| Many hunters prefer hunting from a tree stand or | | | | muscles limber. You can get stiff after sitting in |
| climber. Some of the benefits from hunting from | | | | one position for very long. |
| a stand include better sight distance, "less | | | | There's a lot to learn about scents, masking your |
| likelihood" of being seen, your scent is above the | | | | scent when in the stand, your clothing, etc. That's |
| ground level, and many, many more. | | | | beyond the discussion here. Except for one thing... |
| However, you must have patience. Sitting quietly | | | | after you consume the morning coffee, or |
| and near motionless for hours is difficult. Waiting | | | | whatever you drink for breakfast, you'll eventually |
| for game to pass within shooting range works | | | | need to empty your bladder. Normally you don't |
| great when you choose the right stand placement. | | | | want to climb down and back up again, making |
| You must place your stand near a deer trail and | | | | noise and movement that will tip deer off to your |
| definitely want to place it downwind from where | | | | position. You may be tempted to turn and use |
| the deer will be coming from. Many hunters prefer | | | | the area behind the tree. However, the scent will |
| putting up two stands in the same area so when | | | | definitely be picked up by deer in the area and will |
| the wind changes you can pick the one that will | | | | keep them away. Use a plastic container of |
| give you best downwind protection. | | | | sufficient size with a lid. |
| Pick your stand for the type of weapon you will | | | | Many hunters are killed or seriously hurt every |
| be using. Some of the stands are made to be | | | | year by falling from their stands. It happens in a |
| adjustable for both rifle and archery use. But | | | | moment and every reason has been given from |
| consider your body movement while shooting and | | | | slipping, loosing balance, falling asleep, celebrating, |
| made sure you can freely hold and use your | | | | etc. In many cases, the stand has failed - due to |
| weapon without hindrance. In most cases you will | | | | metal fatigue, straps or chains break, etc. Be sure |
| not want to shoot straight ahead - so position | | | | to use a safety harness of sufficient strength. |
| your stand for proper body placement and | | | | Test it. Make sure steps and branches will not |
| movement where you expect to be shooting | | | | impale you if you do fall. A little prevention goes a |
| towards. | | | | long, long way. Be safe while you hunt and return |
| Remember to stretch quietly to keep your | | | | safely home. |