With fall on the horizon and hunting season on the tips of our minds, we are starting to think about what we can do to prepare for the upcoming harvest. This normally presents a laundry list of things that need to be accomplished and one of those tasks is the placement of tree stands on existing property or perhaps the new piece of property you may have just acquired permission on. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration when looking for the ideal location for a tree stand. Understanding that this is a highly subjective topic and everyone has their own opinion, this article is going to provide a few basic tips that surround scouting out an area for the optimal tree stand placement so that it can hopefully bring some success this upcoming season.

PLAYING THE WIND AND UNDERSTANDING THERMALS
Playing the wind and thermal currents of an area is crucial for hunters in predicting wind patterns, which significantly affect scent dispersal and animal movement. As the sun warms the ground, thermals form and cause air to rise, creating localized wind currents. In the morning, rising thermals can carry scents upwards, making it less likely for game to detect a hunter's presence. Conversely, in the late afternoon or evening, cooling temperatures cause thermals to descend, bringing scents down to ground level. By understanding and predicting these thermal patterns, hunters can strategically position their tree stands to remain undetected by game and increase their chances of a successful hunt.

Additionally, having multiple stands on a piece of property gives you options based on where the wind is coming from. Sometimes, you are unable to sit in a particular stand because the wind is at your back, which will give your location away before you are able to engage a shot. Keep the wind in mind when choosing multiple stand locations so that you have options based on where the wind is coming from on the day you are hunting.

READING GAME TRAILS
Game trails are the highways to which animals move from their bedding locations to water/food sources and vice versa. Stationing your tree stand along these trails is a great start to ensuring success. The key is placing your stand close enough to the trail to make an ethical shot but tucked back enough so that you avoid detection. Of course, these distances are going to be different depending on if you are hunting with a bow or rifle.

Certain terrain features can naturally funnel animals past your location, significantly enhancing your chances of spotting game. These features can be naturally occurring, such as ridges, valleys, or water sources, or man-made, like cut paths and crop harvest areas. Any terrain that provides an easier route for animals to reach their intended destination can serve as a strategic advantage for hunters, guiding game along predictable trails and increasing the likelihood of a successful encounter.

One question to ask yourself when choosing a stand location is what time of day you will be hunting that stand—morning or evening? Typically, ungulates bed during the day and move to water/food in the evening, feed throughout the night, and return to their bedding areas in the morning. On that note, morning stands would be best to be closer to bedding areas, and evening stands would be more advantageous closer to feeding areas.

Having a thorough understanding of the area around your tree stand location is crucial for entering and exiting without spooking the animals. Plan your approach and departure to minimize impact, ensuring that you spread as little scent as possible and make minimal noise. This careful planning helps you remain undetected, preserving the natural behavior of the game and increasing your chances.

POSITIONING OVER A WATER OR FOOD SOURCE
Hunting animals from a tree stand over a water source or feeding area offers several strategic advantages. Animals need to drink, so they will inevitably seek out water, providing predictable opportunities for hunters. Setting up a tree stand next to water sources allows hunters the benefit of time, as animals will linger to drink, providing ample opportunity to set up and take the shot. In contrast, stands positioned along game trails often see animals moving and not stopping on their own, offering less time to prepare for a shot. Additionally, positioning your stand at the edge of feeding areas can be highly effective, as animals frequent these spots. Fence crossings where the wire is down are also prime locations, as deer prefer to cross fences where they don’t have to jump, ensuring an easier path.

FINDING THE RIGHT TREE
Choosing the right tree for your hunting tree stand is essential for maximizing your success. A good vantage point is crucial, allowing you to spot animals approaching and providing you time to prepare for the shot. While trimming shooting lanes in tree branches is necessary to clear your view, avoid excessive trimming that could expose too much of your position. Select a thick, living tree to ensure stability and strength. Ideally, find a tree with adequate back cover, which helps conceal your position. You should position the stand high enough to use the tree’s crown, limbs, and leaves for natural camouflage. Trees with a natural "Y" shape are ideal, as they provide a comfortable sitting crevasse and concealment on both sides. Position the stand so that it is facing your shooting radius head on or set up so it favors your strong shooting side. This will minimize the need for awkward movements that could reveal your location. For example, a right-handed shooter should have the shooting radius directly in front and to the left, ensuring ease of movement and reducing the risk of detection.

With these tips in mind, you are now better equipped to scout and select the optimal tree stand locations for the upcoming hunting season. By understanding and leveraging wind patterns, game trails, and the strategic placement of your stands, you can significantly increase your chances of a filling the freezer. Remember, the key to success lies in careful planning, patience, and a thorough understanding of your hunting environment. As you prepare for the fall, may these guidelines help you achieve a fruitful and rewarding harvest.

This information has been brought to you in thanks from Korth Group Ltd. – Outdoor Education.

To subscribe to Korth Group’s weekly Outdoor Education newsletter, email jaren.baranyay@korthgroup.com