tree stand hunting

[Martinhunter]

Hello everyone, I'm a new member and was turned on to this site by a buddy of mine a couple months ago and have been hooked ever since.
 So a little about myself, I'm from southwest Washington (lewis county area) and have lived here for about 20 years. I've been hunting Blacktails for about 10 years but not a whole lot of success, small bucks here and there. I just started bow hunten this year and I tell you what I'm pumped up for late season coming up in a few weeks.
 So to my question! I'm trying to get in to tree stand hunten, witch I tryed for the first time this September. I had my stand set up on a Buddy's property back in some killer timber, right along a very used up trail with a couple fresh scrapes close by and I saw nothing nor heard nothing all month. So I'm thinking of moving my stand on the same property (private land) but maybe along a tree line in a clear cut and maybe try a little rattlen. I'm not real sure what to do here, stick to the timber or move to a little more open area like a small clear cut. does anyone have any suggestions for me for this late archery hunt coming up. Any suggestions is much appreciated. Thanks Martinhunter

[Antlershed]

I tried a little tree stand hunting in the early season, and all I was able to figure out is that it is BORING.  I will be giving it another shot during the late season though since I have a buck scouted out...I just need him to come out in the daylight. 

[EastWaViking]

I think sticking to the big timber would be best, I am more of a Whitetail hunter, but during the
rut the bucks will be chasing does and working the trails.  Look for some fresh scrapes on the ground (there shouldn't be any yet, but pretty soon) and set your tree stand up near one.

Another thing you can do is still hunt the timber.  Sit for an hour, walk a bit and sit some more, then get in your stand for the last couple hours of daylight,  it works well for WT, and should for BT deer too.

good luck and welcome.

[300rum]

In the late season get back in a little ways, I like to be about 25-50yds in but don't go into the bedding areas, you want to be between the bedding areas and the openings where they come out and feed at night.  1st come the does at about 1pm then the small bucks and then a little bigger buck and if you are lucky right about dark.........  I like to get back in a little ways because big boy is still feeding his way out but times his triumphant entry right about dark or after dark. 

[Machias]

Find out what they are eating.  Then find out where they are sleeping.  Set up on the travel routes or funnels between these locations.  Never ever hunt the stand when the wind is wrong.  If you have a decent deer population in the area I would never stay in a stand more then a couple of days without seeing deer.  Also everyday that you use a stand it becomes less effective, IMO, First day or two is your best bet to catch them unaware.  Trust me they pattern you quicker then you pattern them, especially the older bucks.  Break up your out line as best as you can, remember deer do look up.  Don't even think about climbing up there without a safety belt, ever!  Try to have several stand locations way before the season, this prevents you from over hunting a spot and from going ahead and hunting a spot even though the wind is wrong.

[stumprat]

I do best setting my stand on  the tree line (big timber) over looking jack firs.

[Martinhunter]

Thanks everyone for your feedback and tips. I'm thinking of just sticking to well used trails back in the tall timber and see if I can't have any luck.  Martinhunter