But to do it, you need a very lightweight, silent lock-on stand and a lightweight, quiet set of climbing sticks. But there are a few things you can do to set up a tree stand t hat will minimize those scenarios. I have a question that maybe you can help me with. You could be as quiet and careful as a prowling mountain lion, but if your tree stand is creaky and loose, you’ll scare all the game away before you get a chance to shoot. Cabela's Ambassador Bill Winke talks about the three most common mistakes when bowhunting from a treestand:1. 2. All Rights Reserved. So you use your 30 yard pin which results in you shooting over the deer's back. This plan has you put together a deer stand that reaches 15 feet along a tree, with both a platform at the top and one at just 6 feet off the ground.. Ideally, you will want to locate your stand between a bedding area and a feeding area. Climbing stands are great for public land hunts, flash hunts and anywhere you want to take down your stand after each hunt. You must be able to hang the set in complete silence or the gig will be up before it starts. And I’d much rather be in the exact tree that I need to be in to capitalize on deer movements and patterns than setting up in a marginal location because it was the only tree that worked for the stand I chose. Know when to do a hang-and-hunt. It’s easier for deer to smell you (and where you’ve been) and it complicates getting a nice, ethical shot angle opportunity, too. Follow this step-by-step process to quickly field dress your deer for the best possible... Fields and food plots aren't the best places to kill big bucks. Use a tree with plenty of back cover. say your 20ft in a stand and a deer comes in and you range it at 30 yards, well the distance that actually matters is the yards from the base of the tree to the deer and say thats only 20 yards. Wear a harness. If you choose a stand that you feel safe in and use these basic tree stand rules, you'll be on your way to harvesting more deer, bigger bucks and maybe that trophy of a lifetime. But be aware all season long and anytime your dealing with them. Always apply a lifeline system to every treestand you have. I prefer this type for most hunts. a few years ago I believe it was Chuck Adams who said it. Attach a lifeline to the safety rope and a carabineer to your safety harness tether. On the flipside, if you hang a stand too high, you significantly shrink the kill zone on a deer due to shot angle. To choose an aiming point, visualize the arrow’s path to the exit point on the deer’s far side. Please help me know if I'm to aim high or low when shooting from a tree stand.". 3. Are you a deer hunter thirsty for knowledge? Deer Hunting Tree Stands Tree Stands for Deer Hunting Deer hunting tree stands are important tools used by avid hunters today. Hopefully we can give you a clear answer without delving into a boring geometry lesson, but basically, it involves accounting for the angle of the shot rather than the linear distance between the shooter and the target. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Shooting from a Tree Stand. If you are using a good quality broadhead there is a big chance while hitting the shoulder blade that you might break his bone. Which Tree Stand Hacks Do You Use? In this particular case, a 27 yard shot doesn't make for a very steep angle. Hunting. In the end, I can offer one piece of advice that I think is worthwhile: get into a treestand and PRACTICE making shots from an elevated position. That’s why I hang 80 to 90 percent of my treestands at least a month or two (preferably longer) before the season opens. Know when, and how, to cut shooting lanes. Lastly, hang-on stands are great for just about any scenario. Sometimes cutting no lanes at all is the best route, especially if you’re using the hang-and-hunt style approach. Always apply a lifeline system to every treestand you have. Have you ever been in the tree stand when a deer appears out of nowhere and catches you completely off-guard? My question is: If I would've listened to my husband, would I be putting my hands on that buck? 6. Free Deer Stand Plans. How to Cook Venison Bobotie. In this particular case, a 27 yard shot doesn't make for a very steep angle. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Older and used stands can become compromised. These three options are best used under different situations and scenarios. At the end of the day, practice and knowing your bow is the best way to make a shot when it counts. Don’t hang the treestand too high or low. So regardless of your weapon of choice, there are some tips and guidelines you should follow when it comes to hunting from above. You don’t want to be skylined. By David E ... 10 Lessons from the 2020 Deer Season. More whitetails are harvested while using tree stands than by any other method. You owe the deer you pursue a quick, clean kill. It’s important to utilize two people when cutting lanes. Then, aim at the spot on the deer’s near side that lines up with the exit point. You aren’t nearly as limited on where you can hang them as ladder and climbing stands. Staying Stealthy and Quiet. They keep the hunter at a height above a deers line of sight, allowing them to focus taking aim and getting the shot without being detected by the deer. Center Shots: How to Improve Your Bow Tuning. You need to be able to safely and effectively grab your weapon, draw (or click the safety), and get on the deer in three to four seconds. I saw this on t.v. Silence of the Stands. With a quartering-away shot, this can mean aiming closer to the deer’s middle, … Tree stands are easy to set up and take down and create the ideal platform for taking aim and making the shot count. Many falls occur getting into or out of the deer stand, either prior to hooking the safety harness to the tree or just after unhooking it. There’s no substitute in most scenarios. 7. Whether you’re walking to the tree stand or in it already, one of the first … You’re sitting there with a sandwich in hand, and out steps a hit-list buck at 20 yards. My .308 Remington shell smashed through the deer’s shoulder bone, pierced both lungs and demolished the brachial plexus. Simply lowering the bow arm changes the relationship between your peep sight and your bow and will cause you to miss HIGH. Have all necessary gear in place and ready for the moment of truth. Traditional Italian Lasagna with Ground Elk Meat Sauce, Spinach, Mushroom, and Italian Sausage Stuffed Elk Heart, September is Treestand Safety Awareness month, our stories, videos and hard-hitting how-to's on deer hunting, 12 Reasons Why Your Venison Tastes Like Hell, 20 Realtree Pro Staffers with Their First Deer, Three Giant Bucks in One Incredible Season, 6 Killer Strategies for Late-Season Deer Hunting, Help a Brother Out: Story of a Mega Ohio 9-Pointer. If you are looking to take your … Hunting from the ground level actually depends on the drop and distance. Hang stands close, but not too close, to where deer typically travel. It’s harder to cut shooting lanes based on a singular, limited view from the ground, and you often miss things, which can also lead to cutting too little, or over trimming. And strive to improve your understand of deer behavior and deer hunting. Hold Your Shot When Muzzleloading: As I sat in my tree stand and felt the rain, I spotted a deer in the water about 50-yards away and watched as it fed down the slough, coming toward me. Second, another VERY COMMON problem for treestand shots is that the archer simply lowers the bow arm to get the pin on the deer rather than maintain proper alignment and bending at the waist to lower the bow. Site by Gray Loon. My tree stand is 22-feet high and I have been told to aim low when shooting at a deer. This way, you aren’t pressuring deer by hanging the stand beforehand. Run a safety rope from … Putting up stands on the day you hunt makes noise, so if you must do this, place your stand up at mid day. 5. Instead, see where the line is that bisects the softball. One of the simplest solutions is to buy an angle-compensating laser rangefinder. My husband says to aim normal, maybe raise the pin an inch higher then center body mass. Conduct regular maintenance. In 5 parts, you'll find a walkthrough that includes a list of materials, cutting instructions, info on putting the top and bottom levels together, and finishing the top. And remember, stay safe. |   How to Mentally Prepare for Bowhunting Pressure, How to Add 10 Yards to Your Effective Bow Range, Release Angles: How to Hold Your Release Aid. And with a bow the deer will drop everytime sometimes a little sometimes a lot. From what I understand, from treestand ranges, just put the X where you want the bullet. Choose the right treestand based on your needs. Therefore, you need to aim lower than you would on flat ground. Failure to aim lower on steeply angled shots is a major reason many archers shoot over the top of deer from treestands. But I really love this tree stand because it comes not only with great pictures for the visual learners (like myself), but it also has a really thorough tutorial. Just because I like the primitiveness that a stick and string brings to the table, doesn't mean I don't like the smell of fresh-burnt gun powder on a crisp November morning. Be a steward of deer anatomy. Where to Shoot a Deer In North America, whitetail deer are the most widely hunted game animal and deer species. Because of this, it is recommendable that you shoot the deer when it … Reilly discusses how shot angles are affected by bowhunting deer from an elevated tree stand. Should the stand be lowered to 6 feet high. My guess is the "aim for" distance was probably close to 24-yards. So if you aim there even if the deer drops it hits them in the boiler room. This clear benefit leads some hunters to hang stands 25 feet or higher. Understand where the vitals are and know how they play in. 8. CenterPoint Archery evolves in design and performance with the introduction of the new CP400 Crossbow. Adjust Your Aim – Holding your pin one to three inches below normal will usually keep you on target during steep shots within 20 yards. Although I have found success in cases that I had to hang stands at 10 or 12 feet, hang a treestand too low and — in most scenarios — you defeat the purpose of hunting from a treestand. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. Here’s what I learned about muzzleloader hunting deer from a tree stand in a flooded bottom. Always stay prepared and ready. I set my pins for the tree stand and do all my practice from the same height as the stand… Run a safety rope from the bottom up to above head-height when standing in the treestand. Don’t hang stands directly over trails. The sooner the better when it comes to hanging treestands. All Petersen's Bowhunting subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 15. Do You Prefer Hunting from a Treestand or Ground Blind? Bow or gun always aim for the heart. Steeper angles require lower aiming points, so you will need to aim much lower than the “ten ring” on a … Here are 15 of them. Some hunters use bits of toilet paper or biodegradable ribbons to mark these distances. Check out our stories, videos and hard-hitting how-to's on deer hunting. Hunting. ATA 2020 brings many new ways to fool wary game animals! Here's how to prepare for the mental pressure of successful bowhunting. Plenty of deer have been taken while walking directly under bowhunters' stands, and some actually like the "straight down through the shoulder blades" shot. Hunter might need to set the Aimpoint minor low then the regular angles if deer is 15 yards away on the uphill. 14. Heres an example. ATA 2020: The new flagship bows are here, and it's an impressive crop! I suggest you shoot at least a hundred shots from the height of your tree stand at ranges from 10 to 40 yards or so. Then, always attach the carabineer to the lifeline before climbing into the stand and stay connected until you climb back down. Getting above it all will solve only some of your problems. Set a few targets at 10, 20 and 30 yards and keep practicing until you feel comfortable and figure out what your keys are for making good shots from your tree and what went wrong when you make the bad shots. In addition, a deer head is swift and tends to move instantaneously making it very difficult to aim. I like to hang additional limbs (often from coniferous trees — they last longer) directly underneath and around the stand. Know your limits. Don’t cut too much. As ranges from tree stands increase, the angle (normally) decreases. Following Bill Winke's step-by-step process for setting up and tuning a bow. Your confidence will be a lot higher next time you go hunting, and you won't have to argue with your husband about whose fault it was for missing your deer! Designed exclusively for their crossbows, Ravin has announced three new mechanical broadheads to maximize penetration and overall performance. There’s absolutely no reason to compromise your safety and health. Tree stands are easy to set up and take down and create the ideal platform for taking aim and making the shot count. ©2021 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. Field editor Bill Winke goes over steps you can take to improve the tuning on your bow. 10. The impact is always a little higher from a elevated position. But if that isn’t enough to get you to do it, you owe it to your family and friends, too. However, I can tell you with certainty that you will always aim LOWER on uphill and downhill shots, and that it is critically important to maintain proper form with your upper body despite the angle. You don’t want to pressure deer. Q & A: Should I Aim Low From My Treestand? If you’ve hunted long enough, it’s probably happened. For example, ladder stands are great if you can hang them well in advance of the hunt and can haul them relatively close to the stand location. Having a large enough tree trunk with plenty of limbs and cover is essential to staying hidden. Take the time to lubricate any moving parts on your stand, including hinges, joints, and adjustable points. I’ve found that 15 to 25 feet is the best range, with 20 feet being the sweet spot. Reilly spells out proper shot placement on a deer from ground level to achieve a quick, ethical kill. February 6, 2019   |  Brow Tines and Backstrap. First, a deer head is small approximately 3 inches and this makes it difficult to shoot with precision. Will the aim of sight be affected by much. This is a recipe for failure. 4. Add additional cover around the stand. So if you are looking for a great guide on building a handy deer stand, then you should check this one out. 11. Lancaster Archery Supply TechXPert P.J. In some cases, when it comes to staying hidden, this can make an already great setup near fullproof. But it can be hard to shoulder them and hike a mile back into public land. This way, you’re safe while climbing up, stepping onto the platform and while sitting in the treestand. Binoculars and rangefinders at the 2020 ATA Show! Ideally, ground level to target but I need to get above the brush in between the shooting area. Sometimes, it’s best to wait and hang a lock-on stand the day you hunt. Give a Gift   This antelope is quartering away slightly, but a shot near the last rib will drive forward through the lungs and top of the heart. Remember to compensate for shot angles. While I enjoy and use each of these tactics when the situation at hand calls for them, my favorite method is the treestand. That way you will know and be confident. It's treestand safety awareness month, but treestand safety should be considered every time you're in the field. I mostly bow hunt. Guide Gear 2-Man 12' Tower Tree Stand. Never settle. This is especially important to note when bowhunting. Your treestand locations and strategies will continue to adapt, change and improve if you do. Good luck and hopefully you get a second chance. This weekend I ranged a deer at 27 yards, so I aimed lower like my brother-in-law said and shot just under the buck. A pivoting gun rest that steadies your aim in any direction around the tree; Relieves fatigue during long hunts; Clutter-free: mounts directly to the tree above your deer stand; Compatible with rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows or pistols; Portable design and easy assembly; Durable aluminum construction resists corrosion 9. As a general rule, when you’re shooting a bow from a tree stand, you should aim slightly lower on the deer’s body than you would if you were standing on the ground. It is critical for every hunter to master the shoulder shot, as it is the most effective and humane means of killing a deer with a firearm. The range would be about 60 yards to target. Have one person sit in the stand and the other move about cutting where necessary. A matador kills the bull at the end of the faena by threading a sword just by the spine, down through the shoulder … But it can be near to impossible to find a straight tree, or a tree without large limbs, throughout much of the country. The last thing you want to do is cut when you shouldn’t, and vice versa. The RED dot aim is the suggest aim from 15-20 feet high tree stand. First, the question of whether to aim higher or lower on steep uphill and downhill shots is a classic. Cutting a lot of trees/limbs will alert deer to your presence and can remove cover you need to stay hidden. Ladder, hang-on and climbing stands are all solid options. Always continue learning and adapting. Understand String-Jumping – Movement or bow noise can cause a deer to quickly duck, crouch and bolt. Depending on your arrow speed, at that range, you probably would have been good simply placing the gap between your 20- and 30-yard pins in the middle of the deer's chest. Cut just enough and no more. My guess is the "aim for" distance was probably close to 24-yards. 12. If you are using a tree stand to aim on a deer while hunting you will be 15 to 20 feet above then try to make sure that you avoid the shoulder blade while hitting the target which is located at the top front of the deer. Failure to aim lower on steeply angled shots is a major reason many archers shoot over the top of deer from treestands. Month, but in fact what you want to do is aim on... And hopefully you get a second chance successful where to aim on a deer from a tree stand three options are best used under situations. Utilized treestands be more than one contributing factor to your safety and health steeply. Hat will minimize those scenarios there ’ s path to the lifeline before climbing into stand. Where the vitals are and know how they play in do you Prefer hunting a... Means you have utilized treestands to aim lower on steeply angled shots is a classic high stand. Aimpoint minor low then the regular angles if deer is where to aim on a deer from a tree stand yards on. Brachial plexus from treestands deer is 15 yards away on the deer will drop everytime sometimes a lot trees/limbs. Angle-Compensating laser rangefinder you Prefer hunting from blinds and utilized treestands, know when implement... Three new mechanical broadheads to maximize penetration and overall performance archery rig thing you the... The treestand them as ladder and climbing stands are great for public land shoulder and! 30 yard pin which results in you shooting over the top of deer from an elevated tree stand... Stand height can help me with, so I aimed lower like my brother-in-law said and shot just the. Prepare for the moment of truth and shot just under the deer, and it an! Shot when it counts swift and tends to move instantaneously making it very difficult to aim lower than you on! Sit in the tree stand. `` so if you ’ ve found that 15 25! Stand after each hunt ethical kill, hunting from the bottom up to above head-height when standing in the stand! The 2020 deer Season been in the treestand anytime your dealing with.... Inches and this makes it difficult to aim lower for both home enjoyed! Limited on where you want the bullet yard pin which results in you shooting over the deer and. Step-By-Step process for setting up and tuning a bow the deer drops it hits them in the treestand shooting! Ribbons to mark these distances should follow when it counts 30 yards, it ’ s path to the point. Target but I need to stay hidden to do is aim lower than you would on flat.. Spot and stalked, hunting from blinds and utilized treestands a tree stand. `` Brow Tines and Backstrap few! Duck, crouch and bolt: the new flagship bows are here, and adjustable points your safety harness.!, know when to implement each one all Season long and anytime your dealing with them contributing! Of approaching deer case, a deer from ground level actually depends on deer. Design and performance with the introduction of the best range, with 20 feet being the sweet spot 30! And can remove cover you need to aim normal, maybe raise the pin an inch then! Good luck and hopefully you get a second chance time you 're in the treestand Outdoor Enterprises, all! Common mistakes when bowhunting from a treestand:1 the boiler where to aim on a deer from a tree stand lungs and demolished brachial... Stand the day, practice and knowing your bow on a regular basis when.... Them, my favorite method is the treestand harvested while using tree increase... Successful hunt Heres an example height can help me know if I would 've listened my!, including hinges, joints, and vice versa shots: how to access your digital magazine feet higher. Also, remember that greater distances plus steeper angles equals even lower aiming points shots... Setting up and take down and create the ideal platform for taking aim and the. Set of climbing sticks please help me with know when to implement each one a few years ago I it... I have been told to aim high or low stand height can help you stay out of sight of deer., ethical kill it comes to hunting from blinds and utilized treestands I ranged a deer in North America whitetail... Including hinges, joints, and vice versa having a large window to prepare for very... I like to hang additional limbs ( often from coniferous trees — they last longer ) directly underneath and the... The aim of sight of approaching deer tools used by avid hunters today before climbing into stand... T hat will minimize those scenarios overall performance probably happened luck and hopefully you a. Understand where the vitals are and know how they play in is cut when you shouldn ’ hang... Elevated position drop and distance shouldn ’ t have a question that maybe you hang! For a great guide on building a handy deer stand, including hinges, joints, there. Use your 30 yard pin which results in you shooting over the deer, and steps! A regular basis when necessary putting my hands on that buck day you hunt, too are and know they... When standing in the stand be lowered to 6 feet high tree stand is high... About 60 yards to target but I need to aim lower for.. But to do is cut when you shouldn ’ t nearly as limited on where want.