Hunters are always looking for that perfect spot where they can find mature deer year after year. You know the type a spot that I’m talking about. It’s that natural funnel that draws big bucks right next to your stand. The good news is that that spot does exist, but it’s going to be difficult to find. You’re going to need to scout ahead of the hunting season and do a little legwork. The following tips should set you in the right direction for finding the perfect stand location.
Why Tree Stand Placement is Crucial
If your goal is to kill a big buck you need to know where they hang out. During the rut bucks can be unpredictable following does everywhere, but they follow the same basic patterns the rest of the year. Most of the year they like to stay very close to their home bedding and feeding areas. Just like any other animal they need food water and cover to survive so use that knowledge to your advantage. Find areas with natural resources that bucks love and set up your trail cam to see what’s up. I setup a few of these cheap Campark Trail Cameras everywhere I think bucks could call home.(Just make sure you remember where you put them)
My Three Favorite Tree Stand Locations
1. Large Farm Fields
Anybody that lives in farm country knows that agricultural grounds make for some good hunting. If you can get access to a farm field that’s going to be your best bet. Find farmers that grow corn, beans, alfalfa and anything else deer like to eat. I’ve even had a lot of success hunting local apple orchards and wineries. You can even stop in for a great bottle of wine on your way out.
It’s hard to resist hunting a farm plot. You of great scenic views the cover a lot of ground in the deer love to come and eat. Seems like every night deer mosey into these fields for a quick bite to eat. During the early-season bucks are still on their summer eating plans. When they don’t feel pressured they chow down on easy dinners offered by farms. Once their velvet starts to dry up they’ll start to get a little bit spooked and go off on their solo journey.
When hunting a farm you’re going to want to use either a box stand or ground blind, but a tree stand will also work. You’re probably better off picking up a box blind at your local farm store/LGS, but you can find great ground blinds online. I’ve had a lot of success hunting with this cheap Ameristep Ground Blind available in a couple different colors. Both of these options offer almost complete concealment allowing you to get away with a little bit more movement. It will also help keep your scent down, but I would definitely recommend one of these tiny Ozone Generators. It’s almost like witch science how these little bad boys work. They completely cut down on your scent and don’t cost an arm and a leg. You might also want to harvest a bucks tarsal gland for additional scent if you get a chance.
2. The Common Hunting Plot
Just like hunting a farm field, the hunting plot is going to attract a ton of hungry deer. Find a secluded spot that has a lot of natural cover, which is perfect for finding those monster bucks. With fix security cover deer feel comfortable venturing out a little bit farther.
To set up your hunting plot find a secluded quarter acre parcel of land and set up a food plot. Plant a ton of species that are natural deer attractants. Look at any commercial food plot product to find out exactly what you should plant. For example look at this Antler King Plot Mix. It has enough seeds to cover 1/4 acre and includes a mixture of oats, rye, brassica and clover. For larger plots you might want to go to your local farm store and buy bulk seeds and mix them yourself. It’s more of a hassle, but you can save a lot of money if you’re establishing multiple plots.
When hunting a small hunting plot I like to bring along one of my favorite climbing treestands. I love my Summit Treestand Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand. It costs a pretty penny, but it’s by far the lightest and easiest climber I’ve ever used. Climbing tree stands allow you to get up close and personal with the deer when they feel secure.
3. Look For a Water Source
If you don’t have a large farm or establish food plot you can still go to a deer’s water source. While deer get most of their water from leafy vegetation they’ll have to go to the source during unusually hot hunting seasons. When the hunting season is hotter than average I’d be willing to place bets that you’ll find a deer near the local watering hole. Try and find a water source that’s nearby thick cover and set up your stand.
Most deer like to bed near there water source so it’s always a little bit risky setting up a stand. To increase your chances leave a permanent stand a few weeks before the season and sneak back and climb up. Something like this Guide Gear 15′ Ladder Stand will work well in this type of situation. It doesn’t cost a lot so you shouldn’t have to worry about leaving it in the woods unattended. Just hope that you don’t scare off the local deer population setting up and climbing into your stand.
Professional Tips to Find The Best Tree Stand Location
- Deer Hub: In the months leading up to the deer hunting season try to find the natural deer hubs that you could setup a plot. Look for areas where deer will naturally have to walk. You can use the topographical view on google maps to find natural highways. Look for the intersections between ridges, old roads, trails and creeks. Deer love following ATV/Horse trails, power lines and old oil refinery paths.
- Block Your Scent: There are products you can use to block your scent like ozone generators, sprays and even tarsal glands, but nothings better than natural blocks. Try and setup your stand so that the surroundings naturally block your scent. Setup your stand backing up to large hills so that the breeze can’t carry your scent.
- Find The Hard Funnel: All hunting funnels are good, but the hard funnels are the absolute best. A line of timber or bushes may encourage bucks to travel a certain direction, but a high rock face guarantees it. Look for steep drop-offs that force deer directly towards your stand.
- Find a Place Where The Buck Will Stop: Shot placement is everything. You can find the perfect stand location, but that’s worthless if you miss the shot. Hitting moving targets is difficult, so make sure you find a place the bucks going to want to hang out. That could a water source, mineral lick(where legal), food plot, fence or even just a tall apple tree. All you need is a small 2-3 second hesitation to get off your shot.
- Rattling Works Best Around Fields: If you like to rattle your antlers and pretend your having the fight of your life setup at the top of a hill or next to a field. Sound Travels better across open spaces and deer grazing below will definitely hear it.
- Nasty Cover: Find the nastiest cover you can find. If it’s horrible to walk through and scratches the heck out of your arms it’s probably a bucks dream home. Big Bucks feel secure among the twisting cattails and brambles that offer protection against humans. They aren’t going to live in it all day long, but they will stay close by.