Originally Posted by
davidmil
Usually.....but not always. For extended sets and all that stuff.... I hate looking sideways. It's uncomfortable and hard on the neck. I'll face the stand for the area that gives me the best viewing without having to sit there looking left all the time. It's hard on an old neck. In tight quarters where a fast shot has to happen yes... but in 99 percent of the situations, I'l take comfort knowing that if I've done it right I'll see them coming and have to to stand and get ready for the shot. The minute I see a deer I start plotting my standing, possible shot senerios etc. I hate twisting my neck for several hours to watch a funnel or a deer trail. Of course you have other considerations... like sun direction, cover and all that.
Nothing gives me a headache like looking out the sides of my eyes all afternoon. I totally understand where you are coming from.
I have found that I often prefer to face the tree when using a climbing stand.... it affords me the option of sort of hiding behind the tree.... and still allows me to look forward so I don't get the neck cramps... Turkey hunting with a shotgun on the ground is the same way.... but you can't get away with nearly as much movement as you can with a deer.
I tend to be a fidget.... so I try and make my set ups work to my advantage.... I find that I hold still the best when I am comfortable and relaxed..... so if I know I have a while to wait.... I'll make sure I'm facing dead ahead.... that way I'll hold still and be at least able to see some game rather than wiggling around in the tree like a big squirrel and spooking deer before they make themselves known.