tree stand hunting

[huntingfamily]

so i have taken a few years off of archery hunting (getting kids into hunting.start with rifles)when i last hunted archery i started to hunt part time out of a ladder stand. all of us watch those TV shows and it seems that almost 90% of shots are taken from a tree stand of some sorts.my daughter is old enough to now archery hunt and i'm looking to get another stand.it got me thinking....how many actually hunt out of a stand.or does the majority of people in Washington stalk

[UptheCreek]

Mostly stand.

[JimmyHoffa]

I think most in WA spot/stalk.  So much land to roam around.  I've noticed tree stands tend to be more popular in areas with small parcels of land where you more or less have to let them come to you versus you go to them.

[Stickerbush]

I think stand hunting is more popular in the midwest and out east. But for eastern wa I think spot and stalk or still hunting is the main way just because of the opennes of land. Not sure about west side I guess it varies

[BULLBLASTER]

the most effective way to hunt Eastern WA Whitetails is in a tree. good luck stalking up on a mature whitey in the thick NE corner... i hunt whiteys from a tree or groundblind. elk is spot and stalk or calling, sometimes ambush at water or wallow.

[colockumelk]

I agree with Bullblaster. The most effective way to hunt white tail is from a tree. I think a large part of this is because of their habitat.  Early Elk I call and spot and stalk. Late elk tree stands work great.  I think if you can pattern open country mule deer a ground blind works awesome. Mountain Mule Deer spot and stalk. Late season mule deer tree stands work good. For all late seasons in the snow bales of hay with a stamd or blind nearby works great.

[dscubame]

Continue to agree that it depends on what your hunting and the area.  Still have to spot and stalk whitetails in Palouse but other than that walking while whitetail hunting is generally not very productive.

[jnevs23]

Treestands and ground blinds 95% of the time for me.  I hunt white tails the vast majority of the time. I did come close on a spot and stock yesterday.  I needed her to take a lower trail and she went high.  You have to get pretty lucky even when you do everything right.

[MAVsled]

I've used treestands for blacktail with archery. In the right area, a great advantage. you just can't put up a treestand on just any tree and expect it to be effective.

[buckfvr]

I stand hunt.......small parcels to 1.1 million acre Colville National Forest, and so do many other bow hunters.   I dont believe theres a better way to hunt then finding the right trail,  in the deep dark, and excersing patience and staying power.

[huntingfamily]

so how does everyone that stand hunts stay warm? i used to have battery powered socks that kept my feet warm but over all cold was tough to fight. i did look at a pair of full length heated under wear but never got to it .

[big wood]

IN THE EARLY SEASON I HUNT ELK ON THE GROUND CALLING AND STALKING STARTING ABOUT 4 A.M. THEN GET TO ONE OF MY STANDS ABOUT NOON AT A WALLOW. I TAKE ABOUT A 4 HR NAP TO CATCH UP ON MY SLEEP (YOU GET WORN OUT IF YOU DONT) TILL ABOUT 4 P.M. THEN SIT,GLASS AND WAIT UNTILL DARK THEN HIKE BACK TO CAMP ABOUT 10:30 GO TO BED ABOUT 11:00 AND GET UP IN THE MORNING AT 3:30 TO START ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS IS 11 MILES IN THE BACK COUNTRY. I HAVE ABOUT 7 STANDS IN THERE. DRESS WARM, SITTING YOU GET COLD!!!! GOOD LUCK

[Sumpnneedskillin]

so how does everyone that stand hunts stay warm? i used to have battery powered socks that kept my feet warm but over all cold was tough to fight. i did look at a pair of full length heated under wear but never got to it .

Layers upon layers.  Wool long underwear, fleece or wool pants, fleece shirt, fleece jacket, outer layer of rain/wind proof material.  Mittens with hand warmer pockets, neck gator, stocking cap and fleece balaclava.

I bought a pair of the treestand "booties" but they weren't keeping my feet warm so I bought a pair of 1200 gram boots from Cabelas and they work great.  I also use the stick on heating pads.  I'd stick them to my long underwear top around my kidneys. 

Weather permitting I'd hike to my stand with as few layers as possible.  I'd then get dressed at the base of my tree to keep from getting all sweaty.

If I was super cold I have a 12 oz thermos that I'd fill with spiced cider.  If I got chilled I'd have a swig or two to warm me up.  I'd also have a granola bar.  Read somewhere that when your body is processing complex carbs that it generates heat.  Not sure if it's true but if not the placebo affect was working.

The other thing that helped was having a good seat cushion.  I also used one that was a back that hung on the tree.  Part of the reason was my outer layer and the tree bark rubbing together sounded like velcro being pulled apart.

[JimmyHoffa]

Something I'll add, you've got good info above, is for footwear look into something roomy and comfortable.  Being able to wiggle toes and move your feet inside the boot(?) helps a lot.  Keeps the circulation and warmth flowing.

[Camp David]

I'm in 124 right now 100% stand hunting. If I had more time and the season was longer, I Would stalk White tails; that would be would be fun. I leave the stalking to Elk hunting. Staying warm: If you serious about staying warm get yourself a Body Heater suit. I tries everything before I bought the suit. I froze my Arse with so many layers I draw my bow. had to be a better way so I bought the Body heater suit and now i can sit in temps well below Zero, all day,  without bulking up the cloths.