By Tim H. Martin
Here's the way to come and go like a ghost.
I like to hunt in the hard-to-get-to places. This often means finding a stand site where most hunters won't go, simply because it's too hard to get to quietly. These are the places where the big bucks are!
Here in Alabama, some of the places I like to hunt are thorny, surrounded by deadfall and downright impenetrable. But, with some extra effort and preparation, getting to and from these spots can be done. I like to blaze a trail there, only in reverse.
First, know where you want to go. In pre-season, scout for and locate the exact tree you'd like to hunt from. I like to find the sweet spots immediately after hunting season ends and prepare them for the next year.
Tools: Bring a machete, limb saw, pruning shears, rake, hatchet or axe - even a chainsaw if there are any fallen trees.
If possible, use an ATV to bring your tools when you hang the stand and plan your path out.
Go to your tree and hang your stand, then plan your escape route. Look for the quietest path of least resistance.
Driving the ATV over briars, sticks and thick brush will help pave the way and flatten things down. Use the machete to remove dead sticks, small trees and briars. Use the rake to clear leaves in your path. Use the chainsaw to remove a passable section from larger fallen trees. In essence, you want to remove or trim back any obstacle you might trip over in the dark, cause you to lose the trail or make noise when come and go. You want to be like a ghost.
Now test your new path. Walk to and from the stand, thinking ahead to when you next use it and remembering it will likely be dark. Can you get there quietly now?
Some hunters like to mark their confusing trials with orange tape, reflective thumbtacks or some other easy-to-see trail marker. This is fine, but remember, you want to keep your new honey hole a secret!