Choose the Perfect Deer Stand
By Cody Hall
Not all deer stands are created equal, and if you choose the wrong stand for your given hunting conditions, your chances of filling your tag drop dramatically. There are at least five factors to consider when selecting the perfect deer stand for your hunting needs, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next excursion.
Location, Location, Location
It might sound obvious, but the first thing to consider when selecting a stand is the environment. Different terrain sometimes requires specific types of stands. If you’re hunting in dense woods, you can choose a ladder, lock-on or climbing stand, and any could be highly effective. Conversely, if you’re hunting in an open field or along the edge of a food plot, a ground blind, shooting house is often a better choice. Consider the terrain, vegetation and deer movement patterns in your chosen hunting area. The more you match your stand to the terrain, the more effective your setup will be, and the better your chance of getting a shot opportunity and making the most of it.
Comfort and Safety
Being in the woods is the single-most important factor in tagging a buck. Having a safe, comfortable stand is the single-most important factor in remaining in the woods. Look for stands with padded seats and backrests to increase your comfort over long hours of inactivity. Climate is another factor. If you’re hunting in the cold, consider an enclosed blind. You might even take a tip from our friends in Canada and use a portable heater. Hot and humid conditions can be just as challenging. Enclosed blinds are a poor choice in the heat. While they offer protection from the sun, enclosed blinds, even thinner portable models, can be significantly hotter than outside temperatures. Speaking of the sun, it is your worst enemy in the heat. Whatever stand you choose, pick a location that offers shade throughout the entire evening.
Concealment and Scent Control
It’s no secret a deer’s sense of smell is its number one defense mechanism — and it’s a really good one. Ground blinds, treestands with full enclosures and shooting houses offer some scent-control advantages. Ultimately, though, at least some human scent will escape even fully-enclosed blinds, so always be conscious of wind direction and thermals when choosing a stand. While scent is a deer’s biggest defense, don’t underestimate a buck’s ability to see, especially movement. Whatever stand you choose, newly installed stands need to blend into the environment. Long-established enclosures can be effective in the wide open, but don’t be surprised if deer notice little things like the fact that you’ve opened the windows on the blind. And they will still pick out movement, so stay well back in the shadows as much as possible.
Selecting the right deer stand for your hunting environment requires consideration of the terrain, comfort, safety, concealment and scent control. By choosing a stand tailored to situation, you’ll greatly increase your chances of a successful and enjoyable hunt.