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How important is tree stand cover?

regulat0r

By regulat0r,
in Bow Hunting

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regulat0r Newbie

regulat0r

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Hi all- looking for some input here. I'm about to set my final stand on one of my properties and deciding between 2 specific spots for my hang on. Spot one is the perfect location in between a thick/cover area and a funnel to an oak flat. The problem is, the only suitable tree is tall and skinny, with no cover. Option 2 is a triple split trunk tree which would keep me hidden but it's 50 yards off the funnel and I don't foresee any deer coming close enough for a shot. Is putting a stand on a tall tree with little cover ok or will I get busted? On the other hand, it does me no good to be perfectly hidden with no opportunity for an ethical shot. Please share your thoughts on being concealed in a stand. Thanks! 

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G-Man Veteran

G-Man

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3 minutes ago, moog5050 said:

You need to be close enough for a shot.  Go high on the solo tree or think about trying to add your own back cover - screw branches to trunk.  I would not sit in the wrong spot even if it has better cover.  

exactly.. the stand needs to go where shot will be not the tree for the stand

 

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G-Man Veteran

G-Man

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19 minutes ago, moog5050 said:

Agreed.  That’s the problem sometimes with climbers.  Need a straight tree to use but it might not be optimal spot.  

its why i dont use a climber. ... need to be in the spot to kill a deer you might see, than to see deer you might only be able to kill

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moog5050 Mentor

moog5050

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We have one tree that is a single trunk and worse it’s side hill where Deer travel both high and low.  Sometimes they are almost level with the stand only 20 yds away.   Yet we kill a good buck from it most seasons.  It’s in the right spot.   Being still and choosing the right time to move helps a lot even when skylined.   And I suspect I look like a very big blob sitting it.  

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coonhunter Enthusiast

coonhunter

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I am not afraid to get in an exposed tree. I just get up higher in my climber. I know if I start picking my bow off the ground, I am between 21 and 22 feet at my bottom section. I am not afraid of heights, but I sure do a good inspection before I climb up that high. I don't want any surprises, and I am hooked to the tree from the ground til I get back on the ground 100%. On the rare occasion I forget my strap, I am hunting from the ground. Thankfully, this hasn't happened in a few years. Good luck, and if you plan on going up higher than normal, try a few arrows to see where you hit from the same height.

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grampy Veteran

grampy

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I agree with the others above. Ya gotta hunt where you have the shot. Also about 10 to 12 feet high is perfect. Not too high or low. I use bungee cords around the tree, and stick in pine or hemlock branches behind and below to really break up my outline. The thicker the better. Keep movement to a minimum, and when you do move, do it in slow motion.

Good luck! Let us know how ya make out with that spot!

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wolc123 Grand Master

wolc123

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I have used several different methods to deal with that problem.  Most of my stands are only up about 8 feet (going much higher than that makes me uncomfortable as I get older), and all of them have shooting/safety rails about 3 feet high.  I use to wrap old wood snow fence around three sides opposite the tree, below the rail, and then weave leafy branches thru it every fall.  It worked a little better than no cover, but I was still busted on occasion while trying to get in position for a shot.   Those deer are amazing at being able to pick up on the slightest movement thru the smallest opening.  A couple years ago, I replaced the snow fence with old weathered barn siding.  That 140 year old American chestnut blends in perfectly with the fall woods.  It has been 100 % effective.  Every deer that has got within shooting range, other than a couple that I intentionally passed, has ended up in our freezer.   All they see from below is my head sticking out above the rail.  I can easily rotate on a swivel chair, without getting busted.   The best part about it is, that it is totally maintenance-free.   There is no need to get up there and weave fresh branches thru every fall. I christened my last two "barnwood" stands last season.  Now I do not have any that I have not killed deer out of.

Edited by wolc123
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Hunter007 Newbie

Hunter007

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Well I stopped tree stand hunting  over 10   years  ago as I got older I decided not worth the risk of a fall .

But I can tell you I have had doe walk under my stand and stop right under me  on a stand that  was only 11 /12 feet off  the ground.  In all the old books and hunter safety course years ago that is  all they recommended you hunt at . 

Of course now for some reason you  got guys that  will go 20 30  40 feet even for  some reason . 

 

 

.  

 

Edited by Storm914
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Nomad Grand Master

Nomad

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This is the tree I shot my buck from last year, one doe and one other buck passed by at 15 yards before i killed him . You can see how large the raccoon looks, I was below him  just where the pic .ends .Trunk was about the diameter of a coffee can .

Seat of stand was 15 foot from ground,  pretty much open from stand to deer.

Spot them first pick carefully when you move .

932ABC38-0EC8-47CE-8734-A8CD6CBA6521.jpeg

Edited by Stay at home Nomad
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nyslowhand Enthusiast

nyslowhand

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^^^^ great use for those cheapo ratchet straps that come with new stands that hopefully you've set aside.

More power to those members that select a "skinny" tree in the ideal location. Went that route once, never again. Being up in these during 20+mph winds will definitely test your nerves... white knuckle hunting.

Edited by nyslowhand
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Steve D Experienced

Steve D

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On ‎8‎/‎31‎/‎2018 at 9:46 PM, Storm914 said:

 on a stand that  was only 11 /12 feet off  the ground.  In all the old books and hunter safety course years ago that is  all they recommended you hunt at . 

Yeah but that was when deer would seldom look up. They have since been educated, learned about tree stands, and look up often.

I still don't hunt much over 10-12 feet and don't see the need to.

Last year I saw a 25' ladder stand set up at Cabela's and I can tell you that thing looked like it would be a royal pain to put up.

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Lawdwaz Grand Master

Lawdwaz

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Posted (edited)
On 8/31/2018 at 9:46 PM, Storm914 said:

Of course now for some reason you  got guys that  will go 20 30  40 feet even for  some reason . 

 

 

.  

 

Show me the guy who hunts 40' off the ground, please.

Edited by Lawdwaz
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Hunter007 Newbie

Hunter007

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2 hours ago, Steve D said:

Yeah but that was when deer would seldom look up. They have since been educated, learned about tree stands, and look up often.

I still don't hunt much over 10-12 feet and don't see the need to.

Last year I saw a 25' ladder stand set up at Cabela's and I can tell you that thing looked like it would be a royal pain to put up.

Maybe but dont you think with the eyes deer have if there looking up and you move alot  dont matter if your 12 or higher .

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Steve D Experienced

Steve D

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7 hours ago, Storm914 said:

Maybe but dont you think with the eyes deer have if there looking up and you move alot  dont matter if your 12 or higher .

Absolutely...movement will alert and or spook them whether you are 10 ft., 30 ft., or sitting on the ground.

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