Natural Cover To Hide Your Stand
This might seem obvious but hanging your stand on a nice, straight tree trunk will make climbing easier but you’ll stick out and deer will spot you easily.
If you have no option but to place your stand on such a tree then use as much camoflauge as possible.
Avoid using hunter orange on moving parts such as arms and legs if permitted by law.
Signs, signs and More Deer Signs!!
If the area you plan to hunt over from a stand shows little to no signs of deer, then consider moving to a different spot. Be on the lookout for rubs, scrapes, fresh tracks – anything that tells you deer frequent this area.
Rubs high up a tree indicate a large buck. Tracks tell you direction of movement and scrapes near doe trails are a good sign bucks are visiting that area quite frequently.
Always position your stand about 20 yards minimum downwind of such areas, if possible, behind some natural cover (but not blocking your line of sight).
Think Like A Bug Buck…
If you were a big buck, what would you seek out in your environment? Access to food, cover (shelter) and water are primary considerations.
Also, easy, quick access to does is another priority. If you can find an area that features all the above, you’ll find your buck sooner rather than later provided you don’t spook him.
