Treestand Placement advice

Curlyfry · #1 10-30-2014, 11:40 AM

Hi guys,

I have been hunting for a couple years now, not hugely successful but every missed opportunity is a new learning experience. This year I have gone out nd bought myself a hang on tree stand and some climbing sticks. Now I have myself a cutline that has frequent elk crossings and woulod like to hang the stand but all the trees on the line are bare aspen or poplars or something, anyways there would be almost zero coverage once the stand is hanging and I am sitting in it. Will my sillouette give me away instantly or will it be fine since I will be 15 feet or so in the air? Any tips on how to make this work or is this situation better covered from the ground?

510-Gem · #2 10-30-2014, 12:01 PM

I'd hang it closer to 30' high and back off the trail a bit. Maybe mount it facing slightly away from the trail as well.

bobalong · #3 10-30-2014, 12:18 PM

I agree with previous post, always put my stand about 20 yards off the main trail, might mean a bit of extra trimming for shooting lanes, but cover would be much better. As with any stand hunting, first consideration is always wind, always be downwind of the trail. Once you determine the best spot for your stand and if the trail is really good , and is in an area where you can leave your stand out, I would put a stand on each side of the trail so I could always hunt it, regardless of wind.

I always liked tree stand better than ground blind, visibility so much better, and you are out of the direct site line of the animal, movement is still critical, but in the air is always better IMO.

When you are in the air, even if the animals decide not to come down the trail you are on, you can sometimes see where they are going, which may aid you in finding a better spot for your stand.

BigDaddysToys · #4 10-30-2014, 01:36 PM

I think 30 feet is crazy unless you're on a steep incline. In 99% of situations 15 feet is more than enough. It's more important to sit still and "pick your moment" for movements than to be way up high. I've shot lots of critters from 15 feet up in a bare poplar.

Sit like a statue and you'll be amazed at what you see

calgarychef · #5 10-30-2014, 01:47 PM

Remember that you won't want to be facing straight foreward for a shot so a bit off of 90 degrees is nice. I've shot deer out of bare poplars but is sure take a big spruce over that idea if I could. If you're rifle hunting it won't matter as much, but bring up some shooting sticks or something for the long shots. Wind in your face and sun at your back applies to all hunting, stay off the main trailnwhen you walk in if possible to avoid leaving a scent trail. Use calling specific for your species to help bring them into shooting distance.

Sit still....sit still.... The best advice on here yet.

bc gbear · #6 10-30-2014, 08:19 PM

30 feet is a lot. I've never felt the need to get up that high, but then again, I don't care for heights that much. I probably average 12-15 feet, but have been as little as 7 feet.

Curlyfry · #7 11-01-2014, 11:49 AM

Great Info everyone, thanks alot. I think I will be going about 15-20 feet in the air and sitting for the mornings and evenings, maybe take a walk in the middle to follow some tracks.

58thecat · #8 11-01-2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curlyfry

Great Info everyone, thanks alot. I think I will be going about 15-20 feet in the air and sitting for the mornings and evenings, maybe take a walk in the middle to follow some tracks.

The deer will start moving as in bucks looking for luv, your walking around will lessen your chances, sit as long as you can, periodically grunt/rattle maybe even a doe bleat now and then, trust me if you did your homework and the stand is located in a good area, wind in your favor I bank on patience and sit tight.

astepanuk · #9 11-01-2014, 12:33 PM

Best advice I can give also is to leave your phone in the truck!!!! as long as you have a good backdrop you shouldn’t have to be any more then 15-17' make sure u set your stand have a walk to where you expect the deer to come and look at your stand you don’t want to be skylined at all. I never believed in face paint but i wear it all the time now keep the glare of those rosy cheeks down. Good luck and shoot straight.

wildside2014 · #10 11-01-2014, 12:42 PM

ya id say 30' is way too high. I agree with the previous guys stating 15-20'. Should be fine.

fingershooter · #11 11-01-2014, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDaddysToys

I think 30 feet is crazy unless you're on a steep incline. In 99% of situations 15 feet is more than enough. It's more important to sit still and "pick your moment" for movements than to be way up high. I've shot lots of critters from 15 feet up in a bare poplar.

Sit like a statue and you'll be amazed at what you see

I don't think 30' is crazy. I have lots at 25 to 35 feet up (for rifle and bow) and i really like it. It affords me more opportunity to move a little and not be picked off. If you are planning on staying in the tree for hours at a time, as I do, You will need to move around a bit so you don't freeze up or stiffen up. I have one in northern Alberta that is higher than the big power line that it sits on. It lets me get shots out to 400 yds when the grasses and brush is high.
The heights don't bother me. This has worked for me but as with everything to do with hunting, it's personal preference.