hennyhog

I have been hunting deer for the past 15 years & my dad (a lineman by trade) has allways preached getting way up there...at least 20'...higher if possible.

Ok...so I usually am anywhere from 18-22' depending on the stand (using climbers). Now my biggest quandry I have now is should I be primarily concerned with how far off the deck I am..for scenting reasons..or should I be more concerned with concealing my siloute?

The reason I ask this now is my favorite stand which my dad got made in a few times last year is in a great spot. The way I have set it up now...its about 20'...but if deer come in a certain way...your siloute is exposed. My new theory is to only go up about 14-15 ' (on the same tree)where my siloute will be well concealed by evergreens...but will sacrifice some shooting lanes.

Please give me your take on it. I hope I drew you an acurate picture so you can relate. Also I hate to sound like Im leaving anyone out but...this question is mainly for those with a lot of hunting out of tree stand experince...especilly bow.

I appreciate it,
Ryan

PABowhntr

Toughcall. I would probably opt for the shorter stand height and give up a few shooting lanes. What good will the spot be if the deer keep picking you off from it and start avoiding it all together?

sprintflyer

I have a loc-on in a bunch of pine trees that is no more than 12 feet of the ground. I cut shooting lanes out and I take deer from that stand every year. I could have put it up at 25 feet or more but I like to have some cover around me. I think you would be better off wraped in cover than in the open.

SF

aeroslinger

I generally like to be somewhat higher but have done better at lower heights. I'm actually forced to go lower because of the brush and denseness that if I went higher the shooting lanes would disappear so I don't know that I've done better lower or just seen more deer lower because more often than not I have no choice. Same old thing, play the wind, try to control your scent, and most everything else is choice. Definitely would be breaking up your silhouette

il coyote

stand 'placement' is more important than stand 'height'.I like to be around 20 feet, but that can change depending on the situation.

heeze gutshot shortee

The higher.. the better.. with clear lanes.......thats why theres.. TREE LOUNGE

KickerPoint79

Most of my stands are only 12-14 feet and it works for me.
I agree height will get you out of there vision better but
I get a little shaky way up there. So i learned to use my camo
and brush around my stands to hide in. Its all about placement
and cover.

hennyhog

Hey...thanks for all the replies...this forum is awesome baby! Go Red Sox!!!

huntnma

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1192971

this is another thread on tree stand height. i am a firm believer in concealing your silouette,i dont hunt as high as some, but alot of folks do hunt 12' and under.....

silentsam

i have put one of my stands at maybe 12ft. my buddies are always telling me i hunt too high. not more then 20ft. i am finally going to try hunting from a little lower. there does seem to be more shooting lanes at the lower elavations. it could go either wat though. i do have the other stands at 20ft. i do like the 1 have at 12ft. i will be in that oct1st.in michigan. southeastern michigan in the irish hills. good luck james