Trail Tacks
 

I went to Wal-Mart today to see what else I needed for this upcoming season. I saw a box of Trail Tacks and decided to buy them. As I walked through the store I remembered that you should keep your flashlight pointed at the ground while walking to your stand. This way the deer are not as likely to see you approach. If I had to keep my light on the ground the whole time, I would not be able to see the tacks unless I put the tacks at the base of the trees. Should I worry about the deer seeing my flashlight, since I hunt a mile away from the highway, or should I just put the tacks at the bottom of the tree?

RE: Trail Tacks
 

I have never had any trouble with the deer being scared of the light. The noise you make and the smell you leave behind is the worst 2 things against you. The light they are used to, there is always cars going everywhere shining lights around and they get used to that.

RE: Trail Tacks
 

Maybe somewhere deer never seen artificial light. But I dont worry about it. But cant use trail markers around here,People take them off to mess you up. And plus there are so many hunters you end up using others tacks and go around in circlesor end up at their tree

RE: Trail Tacks
 

i shine my light , find my tack, turn it off when i've gotten to it, i repeat....i use the light at all......

RE: Trail Tacks
 

Be sure to conceal your tacks so they are not visible from all directions (if possible). Stand at the beginning of your trail and look for a tree far off. Keep it in sight and walk to it. Place your tack and move on to the next tree. I would suggest making a trial run at dawn or dusk to make sure you can see them before you go in under total darkness. You also want to watch out for limbs that might cover them up.

RE: Trail Tacks
 

Dont worry about scaring off the deer, they wont mind. Those tacks stand out so bright too that you dont even have to have direct light on them. The first time i used them i was shocked by how far off you could see them.

RE: Trail Tacks
 

I know alot of guys who actually place the tacks at the base of the trees so most folks won't see them. I believe most hunters actually walk in with their light pointed approximately 3-4 feet off the ground.

Personally, I put my tacks up high on the tree...7 feet or so...as I know most hunters aren't likely to look that high. I have never had a problem with spooking deer because of this though I do get in early.

I have everyone's solution!!!
 

I use a product call Invisible Trail Glow. It's a spray that is invisible to everyone even with a flashlight. You use a UV FLASHLIGHT . You can be extremely stealth and no one knows. It's your own private path in the woods. No tacks to be stolen or removed. My trail has been there for 3 years now. It lasts long but I want to touch it up this year. Their website is invisibletrailglow.com. Hope this helps!

What you should be worrying about is being that poor a hunter and woodsman that you have to stick tacks in trees to find your own stand. Very poor form!

I use light colored flagging and just wait till it gets light enough to see. The time difference is maybe 15-20 minutes. I figure it doesn't pay to go in much earlier if you are announcing that a hunter is coming with a flashlight.

Why would there be a need to litter the woods with ribbons if it is light enough to see them?

Not littering the woods. Marking the trail. When it's still pretty dark, the white flagging stands out. Plus as it flutters in the breeze, it's easier to spot against a dark woods.

It is littering the woods and in my state you can be charged fir it on public lands. Hard to believe a hunter could not find their way to their own stand if it is light outside, not to mention other people finding your stand.

I used to use tacks but don't anymore. The reason I don't is that other hunters see them and either remove them or find your stand and do things to ruin it. I always lock my stand but I've had tree ladders and lifelines stolen from my stands. I've also had slobs take a dump right at my tree! I even had a guy in my stand once when I was going in for an afternoon hunt.
Too many people today have no respect for others and some are just plain unethical.
If I hang my stand in a new location, rather than using tacks I reposition large branches on the ground that point to the direction I need to go. I'll also break a limb and let it hang. In the early fall when leaves are still green the broken limb will have brown leaves.

So how many noticed someone pulled up a 16 year old thread so they could advertise for free?

It’s another measure of safety to ensure a safe hunt. Nothing wrong with that.

If they are used on property that isn't yours, they are indeed litter, so are ribbons and other junk that people use to find their way to their stand in the dark. There are things called gps's that will allow those with poor woodsmanship to find their stand in the dark instead of littering the land.