Guide to Tree Stands and Hunting Blinds

When it comes to deer hunting, concealment is the name of the game. You have to keep yourself hidden from your quarry. This may be as simple as hiding behind a tree, but for most hunters it is much more intense than that! Hunting from a tree stand or ground blind gives the hunter a great advantage. If you use either, you will see your success rate climb. Here are some suggestions to consider when looking for a tree stand or blind.

First, let's consider tree stands. What do you look for when going to purchase a tree stand? The first consideration is the style of tree stand that will work for your conditions. There are several styles of tree stands that are available. You need to select the style that is conducive to the terrain that you will be hunting in. Here are a few of the options you can consider.

1. Climbing tree stands. Climbing tree stands offer the most convenience, and are the easiest to move if you need to do so quickly and quietly. The biggest problem with a climbing stand is that you have to have a tree that is straight, without branches up to about 20 feet, and between 8 and 20 inches in diameter. The tree can also not be tapered too much, or else it will be impossible to level the stand. A great climbing tree stand, the best I have used, is called the Tree Walker Tree Stand . These stands are light weight, comfortable, and very stable. I have had some tree stands slip in the tree, or fall. But the Tree Walker stand grips the tree very tightly, and it is nearly impossible to make it slip. Summit also makes some very nice climbing stands. Go to a local retailer, or an outdoor show to check out different brands and models. Choose the one that is the most comfortable for you, and that has all the features and accessories that you are looking for.

2. Hang-on tree stands. Hang-on stands are great if you do not have a straight enough tree for a climbing stand. Hang-on stands are a bit more difficult to get set up, but can be very effective when the terrain calls for it. Hang-on stands must be installed by first putting up tree steps, or some other climbing aid available on the market. You can, however, put these stands up in trees with forks, trees with many branches, and on trees that are tapered too much for a climbing stand. Lock-on stands are also much lighter to carry if you are planning to set up deep in the wilderness. Because of their light weight, and smaller size, this type of stand is popular for hunters who want to hunt deep in the woods. Lone Wolf makes some very nice, lightweight hang-on tree stands.

3. Ladder stands. Ladder stands are fixed position stands that lock onto a tree, and have a ladder built onto the platform. These stands can lock onto many more trees than a climbing stand, but they are not as flexible as a hang-on stand. They are limited in height, most being only 12 to 15 feet tall. These stands often take at least 2 people to set up, as they have to be assembled on the ground, and then set up against the tree. Some ladder stands are built for two people, and so are great if you want to take a young hunter with you. Cabela's has several models of ladder stands available at various prices.

4. Tripod stands. Tripod stands are not tree stands, but they do provide an elevated platform to hunt. These types of stands are popular in terrain where there are no trees are available for setting up a climbing stand, or a hang-on stand. These stands are platforms, or box blinds, set up on top of a tripod, typically 10 to 15 feet tall. Tripod stands can work in brushy fields, or among scrub trees that are too small for supporting a conventional tree stand. This type of stand is very popular in south Texas. Cabela's carries several models of tripod stands.

Basically, you have to decide what type of stand is conducive to your hunting property, and hunting style. After that, shop around for the best features at the best prices. Having several stands available to you will be of great benefit, because you will be able to set one of them up in almost any situation. But, what do you do if a tree stand is out of the question? The answer could be a hunting blind. There are many blinds available today through many of the outdoor retailers, such as Cabela's. Here are a few things to consider when looking for a blind. Find the features that are important to you, and then find a model that fits your needs.

1. Size and weight. You need to figure out how much room you need in your blind. Are you going to be using it for turkey hunting, or for deer hunting? Will you be hunting alone, or with someone else? Will you be using a rifle or a bow? The answers to these questions will impact the size of blind you will need. If you are taking another person with you, or if you are planning on shooting a bow from the blind, make sure you buy one that is large enough to accommodate you. You can get by with a smaller blind if you are hunting alone, or with a rifle. Most of the time, the smaller the blind, the lighter weight it is. This can be important, especially if you plan to carry it a long distance.

2. Scent protection. Many of the new blinds now have a carbon lining to help suppress the human odor. This is another layer in helping to hide you from your quarry. This will add some to the price of the blind, but it is well worth it in the long run. Many blinds that have scent protection also have shoot through windows. This is also a great feature for bow hunting from your blind.

3. Number of windows. For the most part, the more shooting windows that are available in the blind the better. This gives you great flexibility when setting your blind up. You can set up the blind to cover more than one game trail at a time, which will open up your opportunities at game.

4. Camouflage. The camouflage pattern that you choose is usually dependant on your personal choice and the terrain that you will be hunting. Some blinds now offer a 3 dimensional camo to cover the blind, making it easier to hide than many others. Typically, it is a good idea to "brush in" your blind, so that it does not stick out so much.

Hunting from a hunting blind or a tree stand gives you as a hunter a great advantage. They will keep you secluded, hiding you from the stellar eyes of deer and other big game animals. Find the one that fits your hunting style, and you will enjoy your hunt even more!