With deer season already begun for bow hunters and gun season coming up at the end of the month, it’s important to make sure you are prepared and safe.
Zach Haas of Creek Bottom Land management, shares more about the types of hunting stands out there, what to think about when choosing one, and key safety practices to keep in mind this hunting season.
There are many types of deer stands you can use that range from your more basic to more elaborate set ups. Ladder or hang on stands are more basic and are an open environment based stand. The middle level is then your soft panel popup blinds with your higher end stands being permanent structures, insulated and pre-fabricated stands.
“There are a lot of things that go into play when it comes to choosing the best hunting stand for you,” says Haas. “Number one is are you hunting public or private land. With that then comes the question of can you have something more permanent or does the stand need to be able to be moved.”
Other things to think about when selecting a hunting stand are whether you are using a compound bow, rifle, muzzleloader, etc. Additionally, it is important to think about how many people will be hunting with you; are you taking a child with you or a first time hunter. These as well as the area you’ll be hunting in are all things you need to think about ahead of time.
“There’s probably honestly a hundred different ways to choose what’s best and set it up, but at the end of the day the biggest thing is comfortability and making sure that you can get in the right spot at the right time,” says Haas.
Once you have the tree stand chosen, now you need to look at the trees in your hunting area to decide where to put it. Haas says to keep an eye out for straight trees, branches or limbs that can help hide you or hold your gear while still having enough ability to see around you, and trees that are a good size.
Haas adds, “When I look at a tree, I wanna make sure it’s wide enough, something with a diameter that’s probably 16 to 20 inches at minimum. Then making sure I can get up to a good height. Personally I like to get up to 20 feet and make sure I have some branches to help me be hidden so a deer doesn’t see me moving and things of that nature.”
While hunting can be a great experience to share with friends and family, it can also be dangerous. Hunters must keep safety at the forefront in order to truly enjoy the outdoors. Any time you are hanging a stand, be sure to always have someone with you to help. Additionally, be sure to utilize ropes and harnesses that physically attach to the tree and act as a lifeline.
“Weather also impacts your safety and comfortability. If you’re in an open environment stand, you want to be cautious on frosty or rainy mornings climbing up. Also be aware of how long you sit in the elements and make sure you’re protected and coming in when needed for your overall health,” says Haas.
Comfortability is key when hunting to be able to withstand the elements for a long period of time. Haas utilizes a “cabin in the sky” that is fully insulated with a heater. Many hunters also use similar setups as they begin to bring youth into the outdoors as it allows them to stay warm and get a sense of what it means to be hunting rather than freezing.
“When you’re looking to find your spot for this upcoming season, whether it be the rut right now or gun hunting coming up, try to get a spot where you feel comfortable and that you could be there for a while. Also look for those areas where deer are traversing, where maybe it’s edges of habitats, where they’re going from a woods to a field or from a marsh to woods,” adds Haas.
Other tips Haas shares are to find a way that you can get in and out of the woods and to your stand very easily and effectively so you’re not bumping into deer. He encourages hunters to not get caught up in just trying to harvest a deer and actually enjoy their time out there and share that passion with others.
Leave a Reply