going to setup a tree stand next week/end

[blacksunshine]

ok, I have given up on my current blind placement for now and am moving to where the animals travel which is just beyond a line of brush...so, can't reach out and touch them from the blind....found a good tree with clearing around and guessing about 15-20 foot up and 20-25 yards away from the old kill zone but on the side of the line of brush to where I can get them on there 'just out of range' paths...

so, what do I need to know about setting up a tree stand that isn't blatantly obvious? yes, I know...harness harness harness.

Was thinking of the ratchet strap steps...why/why not...what else?

[jgard]

on mine it came with a brace that helps sturdy up the steps and i have a a strap on it as well it feels good when you go up very little movement

[RedneckMorton]

I hung my first one a couple weekends ago. But had a bunch of the screw in steps. Not sure how they would work on a bigger tree. But the little pine I screwed them into it wasn't hard to climb. Not sure if I'll ever hunt that stand or not though. who knows. the tree is pretty small. Waiting for the right light wind, or no wind at all.

[Bowanta]

Put one up today. Screw in steps and set the bracket for the stand. Then I put on a rachet strap on the bottom of the stand to help stabilize it.
I like the steps, but they are just a pain to install sometimes. I have a ladder stick that I really like as well.

After I get my stands set, I set up my hooks for my bow, pack and quiver. I try to trim as little as possible as to help conceal the stand. It is not always easy, but I make it work. Remember to keep some kind of Back Cover to help break up your outline. Front cover is good, bit I think back cover is better. And higher is not always better. I try to set mine where I can utilize the cover of the tree. The one I put up today is abot 12' high, but has great cover.

[blacksunshine]

when setting up the stand, should it be facing directly at the target area or off to one side or the other depending on the side you shoot from or does that matter? just picturing that if I am right handed I should kick the stand around to the right side a little more to give me a little more clearance...yes/no?

[RedneckMorton]

when setting up the stand, should it be facing directly at the target area or off to one side or the other depending on the side you shoot from or does that matter? just picturing that if I am right handed I should kick the stand around to the right side a little more to give me a little more clearance...yes/no?

I always do with no matter what kinda stand I'm using. Ladder stand, climber, tripod. That way when they come into the lane I don't have to get up and move around into shooting position.