Hunting Tips: Reading Material

Bill Kinney Photography

Sitting in a hunting stand can be very exciting while waiting for deer and other animals.  Sometimes you are so excited that you jump at every falling leaf and breaking branch.  Just be careful not to shoot your gun at the first squirrel that sneaks up behind you!  Otherwise all the deer might be scared away... there goes one ruined hunt. This is a common first time hunter type syndrome when your heart races and adrenaline pumps so much you don't realize three hours have gone by.  In most cases though sitting for hours in a tree stand can get kind of boring.  You need some sort of distraction or else all that wiggling around is just going to alert the trees of your position.

First off, you need to remember that finding some source of tree stand entertainment is very important for the hunter.   You will probably be moving around, looking for deer, and eventually one of those legs is going to fall asleep. The longer you sit, the more likely you are to be pinned.  With all of these factors you are bound to start moving, but a source of entertainment will keep you occupied and maybe even a little less noticeable.

The most important resource you have while waiting for an animal to come along is your hearing so it is important to find something to do that is quiet, but still lets you listen.  For example, headphones aren't a great idea because you can't hear the deer, but a book would be quiet and let you keep your ears open.   Because a noise will be the first signal you have that a deer is walking up the path, it is imperative you pay attention!  Gun hunting can be a different story though.  With a bow you may be shooting from a few feet away while with a gun you can be shooting from across the field, so you also have to be on the lookout, because you won't be listening for the deer from that distance.
Sources of Entertainment
A great source of entertainment is your phone or small hand held type of device.  With music you won't be able too hear, but everyone has a phone nowadays and simple games can be very amusing.  Be sure to turn your phone on silent though or it will ruin the whole thing.  The problem with phones is that they are shiny and you have to move your fingers a lot.  Be sure to camouflage your phone with some camo-colored duct tape and then strategically set up a branch or shield of some sort so that your hands can move freely, but only you can see it.  Also be careful not to play with your phone in low lighted areas, the bright screen is sure to give you away.

For those of us who prefer a more traditional method of entertainment, a book is the way to go.  You sit quietly, read, and only turn the page every once in awhile.  A book is a great source of entertainment when out hunting.  To make as little noise as possible bring along a light paperback.  A magazine makes a crinkling noise when turning the pages and is also very shiny and can catch the light alerting every animal as to your whereabouts.

One of the best investments a hunter could ever make though, is a Kindle.  With a Kindle you can amuse yourself endlessly in the tree stand and if you get a case or cover that isn't too flashy you won't be spotted either!  Because it has no back lighting like a cellphone or computer you don't have to worry about turning down your screen, and you can download everything from your favorite books to magazine articles.  A Kindle is great because of its compactness and capabilities and because it is small, lightweight, and can be found in all shapes and sizes, depending on your preference.

However you decide to amuse yourself in the tree stand is up to you, just remember to make it quiet and as unnoticeable as possible.  The longer you stay out there, the better chance you have of that big one coming along!

What tricks do you use to keep yourself from getting too bored?

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