Tree stand or Ground Blinds for Blackies?

[RIVERRAT]

Does anyone use either a treestand or ground blind on the westside for blackies?  I have used them for whitetail in Montana but that is it. Any input for using either in WA would be appreciated. 

[Annette]

Eighter  one will work. Just make sure the stand in in there in plenty of time for the deer to get used to it and ware a cover scent going in to the blind or stand. Hunting during the rut will be your best bet... ( Buy a rifle deer tag and hunt with your bow) Good luck and let us know how you did!

[D-Rock425]

I know a few guys that stand hunt in old orchards and do ok each year.

[Special T]

I use a tree stanf for 2 reasons  1 i can see better through the brush 2 your sent is up higher so it is less of an issue...

[PolarBear]

I use a tree stand for 2 reasons  1 i can see better through the brush 2 your scent is up higher so it is less of an issue...

[Alchase]

Still hunt............I would never have the patience to sit in a blind or a stand long enough to be effective, lol

"I bet that draw over there would be more productive, or that cut, or that one....."

[rasbo]

I use both but prefer still hunting,its kinda like trolling

[Special T]

I would say tree stand for archery, still hunting for rifle..

[RIVERRAT]

Thank you for the feedback folks!!!

[markts]

I used a treestand last year for the first time-missed a decent nontypical at about 250yds First thing my non hunting wife says is-did you practice shooting from your treestand NO

[bobcat]

Actually I'm not sure it's really necessary to practice shooting a rifle from a tree stand. A bow, yes, because shooting down affects the trajectory of the arrow. But your rifle should shoot the same. The real question would be does your tree stand have a gun rest? That's really what you need if you're able to see and shoot long distances from the stand.

Like this:

[markts]

It does but was unable to utilize it for the shot-I just missed but thought my wifes comment was funny

[MAVsled]

for archery hunting blacktail, I use both.
have two or three sites selected within an area for treestand set up. I actually set up my fixed stand, trim etc and then take it down until the next season. the treestand buddy devices are great for utilizing my 2 lone wolf alpha stands. Prior to start of season, I will locate the six various Treestand Buddy brackets and that way my fixed stand attaches very quickly and comes home with me at the end of the day or hunt.

have two sites within an area that I usually build natural ground blinds on.
just built two natural ground blinds this past weekend up in gmu 460.
In one case using local material from the clearcut along an edge with several trails and good sign this past weekend up in gmu 460.
I get a lot of scouting & work done after season and it helps with suffering the end of hunting season blues.

the gmu's with my blacktail focus; 460>before or after work on weekdays
                                                   >Capital Forest, weekends,
                                                   >648 Wynoochee, weekends

[MIKEXRAY]

I love my tree stand, I have never had an animal bust me by sight or scent. I've had bears, elk & deer all around with no clue I am there. I sit 15' up and find it really cool to watch / harvest from the tree. I like the easy 20 yard shots I get. I didn't do very good still hunting with a bow, apparently no Daniel Boone in me. Mike

[Bean Counter]

Call me a vajayjay buy treestands make me nervous. I see too many hunting shows of wheelchair bound hunters who fell from a stand. Ground blinds are the way to go for me. Esp in the rainy wet side

[Skyvalhunter]

Ok your a Vajayjay(whatever that is). I could have sworn that tree stands come with a safety harness. Well atleast mine did and it does you no good sitting in your closet at home.

[Bean Counter]

I think is be okay getting in and out of one that looked big, sturdy, and secure if it had a solid ladder. Like, I were a big property owner and put a permanent one in that was as easy as climbing a ladder and sitting my @$$ down. It's those ultralightsthat I won't touch. Also, I'm young and dumb, I like to hike!

[Special T]

I fell asleep bow hunting in Arkansas adn damn near fell out.  the harness that comes with the stand sucks... Buy one of the good mesh vest ones you won't be sorry, and your neck is worth the C-note!

[upriver]

I still hunt mainly but do have a climber. I get impatient and can only stand hunt so long in the stand. I have seen a few deer in the stand but blacktails don't seem quite as routine as whitetails. They don't look in the trees when you do see them and you won't get detected by movement but you will by smell. I sat in my stand one day as I was clearing shooting lanes ect before the season. A doe tracked me to my stand and was at the base of the tree sniffing my coffee cup on alert. She sat there for about ten or fifteen minutes just scannning trying to find me. She never did and eventually went about feeding.

[PolarBear]

Call me a vajayjay buy treestands make me nervous. I see too many hunting shows of wheelchair bound hunters who fell from a stand. Ground blinds are the way to go for me. Esp in the rainy wet side

That is why I won't use a hang-on or ladder stand.  I have found my climber to be very secure.  I have my seat slung down so I sit lower in it and am practically in a cage.    I have fallen asleep to the point of drooling in my API Grandslam Super Mag and never had a fear of falling out.  The worst thing that has ever happend was my bottom platform slipped out of my boots and fell 5 feet before stopping.  Since then I connect both parts with a cord.  As heavy and cumbersome my treestand is I wouldn't trade it for anything.  As far as hunting in the rain, pick a good sized fir and set up your stand right under the boughs.  Trim it right and you have your own umbrella.

[MikeWalking]

Ok your a Vajayjay(whatever that is). I could have sworn that tree stands come with a safety harness. Well atleast mine did and it does you no good sitting in your closet at home.

A guy I used to work with declined to weld up his neighbors broken aluminum tree stand despite a lot of badgering.  He didn't think he could do it well enough.   His neighbor got someone else to do it.  His neighbor now lives in a Wheelchair..

[Alan K]

I'm a tree stand guy.  Get a hunter safety system. They're comfortable and safe.

[h20hunter]

I have used a climber for one season in the midwest. I found it easy to pack and easy to set up. I agree on getting (and using!) a good harness. Also, set it up and practice from it when bow hunting. It can be a real bi.... to draw and find you elbow hitting tree. If you have your seat and overall set up just right and you can snooze away.

[ZogTheFuzzy]

I have seen a few deer in the stand but blacktails don't seem quite as routine as whitetails.

That's why I prefer stillhunting and ground blinds for blacktails.

[Yeti]

I came from the midwest and treestands are all I know. I would rather sit in a tree the hike all around and spooking game.  I am a regular nap taker in my climber or hang on. Just use the TMA approved harness properly and you are all good.

 I am learning the ground game out here.