Among many bow hunters tree stands are a highly prized space to claim. In fact, it’s considered one of the top methods for bow hunting throughout the world. This has to do with the advantages that tree stands offer the hunter. For example, since they are up in a tree it’s less likely that game will be frightened off by the scent of a human, nor do most animals look into trees unless they hear something that draws attention. From a safety perspective the hunter knows they’ve little to worry about from other hunters when nestled in a tree (up there they hardly look like game!). Additionally many hunters report the angle a tree stand affords makes for cleaner, more trackable kills.
Having said all that, tree stands are not absolutely “perfect.” A good hunter knows the drawbacks of their chosen location too. For example, going up and down a big tree isn’t always the safest of endeavors. You could certainly fall. Also, if you’re not that familiar with this tract of land you could find yourself perched in a tree with little, or no, results (as the saying goes, location is everything!). Depending on the type of tree, there can be weak spots that aren’t easily discernible until you’re already feeling apprehensive (and you have to go back down). Finally, I believe that tree stand hunting can lead to accidents because the hunter gets tired of waiting. There isn’t a lot to do up in a tree but sit tight and make sure you’re secure!
Hunters who plan on using tree stand hunting should check their regional regulations first. Every area has slightly different rules governing where you can tree stand and when. Beyond this, it’s good to train yourself in two things: climbing devices and the types of tree stands you’ll encounter in the woods. The ethical hunter will want to utilize climbing devices that do not harm the tree (and this may be part of your local regulations). For your own safety you should practice with that devise before you go hunting. Once in the woods if your climbing implement seems “off” – don’t use it. It’s simply not worth the risk. In terms of other precautions, you still need a safety harness, a way to pull your bow and equipment into the tree with you (climbing with it is hazardous), and then try your bow once set up to make sure you’re free of hindrances.
Using a tree stand for archery hunting, or even gun hunting, is certainly a great way to see what you want to see, but make sure that you consider all the angles.
November 13, 2008
those big bucks love them i like to kill one with droptines
November 13, 2008
i am 10 years old and i killed my first deer but it was a doe my brother j.d killed a button buck my doe was bigger than j.des button buck 1/2 inch i was sueprize j.d is 12 years old.
September 3, 2009
This would be a great article that you’ve shared. This seems to give relevant ideas and shares your experiences within the activities of bow hunting.
It’s really interesting!
September 8, 2009
I loved bowhunting. However, this past November 1st proved not to be the greatest day in a tree. I fell 22 to 24 feet and have more health issues than I can talk about. As an artist, who did two archery stamps for MA, it’s worse to have 1/4 to 1/3 vision left. I can’t see anything out of my left eye at all.
There is plenty more talk about, but the most important thing is treestand safety. I was always buckled once I was sitting or standing in my stand.. it’s more important to be buckled in all the way up, while your in it and all the way back down..
let me know how i can help. Ryan Jacque.
October 26, 2009
Now that it’s been a while since I posted this comment, I just looked again and it looks like I’m selling something… or that I’m looking for sympathy. I honestly don’t want anything but to go through another deer season without reading that someone else fell out of a stand. With all the safety articles and advice from others… get the deer and not yourself in trouble.
Look, other than my family and my drawing (wildlife and portrait art) .. the next thing for me is bowhunting for whitetail deer.. I may never be able to do a lot of the things I did before, but I go bowhunting. But do it SAFELY