|
Post by dblungem on Jun 30, 2014 20:35:12 GMT -6
Since a few of us are setting stands this time of year, I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread where we can post tips or tricks on setting stands, what brands you might like - anything related to stands. Here are a few to get us started.
The direction I set a stand usually is dictated by where I think the deer are coming from or going to. If I can help it, I like to get the deer on my left side of the stand for the shot, since I'm right handed. This makes the shot process much easier. Nothing is worse than having to get turned for a shot on your right side...for me anyway. I also like to use the tree for cover when I can.
I choose comfort and ease of getting in or out vs how high I get. I've killed a bunch of deer only 12'-14' off the ground. Most times, I let the tree dictate how high I need to go. Leaning back slightly is always a plus...nothing worse than leaning forward, even a little bit or a knot in your back.
I use a steel screw in step where I want the stand to hang. After the step is screwed in, I can hang the stand on the step so that I have two hands free to attached straps, etc. I also always wear a linemans belt when hanging all my stands.
What do you do? Any tips to add?
What ever you do, just be safe hanging stands!!
|
|
|
Post by 180py on Jun 30, 2014 22:12:34 GMT -6
here is a not so serious thought, is it just me or is there rarely a really good tree in a really good spot?
i use about 75% ladder stands that i build myself and a mix of home made hang ons and store bought stands with climbing sticks for entry. we have a pretty solid group of experienced and successful deer hunters on this page, i would bet we all use similar strategies when placing our stands. if i was going to venture a guess at where i deviate from most hunters is that if i have to choose between hunting a stand that has a favorable wind for where the deer are "supposed" to be approaching vs hunting where i feel like i need to be i will say screw the wind to hunt a hot site (especially during the rut) my experience has been that the bucks i want to shoot mostly will NOT come from where they are supposed to more often than not.
|
|
|
Post by Pinger on Jul 3, 2014 20:29:08 GMT -6
Being fairly new to bow hunting and not ever hanging my own stand this thread will be great help. I have always hunted stands others have placed and relied on them to do home work. Last year I did my own and hunted off the ground in blinds and worked great. I have so many stands on my farm that it's ridiculous, but I will be hanging a few this year for me to hunt from alone
|
|
|
Post by APAsuphan on Jul 3, 2014 21:04:49 GMT -6
here is a not so serious thought, is it just me or is there rarely a really good tree in a really good spot? i use about 75% ladder stands that i build myself and a mix of home made hang ons and store bought stands with climbing sticks for entry. we have a pretty solid group of experienced and successful deer hunters on this page, i would bet we all use similar strategies when placing our stands. if i was going to venture a guess at where i deviate from most hunters is that if i have to choose between hunting a stand that has a favorable wind for where the deer are "supposed" to be approaching vs hunting where i feel like i need to be i will say screw the wind to hunt a hot site (especially during the rut) my experience has been that the bucks i want to shoot mostly will NOT come from where they are supposed to more often than not. Especially for us poor saps that hunt the open country! Lol. Most of the time there is only one tree that is big enough in my spots and I now have stands in all of them so we don't hang a lot of stands anymore. This sucks because the deer do start to learn where they are. I prefer to be up about 20 ft if I have a choice, feels like they always pick me off in the 15 ft ladder stands. This is a great thread idea and I look forward to everyone's tips.
|
|
|
Post by nockdown on Jul 26, 2014 22:04:22 GMT -6
I try to set my stands so the sun is at my back in the mornings. The morning sun is just intense and If the deer are looking into it they aren't gonna see me. And I agree about bad trees in good areas. It's frustrating sometimes.
|
|
|
Post by Pinger on Aug 26, 2014 20:01:33 GMT -6
Just bought a Field & Stream OutPost XL ladder stand from Dick's Sporting Goods this past weekend and was really impressed by it. Lots of parts and bolts but sturdy. It has D shaped tubes for ladder and doesn't flex much while climbing. It was a little work but I got it set up tonight by myself and in the tree. I will be getting more of these and replacing the cheapos I have out in the timber.
|
|