It's a tough call. Anytime you leave personal property on public land you are taking a chance. TN now requires your stand to be marked with your name or TWRA id number while hunting on public land.
When my son was just starting out we always used a ground blind. They can be extremely effective. They can also be made from natural existing material that you find in the woods.
Plus, There are lots of great lessons that can be taught and learned just from the construction and placement of them. Such as proximity and direction in relation to anticipated game travel, prevailing wind directions, even the sun angle through out the day are just a few of the considerations that will make him start thinking and preparing to be a better a hunter.
It's easy to stretch your legs and slip around a bit if the young'uns get bored or restless too. If something gets dropped it ain't far to pick it up either!
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Last edited by tndrbstr; 11-02-2015 at 06:13 AM.