5 Characteristics of a Bullet-Proof Deer Stand Location

1 | Quality Cover

Good camo will get you a long way in life. And so will quality cover. Make sure you have both. Do so and it’ll be much harder for deer to spot you. Have good back cover to break up your silhouette. Keep some cover in front of you and to each side to further break up your figure. If there isn’t any, and you need to be in tree without this crucial component, cut some cedar branches and hang them in the tree with you to add the necessary cover.

Read: 7 Great Camo Patterns for Deer Hunting This Season

Photo credit: Bill Konway

2 | The Right Elevation

I prefer to get about 20 to 23 feet high. But every situation is different. Analyze the tree in question and the landscape around it. Sometimes it’ll make more sense to be lower. Other times you’ll be better off going higher up the tree trunk. It'll depend on the terrain, other trees, deer trails, etc.

Photo credit: Bill Konway

3 | A Shoulder-Width Tree Trunk

It’s hard to hide in a skinny tree. And it’s hard to feel very safe in one, too. Try to always hunt from a tree that is as wide as your shoulders. Doing so will go a long way in keeping you concealed.

Watch: How To Conceal Treestands

Photo credit: Realtree

4 | A Favorable Wind

Always keep the wind in your favor. And don’t just think about the wind in regard to the location of your treestand. Also think about the wind direction in relation to your entry and exit routes between the tree and the truck.

Read: The 5 Secrets to Bowhunting Mature Bucks

Photo credit: Realtree

5 | One Positioned According to Deer Travel Routes and Entry/Exit Routes

Always position your treestand in a manner that gives you the best advantage. Try to put the sun in the deer’s eyes, not yours. Also, try not to get too close or too far away from trails. When possible, I prefer to get back off of them about 15 or 20 yards. Furthermore, keep the wind in mind. And lastly, don’t bust deer on the way to or from your treestand.

These five things will get you far in life as a deer hunter. But if you’ve already mastered these, and really want to up your treestand game, read the story linked below.

Read: 10 Ways to Improve Your Favorite Treestand

Photo credit: John Hafner

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