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.

[colockumelk]

I keep expecting upstate NY to get cold but today it was 61.    Someday I'll use my cold weather gear. I will say its been 50 and windy and I had to put my fleece sweat shirt on because I got cold sitting there.

[jnevs23]

Staying warm? What's that? I hate bulky jackets for obvious reason archery hunting. I don't like wearing gloves and don't like anything over my ears. I generally freeze for most my late hunt. That being said sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I like the heated body suit idea.

[buck man]

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.

Love my body heater suit. 
I will echo what has been said for whittails in NE wa. Stand hunting is often times most effective. I have started all my girls bow hunting in ground blinds but now they all use the trees. Very effectively I might add

[huntingfamily]

So where do you find one of those body suits? Cabelas ? Or do you just go into the Internet and find some?

[Lunchbox1981]

Here is a link to a German hunting store that I frequent.  And these are very warm.  Ihave sat out many a freezing nights wearing one of these.

http://www.frankonia.de/402968/134664/productdetail.html?pagingSize=16&sortOption=f_n_sortmatrix_70_70_70_50&page=0&query=Ansitzs%C3%A4cke&displayType=gallery&articleNumber=13154

Also good and warm are these from Cabela's.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Dry-Plus174-Legacy-Wool8482-Bibs-150-Regular/733057.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dloden%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=loden&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

They are very warm and you can get the matching jacket as well.

[seth30]

I use a Tree Stand that I set up right over a deer trail.  I put the stand up weeks prior, and keep a camera on the spot.  Research will really pay off

[provider]

"There are those who use tree stands...  and then there are those who hunt."

[huntingfamily]

where was this photo taken?

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.

[BOWHUNTER45]

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.

Love my body heater suit. 
I will echo what has been said for whittails in NE wa. Stand hunting is often times most effective. I have started all my girls bow hunting in ground blinds but now they all use the trees. Very effectively I might add

Ya think 

[DBHAWTHORNE]

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.

Love my body heater suit. 
I will echo what has been said for whittails in NE wa. Stand hunting is often times most effective. I have started all my girls bow hunting in ground blinds but now they all use the trees. Very effectively I might add

x3 on Heater Body Suit for staying warm. I do have some concern with the zipper noise from time to time on days where you can hear the silence and even the act of breathing seems noisy. I have been busted once by some does when unzipping it slowly.

[bowkid]

You shouldn't use the word hunting and tree stand at the same time!!!  You are not hunting in a stand, you are waiting for an oppertunity to pass your way.

[BULLBLASTER]

You shouldn't use the word hunting and tree stand at the same time!!!  You are not hunting in a stand, you are waiting for an oppertunity to pass your way.

Was the "hunting" done in the preseason then? While scouting.the animal and deciding where to put the treestand?

[JimmyHoffa]

You shouldn't use the word hunting and tree stand at the same time!!!  You are not hunting in a stand, you are waiting for an oppertunity to pass your way.

I'd disagree.  The same could be said for anyone on foot that sees an animal go in on one side of brush and then moves to the other and waits. 

[Sumpnneedskillin]

where was this photo taken?

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.

Mt Laguna about an hr east of San Diego.  When I was stationed down there used to spend quite a bit of time up there.

[pianoman9701]

I keep expecting upstate NY to get cold but today it was 61.    Someday I'll use my cold weather gear. I will say its been 50 and windy and I had to put my fleece sweat shirt on because I got cold sitting there.

It'll get damned cold, Colockum. Are you at Drum or something?

[patton1]

You shouldn't use the word hunting and tree stand at the same time!!!  You are not hunting in a stand, you are waiting for an oppertunity to pass your way.

  Man, you're right on.  Explain to me what real hunting is.  Let me guess, you go out there with your bare hands and chase down a deer on foot, then tackle it and snap it's neck, right?  No, probably not!  I love to hear about "fair chase" on an animal, which I'm sure you will likely bring up.  There is no such thing but please feel free to humor us.  I can't wait to hear how you are a better hunter than everyone else.   

[wraithen]

I would one day like to use a pistol, maybe a knife on deer but that again would be an ambush and getting really lucky. I will probably never do it but I think that would be pretty BA. For now its more about meat in the freezer. Or should I say will be.

[bobcat]

I think hunting and being successful while hunting out of a tree stand would be more satisfying and take more skill than simply traipsing around in the woods and stumbling into a buck, that you shoot as it jumps up and runs away.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

I think hunting and being successful while hunting out of a tree stand would be more satisfying and take more skill than simply traipsing around in the woods and stumbling into a buck, that you shoot as it jumps up and runs away.

x2

Those guys that track a buck down are pretty impressive too. The Benoit family are famous for it.

[pianoman9701]

I think hunting and being successful while hunting out of a tree stand would be more satisfying and take more skill than simply traipsing around in the woods and stumbling into a buck, that you shoot as it jumps up and runs away.

x2

Those guys that track a buck down are pretty impressive too. The Benoit family are famous for it.

Still hunting, stalking and closing the distance are really difficult and rewarding when you connect. Inking through the woods and seeing critters before they see you takes some freakin talent. It's purposeful, not chance or luck encounters. Being a hunting predator rocks. Tree stands have their place, but not in my hunts.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

I think hunting and being successful while hunting out of a tree stand would be more satisfying and take more skill than simply traipsing around in the woods and stumbling into a buck, that you shoot as it jumps up and runs away.

x2

Those guys that track a buck down are pretty impressive too. The Benoit family are famous for it.

Still hunting, stalking and closing the distance are really difficult and rewarding when you connect. Inking through the woods and seeing critters before they see you takes some freakin talent. It's purposeful, not chance or luck encounters. Being a hunting predator rocks. Tree stands have their place, but not in my hunts.

I would never deny skill involved with still hunting or stalking. I have done it... it isn't easy.... particularly with whitetail.

[Kingpuck]

One thing to stay warm that people swear buy. Haven't had a chance to use it myself is Patagonia's Capilene 3. It's $100 for the shirt and pants but doggone you are suppose to stay toasty. Each their own though. The heating packets are pretty sweet too. Good gloves and hats and socks are key too.

Tend to loose a lot of your heat through your head and armpits.

[Wildsau]

I have done a lot of stand hunting, in Germany, and I can tell you it is no picnic; most especially when you are hunting Wild Boar in the middle of January.  You are trying to keep warm and not make a sound, becasue the slitest sound will cause the whole works to bolt; if they come into view.

For the open treestand, I saw, on a YouTube on one of these threads, where a young lady took a rubberized door mat in the stand with her.  This kept the cold air from coming up through the, not so insulated, soles of the boots.  Any cold break helps.  Myself, I use Loden.  No wind or cold gets in, evn if you get soaking wet while sitting there.

[wraithen]

Sikorsky didn't think people would need heat in the back of blackhawks so they only put in 2 vents to the pilots 6. We're usually freezing in the winter. King crew chief trick is to put your feet on the wooden chock blocks. Keeps the metal floor from sucking the heat through the soles. It's all about good insulation.

[D-Rock425]

I've never killed a deer from a treestand but 4 of the 7 elk I've killed have been from the same stand location.  I think elk hunting from treestands is very effective but often overlooked.  I still split my elk hunting up about 50/50 treestand/stocking.  I also enjoy scouting and hanging stands during the summer months.