John's Journal...

Ups and Downs of Tree Stands for Hunting Deer

Day 2: The Value of Tree Stands for Hunting Deer

Editor’s Note: One size of tree stands doesn’t fit all. To choose an effective tree stand, first study the conditions in the area you hunt. Then select a tree stand to match them.

Click for Larger ViewClick for Larger ViewProbably most sportsmen can’t appreciate the value of tree stands until they attempt to get into a tree without one. But then they soon will realize, like I did, that the tree stand is the ultimate hunting tool. No-other product designed for hunters allows the sportsman to get above a deer, to sit comfortably and quietly and to often have his scent above the animal as well as the tree stand does. A tree stand gives the hunter portability, mobility, safety and comfort wherever he pursues deer. Tree stands also provide stable platforms from which to shoot, allow a hunter to look down into cover and enable an outdoorsman to hunt from the sides of trees that don’t have enough branches to stand on otherwise. If the tree stand is the ultimate hunting tool, then what type tree stand is best for hunting? Are there more advantages to one kind of tree stand than there are to others? If I’m going to spend my money for a tree stand, how do I know that I’m getting the best stand for my dollars? These are questions that I have been concerned with since I saw the first three or four tree stands come to the hunting market. Therefore, before we decide what kind of tree stand is best for you, let’s look at what a tree stand won’t do, and dispel some of the myths about tree stands.

Tree Stands – Truth and Fiction:

Myth #1: Tree stands keep human odor above and away from a deer’s nose. Nationally known bowhunting instructor, Dr. Robert Sheppard of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, says that, “Just because a hunter’s in a tree stand doesn’t mean he can ignore the wind as many outdoorsmen tend to believe. Even when in a tree stand, the hunter still must hunt into the wind to hunt successfully. Yet, there is one exception to this rule. Early in the morning with only a slight wind, a deer may walk under your scent when you’re in a tree stand

Myth #2: The deer doesn’t realize the hunter is there, if a hunter is in a tree, and a deer doesn’t look up. Actually, the more hunting pressure from tree stand hunters that deer receive, the more likely the animals are to look up and spot a hunter in a tree.

Myth #3: Any tree stand will allow any hunter to get into a tree in the woods. Not all tree stands fit all trees, and not all tree stands are safe on all trees.

Click for Larger ViewClick for Larger ViewMyth #4: A sportsman can’t fall out of a tree stand. Any time an outdoorsman is off the ground, he runs the risk of falling. Although today tree stands are safer than ever before, there are many unsafe hunters, who can and will fall from tree stands each year.

Myth #5: You can’t get hurt in a tree stand, if you wear a safety belt in a tree stand. Wrong! Have you ever hung by a safety belt after your tree stand has fallen to the ground? If you’re not cut in half by the belt, you have a new problem – how to get out of the belt and down the tree.

There is an element of risk involved in using all tree stands. However, tree stand hunting also may be the most-effective way for bowhunters and gun hunters to bag deer. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of particular stands and a look at how many tree stands a hunter needs.

For more deer-hunting tips, get John E. Phillips’ Kindle eBooks “How to Hunt Deer Like a Pro,” “How to Hunt Deer Up Close: With Bows, Rifles, Muzzleloaders and Crossbows,” and “PhD Whitetails: How to Hunt and Take the Smartest Deer on Any Property,” Go to www.amazon.com/kindle-ebooks, type in the name of the book, and download it to your Kindle, and/or download a Kindle app for your iPad, SmartPhone or computer.

About the Author

John Phillips, winner of the 2012 Homer Circle Fishing Award for outstanding fishing writer by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), the 2008 Crossbow Communicator of the year and the 2007 Legendary Communicator chosen for induction into the National Fresh Water Hall of Fame, is a freelance writer (over 6,000 magazine articles for about 100 magazines and several thousand newspaper columns published), magazine editor, photographer for print media as well as industry catalogues (over 25,000 photos published), lecturer, outdoor consultant, marketing consultant, book author and daily internet content provider with an overview of the outdoors. Click here for more information and a list of all the books available from John E. Phillips.

Tomorrow: How Many Tree Stands Do You Need for Deer Hunting and Problems You’ll Face Hunting from Tree Stands


Check back each day this week for more about "Ups and Downs of Tree Stands for Hunting Deer "

Day 1: Outdoor Writer John E. Phillips’ Deer Hunting Experience with Tree Stands
Day 2: The Value of Tree Stands for Hunting Deer
Day 3: How Many Tree Stands Do You Need for Deer Hunting and Problems You’ll Face Hunting from Tree Stands
Day 4: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Kinds of Tree Stands
Day 5: Why Hunt the Worst Stands for Big Bucks with a Tree Stand

ALL CONTENT PROTECTED UNDER THE DIGITAL MILLENIUM COPYRIGHT ACT. Content theft, either printed or electronic is a federal offense.

 

Entry 739, Day 2