Ken/WV

I'm going scouting for what looks to be the last time before the October 12, 2002 season opener. I plan to climb the tree I hunt from, and clear the shooting lanes. Would right now be a good time to get those cleared out or what? Plus, should I try and get another evening of scouting in or what?

Rob/PA Bowyer

Actually you probably should have had that done by now. With the season so close, I don't like to put human scent in the area. Remember, the first time you hunt a particular stand offers the best time to shoot a particular buck....and it dwindles the more you use a stand.

If you must go in, go as scentless as possible and try to make the clearing inconspicuous.

<font color=blue>Good Luck and Good Shooting</font id=blue>

<font color=red>Rob</font id=red>

Ken/WV

Well season is three weeks away. And this is a new stand location. The old stand I use has already been cleared. But this new stand is a better location, and it needs to be cleared.

Rob/PA Bowyer

Like I said, scentless and inconspicuous....mature deer know their enviroment like you know your bedroom....good luck.

<font color=blue>Good Luck and Good Shooting</font id=blue>

<font color=red>Rob</font id=red>

121553

Rob is right, shame on you for waiting so long to do your homework. <img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle> It is funny, cause I go out bucking up some firewood with the chain saw and for some reason the deer aren't spooked by the noise, as I have seen many come by as I am doing this, but keep in mind I have never seen a trophy with the chain saw in hand, Bobby

Ken/WV

Alright. I think there won't be much differnce when I clear the lanes. It's pretty clear right now, but their maybe one in the way. I'll let you know tomorrow evening when I get hime. Thanks for the advice.

High Country Archery - &quot;The best.&quot;

Ken/WV

I've taken many trips scouting. This is not my first. I have selected this tree, and now I'm clearing the shooting lanes. That's all I'm doing. I'm not looking for sign, or anything. I'm just clearing my tree.

High Country Archery - &quot;The best.&quot;

Woodline Bucks

Don't wait any longer. Make sure and get them cut, and pronto! A month in advance is the suggested time alotment. I put all my stands up at least 6 weeks in advance, and cut shooting lanes while I put the stands up.

MATTHEWS

I always have the most succsess when I enter the woods for the first time of the season. The more you go to that spot the more likely you will leave scent there. If your going to clear limbs I always do it in a good rain storm this way your scent gets washed away. Any time I need to enter my hunting areas before season I only go on rainy days to check the area out.

Strut&Rut

I don't think it's too late. I've built platforms and cleared lanes a week before the season and taken deer the first day of the season.

The big key is the area you hunt---you have to have the stand in the right place, and hence that's why you're putting this stand up to begin with. Scent actually dissipates rather rapidly, especially if you are taking precautions (like scent-eliminators and cover scents), and is completely gone after a good rain. Disturbing the surrounding environment will have an effect, but very minor if you do only minor trimming.

And I personally feel that it is not the stand that becomes tainted, but rather the route to the stand. Probably 95% of hunters take the same path to the stand every time afield, therefore not only do they leave a &quot;scent trail&quot;, but the game notices the pattern and becomes more wary of the area.

S&R