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Stand setup likes.

moosehunter

moosehunter

PMA Member
Large oaks and cottonwoods and split trunk are my favorite trees for hang ons. I like Split trunks for a few of reasons. I'm always hidden from 2 sides. Climing sticks on one trunk and the stand on the other makes it nice to get on the stand. A great place right in front of you to hang the bow. But we all know those trees are not always available. Here's what I do when I have a good spot but maybe not the best tree.............

When setting up a stand I prefer to face my stand away from the direction I think the deer are coming from. That maybe backwards for most people but I guess I like hiding behind the tree trunk. Of course the disadvantage is it's more difficult to see the deer coming but I always stand the last hour anyway. This is especially true when I use a climer also.........

What are some things you like to do when the tree ain't the best?????
 
This is going to be an interesting post to see preferences, good idea moosehunter. I too prefer trees with split trunks to "hang in". Mainly for the reasons you stated, cover and climbing in and out. I also hang away from the trail to give me a little extra cover and if possible I try to hang so that the sun will be behind me when the deer come in to allow me to see them better and I think it makes it harder for them to see me. I also like to stand about the last hour with my bow in my hand most of the time.
 
Great post. I agree on the split trunks. I also like to have the sun set or rise at my back. It sucks squinting and moving around trying to see out in front of you. I like the idea of putting your back to the deer especially if you like to stand.
 
I too agree on the split trunks! I try to situate all of my loc-on stands in them. Here's a pic of one of my favorite stands, a large split trunk oak, located on a hillside bench on the edge of a thick bedding area.

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When I use my climber, I try to get into populars or straight oaks with few branches. Carry a Gerber hand saw for small trimming jobs. My climber digs into these trees best, even if the bark is wet.
 
Big white pines, cedars or white/red oaks are my favorites! Anything that has a ton of cover. I alson really like having stands set on top of ridges that are pinched and have a steep drop of the side providing a funnel and a sneeky way to get in in the AM. Usually a vertical climb but well worth it
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I second the motion on big cedar tress, almost never get caught in them because they have so much cover and the strong cedar scent.....I also look for the high spot in the area I am trying to cover, and most importantly you have to have a way in and out of the stand site (farm) without spooking the deer. Without having that way in and out that the rest of it doesnt matter.
 
Basically all we have that work for climbers are aspens. Everything else is too limby.

I put my hang ons in big white spruce or Jackpines. I like them b/c they give a pile of cover, much like cedars and white pines I'm sure. I also like them b/c I never have to worry about climbing sticks or steps either. I simply cut myself a ladder into the big limbs all the way up to my stand. My favorite stand is actually an old Non Typical, I think they've since been bought out. It faces the tree so I get to use the trunk for concealment and I can get away with alot of movement that way. Plus, a sawed off limb makes a sweet rest for the smokepole.
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I love big pines and big split trunks to sit in. Unfortunately the new places I hunt all have trees about 7-8 inches around if that, and you could either be 20 ft high up in a tree that sways a good foot or 2 when you shift your weight or sitting 7 ft off the ground tieing brush all around the tree trying to make it look like you are sitting in a birds nest. It sure sucks hunting all these crappy trees around here.
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I like big white oaks with lots of limbs- some where you hardly even need tree steps once you get up to the first low limb, you can shimmy up on branches. That said, I don't have many of those.

I agree with above- cedars are the best..but I don't have any on my land. Sometimes, you just have to make due.
 
I prefer oaks and large cedars, as well as, split-trunks...love the foot rest on all-day sits. Oaks tend to hold their leaves longer and cedars offer the ultimate in concealment.

Unfortunatly, most of our best locations are overtaken by locusts and hedgetrees. Use the heck out of synthetic limbs on these stands/trees to give cover and break up our outline.

We usually avoid stands with no 'back cover' behind the tree...learned that lesson one time too many!
 
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