How many?

[Jingles]

Going to explain what was once a practice, at least back east, ( MI & NC ) and see if anyone has done or still does it.
For those that use a tree stand a practice used to be to put your stand up a week to 10 days before season after you located an active run and then put a mannequin or "scarecrow type apparatus" in your stand. Wondering if anyone else has done or still does this, heck has anyone else even heard of doing this?

[Jake Dogfish]

What for?

[phildobaggins]

Very interesting, hadn't thought of doing that. I'm assuming it's to make your shape and presence a regular thing in the stand. Nice idea!

[LDennis24]

Yeah I've heard of buddies doing this sort of thing but not with a mannequin. Just putting a blind out or stand for several days before the season.

[Jingles]

What for?

The thinking back in the day was, much to the disagreement of some, was deer do notice when something is different and do look up, so with the stand  and " scarecrow" in place if they do notice it it becomes a normal change to the area and aren't quite so "on alert" but relax to something that has been there awhile as it isn't going jump out of the tree and pounce on them.

[Jake Dogfish]

Makes sense. 

[Ghost Hunter]

Currently I have 3 permanent stand setups on my property.  One enclosed and one with camo screen on front year round.  Thinking about putting up a couple of portable stands with ladders in next week or two.  Might have to stuff a couple of shirts.

[pianoman9701]

You know, a really good wife would sit in the stand before the season opener. Mrs. Pianoman seems hesitant. 

[MIKEXRAY]

I think back east where there's lots more treestand hunters and the deer are on to it would help. I've hunted with a tree stand deer and elk for ten years and have never once been spotted. My experience is animals here aren't looking up yet for danger . Good luck this season. 

[6haase6]

We hang a ball in our ground blinds

[dilleytech]

I would argue the deer wouldn’t notice the mannequin because it’s not moving. The deer will notice you if your moving regardless.