by Cassandra Gilmore

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: November 18, 2008

Hunting is a time honored sport that many of us look forward to each year. If you are thinking of taking your hunt to the next level, here are five things to consider when setting up a tree stand.

A good location is most important to a successful hunt. Once you have scouted out your game trail you need to decide on several things. Some of these factors include time of day, whether or not to bait, wind direction, and safety.

Time of Day

Deer spend their days bedded down and use the cover of darkness to feed all night. The location of your tree stand will depend on where you hope to encounter your buck. Will he be coming to or from his food source? Deer usually head into the woods in the morning and back into the fields at night.

Bait or Not to Bait

Baiting is a controversial practice that is legal in some states. You need to know the law in your county first. If it's legal, decide whether you are going to use grain, corn, or apples. A buddy of mine goes to the local pumpkin patch after Halloween and loads up on pumpkins. Another option is raising a food plot of grown vegetables. This is a bigger investment of time and effort, so it's up to you.

Location

One good location for your stand is the edge of a wooded area next to a field. Deer like to stay under cover as much as possible but will venture into fields in the evening to eat. Check your game trails to see where they are coming in or out from the field. Deer also like to forge trails parallel to a ridge in the middle of a hill, so the top of a ridge works can work well, too. Once you have found a good trail, choose a spot that gives you full range of sight with a clear shooting line.

Make sure the placement of your tree stand does not form a silhouette against a clear sky. Keep the stand hidden among branches so that your big buck doesn't see your outline and bolt before you get your shot.

Wind Direction

Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell. Spend time at your proposed location to determine which direction will blow your scent away from them. However, if you are considering using a luring deer scent, then you would choose a wind direction that would bring the enticing aroma to your buck.

Safety On

When preparing your stand, be sure there isn't any chance of twigs getting caught in your hat, arm, cams, or eyes. Also, be sure to secure your stand with tie downs and harness yourself to the tree. Nothing scares the buck away more than when you fall on him.

These are just a few things to get you started. Enjoy the scouting, planning, and building as much as those juicy venison steaks you'll be eating in no time.

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