by Kate Johns

Created on: November 16, 2008   Last Updated: November 18, 2008

Setting up a deer stand properly so that you don't get hurt, and so that you have selected the optimum site is kind of like looking for a needle in a haystack. It takes a well-seasoned hunter to know the best hunting areas. When setting up a deer stand, there are many considerations to take into account. Here are five:

LOCATION

Finding just the right location for your deer stand is the first consideration. The best way to find a great location is to set off on foot and scout the area you are looking at. Does the area have bedding that looks slept on by deer in the local area? Do the brush and trees looked swept aside and the berries gone from the brush? In the snow are there hoof prints from the deer? These are all great indicators that deer frequent these areas and you will be able to catch a deer located here.

WIND DIRECTION

Will your location be set up out of the prevailing winds so that the deer can't catch your scent and run away? Will you be setting up close enough to the deer? Or will you be too far away, such as a location at the edge of a field where the deer will hesitate long enough to get your gun set up, and then run away before you can actually get the shot off?

SAFETY OF DEER STAND

Once you have settled on the best location, you will need to make certain that the deer stand is safe. You don't want a deer stand that has seen better days and is failing apart. You need to make certain that while raising your gear into the stand, your gun is unloaded so that no accidents happen. Check a permanent stand to replace worn lumber. Attach a safety strap to a tree to prevent falls of more than a foot.

DAYTIME CONSIDERATIONS

When scouting the wilderness for the prime deer hunting location, you need to consider what time of day the deer will be in that area. Deer sleep during the day and search for food at night. In fact, as dusk falls you will see a herd of deer looking for food to eat. While seeing their bedding is a great indicator that the deer are near, they won't be for long, because they are searching for food. You will want to find where they look for food and at what times by scouting prime deer stand locations before setting up your deer stand.

FOOD SUPPLY

While looking for the best location for your deer stand, you will want to find ample food supply for the deer. Is there plenty of brush and berries in the area? Does it look like any deer have already been to this area eating the food? Consider bringing food along for the deer to eat, set up in a bait trap so that you can have ample opportunity to catch the deer.

Setting up the right location for your deer stand can be a lot of hard work, but it is worth it in the end to bring home a three-point buck and many meals for the winter

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