into if you don't pay attention before hanging your tree stand: cover gets in your way. Some hunters are so concerned about low canopy that they will never situate a tree stand above eight feet. Quick Descent– Last is the question of quick descent. Getting a good shot off means quickly descending from the tree stand in order to pursue the deer. If you are so high that it takes you five minutes to get down, your deer may be long gone before you're on its trail.

2. Other Considerations Determining the right height for your tree stand is just the beginning of the many decisions you have to make. You might also make a point of selecting a location that gives you sufficient cover from deer looking up. If you are too low, you might still may be in the line of sight while being too high makes you more visible against the sky. Where you place your tree stand could be a big deal in bear country. For example, being 20 feet up suggests you are likely to be visited by bears that have sniffed out your bait. Being closer the ground means your scent is likely keeping bears away. One thing the American Hunting Lease Association says is true about all deer stands, regardless of how and where these are located, is the need for insurance. You should definitely think about insurance for deer hunting if you plan to use tree stands for either bow or shotgun season. Tree stands increase the risks of sustaining a serious injury while hunting. Whatever you do, do it safely. Bow season opens in early October in most states. If you plan to participate, do not engage in the tree stand debate. Just do whatever is right for you.