Author Topic: tree stand height (Read 912 times)

slimman75 · « **on:** June 27, 2004, 04:35:15 PM »

I am going to try a little tree stand hunting this year and was wondering how high most people put them the tree. I have a couple very active trails and lots of good sized pine trees to chose from. Thanks Slim

Big · « **Reply #1 on:** June 27, 2004, 07:25:10 PM »

Slim, I used to go 20-30 feet up, until I bounced a couple of arrows off of shoulder blades. I had a pro tell me the same thing. They sure won't know you're there, but that's a terrible angle. Twelve to fifteen feet has worked pretty well for me in Maryland. Shot my nicest buck, a 2 1/2 year old ten pointer, with my feet ten feet off the ground, and he was ten yards from the tree. Tagged out last year by shooting a six point and a nine point within fifteen minutes of each other from twelve feet up, 7 and 8 yards away.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #2 on:** June 28, 2004, 11:44:15 AM »

slimman75, just remember, pine trees=pitch (sometimes real bad.) So be aware you might get a bit sticky :grin: . I and the other hunters I know who use treestands try to avoid Pines as much as possible. But if its the only choice you have......well heck you got yourself one hell of a built in, all natural harness :-D . Heck, you might not even NEED a tree stand! Climb up and stick yer back to the tree!!
Ok, nuff kiddin around. My stand hunting so far has only been gun. So I look at the advice given with intrest as you too. Not this season, but next, Ill be ready to partake in my first bow hunt :twisted: .
Brian M.

longwinters · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2004, 11:45:01 AM »

I think you have to look at a couple of things. First, how are the winds where you hunt? swirling or basically straight. How pressured are the deer from treestand hunters? I have seen a few deer walking around looking up in trees and I don't think it was for acorns in a pine grove. If you have squirrely winds or a lot of pressure you better think higher. I am never less than 16' and usually around 20'. Of course no matter how high you go . . . always wear a safety belt.

Long

HuntenNut · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2004, 06:08:12 AM »

I think between 15 and 20 is best, closer to 20 if possible. Go much lower than 15 and you'll be picked out by any older deer. Try to put it in a spot that offers some extra branches around you for cover. In the middle of a crotch is an excellent spot if the crotch is in the right spot. I actually prefer pine trees when available due to the fact that they give you extra cover year round. You can trim out a few branches to hang your stand, but leave most around you for cover to break up your outline.

Another consideration besides height is where on the tree to hang it. Many hang their stand facing the oncoming traffic due to comfort consideration, allowing you to sit for long time facing the direction you expect the deer to come from without craning your neck. I prefer to hang my stand on the opposite side of the tree, especially if the tree doesn't have much cover, so I can use the trunk for cover when making my draw.

Big · « **Reply #5 on:** July 04, 2004, 02:28:45 PM »

20 with a firearm, sure (and I'm talking the bottom of your feet 20' off the ground). 20's too high with a bow. You'll see.

Scottyluck · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2004, 08:22:02 AM »

I think it greatly depends on surrounding cover. You might have to go 20-25' just to get into decent cover. I'm usually at 15-20'. I have been lower and I have been higher.

Daveinthebush · « **Reply #7 on:** July 06, 2004, 03:24:16 PM »

The biggest buck I ever shot was out of a 10' ladder stand from about 12 yards. Maybe the fact that is was refreshing a rub line and I had a canister of doe in heat kept his attention.

Usually though, my practice stand in the yard is 16'. So I try to build all others, place climbers and strap-on's at the same level. I think 16' is a pretty good level unless your hunting public lands where the deer have been trained to look up.

Like someone else I don't like high angle shots. I'd rather double lung an animal than any other shot.

Stan M. · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2004, 05:18:40 PM »

I have never had a problem with 15 feet. The rope I use to pull up my bow or gun is cut to the desired length needed and keeps me consistant on my stand height. I will go higher with my firearms but surounding foilage and wind is the most important factors to me.
Good luck,
Stan

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2004, 03:48:30 PM »

I have shot deer from 10 feet to 15 feet off the ground in my stand, with my bow. But 90% of my bow hunting is done from the ground. I have great success with that. Even gun hunting in a tree stand I never go over 15 feet. :grin:

slimman75 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 11, 2004, 05:28:25 PM »

I just want to thank everyone for there posts. I have been shooting in the back yard at 17 feet and feel good about the shots from there. Thanks again everyone!!!! Slim

DakotaDan · « **Reply #11 on:** July 13, 2004, 01:43:47 PM »

The height of your stand can depend on many things. If this is a lock on type of stand that you are going to place in pre-season, then the degree of profile exposure, shooting lanes, and prevailing wind currents need to be carefully considered. If you are using a climber, daily forecasts can help you select a downwind location and you can adjust the height based on cover from other trees etc. I have taken dozens of deer from tree stands and what works for me is scent control, quiet/stillness, profile concealment and varying locations. I rarely go higher than 12 feet which for me is perfect for double lung pass thru shots (the longest in past 6 years has been 35 yds and vast majority are under 18 yds.) Always use a proper harness from the ground up and back down. Even a fall from 12 feet can be fatal. Good luck and don't forget the camera.
-dd

Shoreline Trapper · « **Reply #12 on:** July 17, 2004, 04:56:37 AM »

16-20 w/climber

High Brass · « **Reply #13 on:** July 30, 2004, 06:31:46 AM »

With a climber I try to get about 17-20'. I went up over 30 one time, more like 35 and the sind blew real bad that day. I couldn't hit a deer if I tried. I have a fixed pos. stand and plan on hanging it no higher than 20', probably a little over 15.