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| Bill Kinney Photography |
First you need to decide where it is you plan on hunting. Once you have permission, ask if the owner has an aerial map or view of the property. If hunting on public land, you can often go online and find detailed information. If you are still having trouble acquiring some imaging, go to a source such as google maps and find the area you plan on hunting. Print this out for reference, you may wish to make multiple copies in the case you decide to draw out paths and such onto your map.
After you have this picture you must then assess the area. Observe the fields, roads, trees, water, ravines, etc. All these features, and more, can be factors in your hunt. Find out about the food sources. Fields are often a deer feeding ground and it is important to know what is what. Do some research and find out if they are corn, alfalfa, or soybean. Also take into account what crop is growing at that time of year.
Next, look at the surroundings and search for a bottleneck. Observe the tree line and search for water sources and ditches. Between fields there is often a ditch for water run off and it is full of trees and ground cover. This is where the deer will be. They don't like to walk through the open and prefer the cover of these shaded ravines.
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| Bill Kinney Photography |
Once you find these areas your scouting can begin. A deer or animal trail is very noticeable. Hike the area and observe which direction the trails go and where they come out. Around the trail observe the trees for rubs and scrapes. This is a key sign that that trail is often used and there are bucks in the area. It may also be a good idea to visit the trail a day or two after a rain so you can scout for tracks and other sign.
Now comes the placement. Search for a tree either in an opening on the trail or at the end where the deer would enter and exit the field. Search for a tree with lots of branch cover, but be sure the branches are not too big, you will want to move or cut branches so you have clear range of motion and an opening for shooting.
Once you have found an area with deer the key is to not simply place your stand, but place it strategically. Imagine the situation as it would be during an actual hunt. Where would the deer be? Would you be able to get a clear shot? Be sure to take the wind into account and set multiple stands. Deer feed in the fields at night so be aware that in the mornings the deer will be coming from the fields and in the evenings they will be heading into the fields.
When deciding where to place your tree stand the most important part is observation. Know the area and know what it is you are going after. Try to analyze your surroundings to better understand the situation and bring yourself closer to a successful hunt!
Where do you like to place your tree stand?
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