The Best Places to Hang Tree Stands for Bowhunting Season

My tree stand placement strategy used to involve leaning a 10-foot homemade ladder stand against a tree for maximum visibility. But I soon realized that there is a big difference between deer hunting and deer killing. To put meat in the freezer, I had to learn the art of getting closer to deer, especially during bow season. That meant finding the best places to hang tree stands for bowhunting.

To strategically place my tree stands within bow range of a deer throughout the season, I started tracking where deer entered and exited fields at different times of the year. I observed the trails does and bucks used to move. When the pieces fell into place, I discovered a spot we now call the Gauntlet, where we can always count on deer movement on our farm during specific seasons. You can find similar spots on your hunting property if you pay closer attention to how deer move and set up your stands accordingly. Here are some smart strategies for placing your stand in the right locations during the fall.

Finding the X

Setting your stand where deer naturally want to be is key to getting within bow range of them regardless of the season. Know where deer commonly travel and locate the X, which can be near entry and exit points around agriculture fields, bedding areas, or funnels between the two. Hang your stand within shooting range of the X to increase your chances of success.

Accessing Your Stand

Before discussing stand placement, it’s important to talk about accessing your stand. Having a quality access route that allows you to quietly reach your stand without alerting deer is crucial. If you consistently disturb the area when walking to your stand, mature deer will pick up on your pattern and avoid the area. Hang your tree stand considering the best access route. Clear your access trail of brush to minimize human odor and prevent noise. Using creeks as access routes can reduce scent and noise while making it harder for deer to spot you. Consider creating cover screens along field edges and access routes to create a buffer between you and the deer.

The Early-Season Stand

In the early season, place your stand near the best food source on the property you’re hunting. Hang your stand on the field edge to shoot the entrance trail to the field. Smaller bucks will likely come first, followed by the bigger bucks. Maintain an advantageous wind direction and position yourself close to the entry-exit trail for optimal shot opportunities.

When acorns begin to drop, deer activity around food plots declines. Look for white oak trees close to thick bedding cover. Hang your stand in a tree that allows easy access to the oak stand without disturbing deer. Position yourself to play the wind while remaining concealed from deer.

The Perfect Rut Stand

During the rut, focus on doe bedding areas as big bucks will search for receptive females. Set up a stand on the downwind side of these bedding areas to intercept buck movement. Choose a tree that allows you to monitor the edge of the bedding area and offers maximum shot opportunities.

The Late-Season Stand

During the late season, deer become predictable again as they focus on survival and feeding. Hang a stand at the intersection of the field edge and the entry trail the buck favors the most. Use trail cameras to gather recent intel and hang your stand with a favorable wind. Ensure you have adequate cover to avoid being spotted by deer.

How to Pick the Right Tree for Hanging Your Tree Stand

Choosing the right tree is crucial for a successful tree stand setup. Look for a tree wider than your shoulders that provides good cover behind it. The tree should be relatively straight, and it’s ideal to have branches or splits in the trunk from 15 to 25 feet in height for better concealment. Oaks and large white pines are preferred tree species for optimal stand setups. If you can’t find a suitable tree, consider using a ground blind instead.

Remember, finding the best places to hang tree stands requires careful observation and understanding of deer movement. By strategically placing your stands and considering access routes, you can increase your chances of a successful bowhunting season.