Tree Stand Hunting Tips – Deer Hunt Using Bow & Rifle in 2025

There are many ways to hunt i.e. using bow or rifle. Similarly, some bow hunters prefer tree stands while others prefer ground blind. It is completely up to person what he/she find convenient. Any method can be efficient if necessary steps are followed. However, most of the time, tree stand hunting is better approach. There are essential tree stand hunting tips one should know before the hunting season starts.

Tree stand location, sleeping and feeding locations, wind direction, water bodies and deer trails are most important for tree stand hunters.

It is evident that tree stand hunting needs more precautions and safety measures. However, it gives hunters a better perspective of surroundings, hide him from line of sight of animal and if done right, gives a good hunt in no time.

Tree Stand Bow Hunting Tips

Of course, tree stand hunting is just one way to go about deer hunting. If you’re not comfortable with 10-20 ft. height, you can simply hunt from the ground. There are plenty of successful deer hunters who don’t use tree stands. But if you do want to give it a try, here are a few hunting tips from experienced hunters that will help you get started on the right foot.

Stand Location

Look for a stand location that offers a clear, unobstructed view of the area you plan to hunt. The more areas you can see, the better. In that way, it is easy to spot deer even from a distance. 

Choose a stand location that is downwind of where you expect deer to be going. This will help you scent screen the area and avoid alerting deer of your presence.

Make sure the stand is in a location that provides good concealment or create one your self artificially using some branches and green leaves. You don’t want deer to see you before you have a chance to take the shot.

If possible, try to find a stand location where deer are likely to travel between their bedding and feeding areas. This will give you a better view of the area and increase your chances of getting a clean shot. When choosing stand locations, look for areas that are along ridgelines, creek bottoms, or field edges.

Another good place to look for treestand locations is near thick cover. Deer often use these areas for bedding, and they travel along the edge of the cover to avoid being seen.

Lifeline System for Tree Stand Hunters

A safety rope is always essential when climbing up on a tree stand. Take a carabiner and attach it with the safety harness tether, also attach a lifeline with the safety rope. Moreover, it is essential to keep the carabiner connected with the lifeline until you reach back down. This will help prevent accidents if you are likely slip or fall.

Pick the Type of Stand that Suits You

One of the most popular treestand types is the climbing stand. These consist of a seat and platform that attach to the tree with straps or chains. Climbing stands are great for mobile hunting, as they can be quickly moved from one location to another. And If you’re using a climbing stand, be sure to practice getting in and out of it at home. It’s also a good idea to tie a rope to the stand so you can lower it to the ground if you need to. 

Another common type is the ladder stand. These consist of a seat and platform that are attached to a set of steps or a ladder. Ladder stands offer a more permanent hunting solution, as they can be left in place for extended periods of time.

Hang on stands are similar to climbing stands, but they attach to the tree with spikes or hooks rather than straps or chains. This makes them less mobile but also more stable.

Odor of Tree Stand

However, it is better to bring an old treestand for bowhunting, because the odor of the new tree stand is not good for successful hunts. One remedy is to spray an odor neutralizer over the newly bought treestand. You can mix up turpentine and water and use it over the new tree stands. This will give them a piney scent.

Don’t Forget to Mark the Tree

Once you’ve chosen a tree for a stand, back up 50 to 70 yards, draw an imaginary line from the base of the tree up to where you want your stand to be, and mark the spot with flagging tape or a piece of Surveyor’s tape. This will help you find the tree in the dark when you’re ready to hang your stand.

Marking Selected Tree

Use a handsaw to cut a 12 inch diameter hole in the tree at the mark you made. Be sure to cut the hole on the side of the tree that will face the direction you want your stand to be. 

Pro tip: Some hunters choose trees based on type of tree stand and accessory e.g. best climbing sticks. Some trees are better for climbers while other provide great camouflage for hang on stands.

Once the hole is cut, use a bow saw, handsaw, or chainsaw to trim away all of the branches on the side of the tree opposite the hole. This will give you a clear shooting lane. Now, you can hang your stand. 

Wind Direction

Wind direction is an important factor. Pay attention to the wind direction when selecting a stand location. It will be difficult for you to hunt if your scent is going directly to deer. Before installing a tree stand and selecting a tree, make sure to identify deer bedding, feeding paths and wind direction. Also make sure that you have enough clover up above with branches so that deer can’t bust you from far.

Check State Laws & Regulations

Checking the local hunting regulations is always a good measure. It is better to be aware of all the rules and regulations. In this way you will know what things you need to be cautious of regarding weapons, use of tree stands and wildlife in the area. 

Practice Securing the Stand

Be sure to practice using your tree stand before the opening day of the hunting season. This will help you become comfortable with the stand and increase your chances of taking a deer when the time comes. Make sure the stand is securely attached to the tree before climbing into it.

Other than that, once the deer season comes along, practice shooting one arrow each day. This will help keep your skills sharp and increase your chances of success when you encounter a deer.

Stay Alert and Keep Looking

Always remember to be alert and stay aware of your surroundings when hunting from a tree stand. You never know when a deer might walk into your shooting lanes. When you’re ready to take the shot, make sure you have a clear and ethical shot. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you can draw an imaginary line from the animal’s shoulder all the way through its vitals and out the other side. 

When you’re out scouting for tree stand locations, look for deer tracks, rubs, droppings and scrapes. These are all indications that deer are using the area and that it would be a good spot to hang a stand.

Staying cautious and aware of the surroundings is one of the basics every hunter should follow. Be alert for movement in the trees and try to anticipate where the deer will come out into your shooting lane. Stay slow and remain quiet while looking for deer signs. 

Identify Places Deer Love

Food plots are locations to find deer. These are areas where farmers or hunters have planted crops specifically for deer. The most popular food plot crops are soybeans, corn, and alfalfa. Deer love these crops, and they will often gather in large numbers around them.

Food plot enhancers including various minerals, flavory foods like apple and essential plants are often used by hunters to attract deer on their hunting property. Over the years, I have learnt the art os using minerals as bait to attract deer herd on hunting property, which is harvested later during hunting season. For that one must know how to make salt lick for deer.

You can also find deer along the edges of woody areas. It is because deer like to travel between the woods and the open fields, so you’ll often find them near the edge of a forest.

Moreover, don’t forget about deer bedding areas. These are areas where deer like to sleep and rest during the day. Deer will often bed down in thick brush or under trees. Plan to stay in your stand until at least 30 minutes after sunset, even if you don’t see any deer. You never know when that big buck is going to show up.

However, once you have found an area that looks good, it’s time to set up stand or blind to scout it easily. There are a number of tactics you can use to hunt deer from a treestand, but the most important thing is to be patient and wait for the right opportunity. 

Furthermore, it is better to use more than one tree stand. On average hunters hang almost five tree stands in a 100 acre of area but it can vary significantly. the best way is to set up various trail cameras to find best spots on your property. Get enough stands to hunt all the major deer travel routes on your property.

Use A Good Bowstring

Check your bowstring and serving for any wear and tear every day of the hunting season. A dull broadhead can cause a dangerous pass through, so keep your blades sharp. If you’re using a mechanical broadhead, make sure the blades are locked in place before heading into the woods. And always practice with your hunting gear to make sure you know how it works and that you can use it effectively. 

How to Aim Perfectly In a Tree Stand

First, clip the release to the string, and draw the bow with your eyes closed. Then open your eyes, if your peep is in the correct position, you should be able to see your sight pin centered in the hole. If it is not, then adjust the peep accordingly. Knowing how to shoot a bow from a tree stand is key to success.

Now that you have your peep sight properly positioned, it’s time to focus on your target. Pick a spot on the target and focus all your attention on it. Forget about the surroundings and let the background blur. 

Now after a deep breath, slowly exhale and make yourself ready. As you do, relax your muscles and steady your aim. Then release your aim confidently, if you have followed it all through the end, your aim will go straight into the bullseye. If not, make the necessary adjustments to your form and technique until you are consistently hitting your target.

Moreover, If you think the deer have spotted you, back out and circle around downwind before trying to approach again. If they haven’t seen you but they might smell you, try a different tactic such as crawling or waiting for a gust of wind to cover your scent.

Conclusion 

An important part of deer hunting is knowing where to find deer. Whitetails are creatures of habit, and they’re most likely to be found in the same areas day after day. Remember, the best way to become a successful treestand hunter is to gain knowledge and learn from experienced hunters. 

Requirements and tips for tree stand hunting can vary for hunters considering what their preferences and primary equipment are. However, no matter which type of stand you choose, always use caution and make sure to practice proper safety procedures. Be sure to wear a full body harness any time you’re in a treestand.