| Before heading out into the wood always carefully | | | | better to look out from shadows into brighter lit |
| check each and every one of your tree stands | | | | areas, than to be in light, and be looking into |
| for worn or broken hardware. If you have any | | | | darker areas. Being in less light also helps to |
| questions contact the manufacturer of the stand. | | | | reduce any glare from shiny reflective surfaces |
| This is also a good time to check for any squeaks | | | | on hunting equipment. |
| or creaks verses discovery once hung in a tree. | | | | Avoid getting to high in the early season as this is |
| When determining tree stand location try not to | | | | when the foliage on trees is the densest. While |
| get stuck on finding the perfect tree. Keep in | | | | cover is great for concealment you still need to |
| mind your deer hunting, not tree hunting. Consider | | | | be able to see approaching deer in order to get |
| trees that are most importantly a comfortable | | | | ready without being detected. This extra time is |
| shooting distance from the trail, offer adequate | | | | also needed to make sure a buck is the right one. |
| cover, and are downwind from the direction deer | | | | Take the time to sit in a stand once hung and |
| are expected to come from. Always remember | | | | identify shooting lanes. Next take the time to cut |
| that once your busted the hunt is over and a | | | | any limbs or saplings that may cause an arrow to |
| trophy buck may even avoid the area in the | | | | glance. Be sure not to make any major changes |
| future. Also consider travel to the stand location | | | | as these could be detected by deer using the |
| without having to cross and trails while staying | | | | area. If to much cutting is necessary consider |
| downwind of any deer. Creeks make excellent | | | | another tree to hang your stand in. |
| travel routes to reduce and scent trails. | | | | Never hunt from a tree stand without wearing a |
| Given a choice of trees to hang a stand in the | | | | safety harness. Even a ten foot fall could kill you |
| larger tree will typically be the best choice. Larger | | | | or cause an injury to remove you from the |
| trees provide more cover to your back and sides | | | | duration of the hunting season. Do your self and |
| will prevent deer from silhouetting you. Larger | | | | relatives a favor by buckling up. |
| trees also create more shadows and it is always | | | | |