How To Set Up Hunting Tree Stands

Once you have decided where you are going to hunt, you will need to decide what type of hunting tree stands you are going to use.  For most hunters, the use of a ladder  or climbing stand will be the equipment of choice.  After settling on the type of tree stand for hunting you need to decide how you are going to set up your tree stand.

The first step is to make sure you have the right tools and equipment for the job.  Not all tree stand setup requires lots of equipment, but typically the gear you will need includes a safety harnesses, straps and ropes, your rifle or bow and a strong rope to haul your rifle or bow up into the stand.

Fixed stands utilize straps, ropes or chains to hold the stand to the trunk of the tree.  Because climbing stands have their own devices climbing the tree, you have little need for additional gear.  You should use a tree stand safety harness from the moment you leave the ground and the entire time you are in the tree.  Lastly, be sure to clear all tree limbs on the tree you will be ascending as well as any rocks or debris below.

Ladder stands use numerous safety straps at different locations along the length of the ladder to secure it to the tree.  Even though these stands are much more bulky, when secured properly, these stands provide a safe and effective platform for hunters.

Depending on your choice of stand, you may require a few other items to get you in and out of the tree.  These items include tree steps and climbing sticks.  While they provide the hunter with the same effect, there are some subtle differences between the two.

Tree steps are small bars that jut horizontally from the trunk, giving you a rung.  Some tree steps have straps that you cinch around the trunk, however most use a sharp, threaded end that you screw into the tree.  You may find it easier to use a cordless drill to start a hole for you when using this type of step.  Using these steps can damage a tree, so if you are hunting on public or leased land you should check with your local laws as well as the land owner before you put them in place.

­Climbing sticks are long poles, usually 6-8 feet in length which have horizontal steps protru­ding to either side.  Hunters attach these climbing sticks to a tree with safety straps.  These are a bit more portable and can often be set up by just one person.

Regardless what hunting stand set up you are about to do, you should consider your safety throughout the entire process.  Plan to utilize a tree stand safety harness which is approved by the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association (TMA).  This will help to make each hunting adventure a effective and safe one.

 

 

Deciding Where To Hang Your Hunting Tree Stand

 

One of the very first things any hunter needs to do before setting out on the first hunt of the season is to decide where exactly they will be hunting.  This is critical especially when you talk about deciding on a location to hang your hunting tree stand.

While you are scouting your potential hunting areas during the off season, one of the first items you need to consider are the regulations in your state regarding placement of tree stands for deer hunting.  You can complete your research for these regulations by checking out your state Fish & Game or Fish & Wildlife departments on the web.

Once you have completed your check into the local regulations, your next step is to know if you will be hunting on public or private land.  If you are hunting on public land, there are more state regulations which govern tree stand placement.  These include when you can set up a stand, what type of stand, when they must be removed and more.

If you find that you will be hunting on private property, then checking with the land owner before setting up any kind of tree stands for hunting is a must.  If you are using a deer hunting lease with the land owner, be sure that the use of deer stands and ground blinds are specifically spelled out in the document.  This will eliminate any confusion in the future and ensure that as an ethical hunter, you respect the permission you have been given to hunt on this land.

Once you have all these legal items taken care of, it is time to get out and start scouting for deer.  When scouting you need to look for deer sign.  This sign can take many forms, such as hoof prints, scat or feces, shed antlers, rubbings, scrapes or signs of bedding areas.  Using a digital game camera can help you with this process.

After you have located good deer sign, it is time to find a good tree. Regardless of the type of tree stand you plan to use, you need to find a live tree, which has no signs of disease or decay.  Tree stands work best on hard wood trees and if you are using a climbing tree stand, find a tree that is straight and has few branches lower to the ground.

Once you have selected a tree, you may need to cut the branches which may be in your way to ascend the tree.  Set your tree stand facing the deer sign.  Be sure to take into account overall visibility and wind direction.  Clear any branches from this or nearby trees and shrubs to give you clear shooting lanes from your stand.

Finding the best locations and setting up your hunting tree stand can be a time consuming process.  To ensure you have picked the best locations without disturbing the deer migrating through the area, be sure to find your locations well before the start of the hunting season.