So here we are, beginning of September with the beans starting to yellow, the farmers getting antsy, and open windows at night to take advantage of the good sleeping weather. Our best-laid plans have fallen by the wayside. Remember? We were going to get all of our stands roughed in at the very least, or hung, trimmed, and ready to hunt from at the very best, long before bow season. Life happens, deer patterns change, and trail camera findings often suggest we adjust these plans at least slightly. So what happens when one of these unforseens drops in our lap just two weeks before bow season? This was the very question I asked IDO Pro-staffer Brad Juaire, to which he responded, "What are you doing on Thursday?"
It was to be just as if we were hunting; a surgically precise stand-hanging, sandwiched in between a stealthy entrance and exit. I started my typical bow hunting routine by managing my scent with Scent-Blocker laundry soap on my clothing, scent-free soap and shampoo in the shower, and Scent Blocker spray on my body, stand, and climbing sticks when we got into the field. Brad was nice enough to put together the stand ahead of time, checking for creaks, pops, or other noises so that we were as quiet as we could be when in the field.
We would’ve preferred a stronger wind and/or rain before going to hang the stand, simply to control our scent better, but at least the wind-direction was acceptable for where we were entering and anticipated deer to be bedding. Deer trails were examined, a pattern was developed, and then it was time to select a tree. While most folks would typically be in a hurry during this scenario, what little scent could not be controlled was already in our hunting area, so we took time to do things right to prevent a moment of regret later. When selecting the tree, we were careful to pick one that: fit a pre-determined wind direction that we wished to hunt the stand by, had good screening cover below the stand location, could cover as much area as possible without being exposed, and one that would intercept the deer in a location between food and bedding. As Brad explained later, this would allow me the opportunity to exit the stand without spooking deer that were below me.
Once the climbing sticks were carefully put together, and hung along with the stand, we spent a good deal of time pruning limbs and arranging things around the stand to mask our presence to the best of our ability. Brad was careful not to trim too many limbs, rather, he was mindful to trim the “right” limbs. By coaching different shot-processes that might occur from that stand, we were able to clear one, two, or three “kill-spots” along a certain trail should the deer not cooperate and keep on walking. All of these will be invaluable in having a stand that’s not just a great place to see deer from, but a great place to actually harvest one.
Finally, we cleared a small path as an entrance/exit route given the wind we wished to hunt that stand with. This is an overlooked but necessary step that I often forget to do. It’s tempting to hurry yourself along, work thoughtlessly and overly fast, in the hopes of spreading less scent. Rather, we did our best to work methodically and in a steady fashion to ensure that we were not just hanging another old stand, but preparing to do battle with a wary whitetail. I can’t say thank you enough Brad; this turkey geek learned more than he bargained for when going into the woods with you, and I’m looking forward to sitting in that stand!
Joel
Joel,
Great post! That is some very valuable information. Especially about clearing your entrance and exit. That is definalety an overlooked step. Going to a new stand in the dark, sometimes the woods doesn’t look exactly as you pictured it when you hung the stand and you can get turned around quickly. By clearing the path, it makes it much easier to get where you want to go.
Thanks!
And you’ll be surprised at the deer that will use that entrance path as well!
good post joel
Finally, we cleared a small path as an entrance/exit route given the wind we wished to hunt that stand with. This is an overlooked but necessary step that I often forget to do.
the only thing i would “tweek” is the deer will use this trail also so i would make a bend in it so if a deer walks it they have to walk broadside to your tree for 5 yards and thru a shooting lane otherwise if they follow your trail in they walk right to the bottom of the tree head on to you then who knows what when the trail ends at the base of your tree
great read but we need to deduct points from you in the deer contest for bringing in a ringer to help you
Good point Pat. We’re lucky enough to have our entrance/exit bisect a well-used logging trail. The hope is that they’ll continue on the logging trail which should provide several shots.
Anything else we missed? What else do you do Pat, or anyone else in terms of hanging stands?
Joel
my early season pattern is to hunt my food plots i think we have 2 stands that arent on a food source of some sort one is an awesome transition area from feeding to bedding that is a great evening and morning stand area that we can get in and out of with no issues otherwise we only hunt the edges untill oct 25 then we go in the woods
having hunted my 2 different places (one for 21 years)the other for 5 years i ussually dont have to do any last minute stuff but it would be interesting to have one of our deer guru’s come and walk my lands with me and get a new set of eyes the deer probably have me patterned by now
This is a great post. I’m new to bow hunting and have been cruising through the internet to find info on bow hunting. Techniques, how to’s etc. I’ve found some very valuable info and this is one of those nuggets I can take with me in the field. I need to make time to get out and scout an area and get used to getting ready for the field. My new camo gear needs to be washed in scent free soap, I’ve got to buy some boots, but other than that I’m ready. I’m really excited about getting out there and seeing how this season goes…
On a side note, if there are any central Iowa bow hunters that would like to take a newbie out for some education…lol…
…drop me a PM.. Thanks 