Stand Direction
 

I was wondering when you guys hang a stand, do you hang it so it is facing the way you expect the deer to come, or do you hangit so the deer are coming to your side or behind you? Thanks

RE: Stand Direction
 

I hang mine so the tree blocks me in the direction I think the deer are giong to be comming. I sucks because if you sit down you are looking where you don't want to, but that beats sticking out like a sore thumb if you are facing the trail.

RE: Stand Direction
 

I guess it depends on a number of factors.

Sunrise/set....at last light I dont want the sun directly on me...plus it leaves shadows if
the deer pass behind you
skyline.....are you hunting a ridge? Stay below the ridge top.
background...what kind of cammo/cover is behind your setup....again human outline

Personally my favorite stand location I set up with the trail in front 20-40 yds L-R
and behind me R-L...less chance of a spook IMO. I like using the trunk as cover so I'd rather set up with the deer
coming from behind me or to from my L-R. I use a climber so I dont have the branches to act as
cover as you would with ladder sticks or fixed stand. Good hunting.

RE: Stand Direction
 

I position my stand based on many factors besides expected travel direction of the deer. Sun rise and set, cover of the tree I am in. The main thing I try to avoid is having my stand sticking out sideways from the tree in the direction of travel. Depending on height, I'd rather face the expecteddirection rather than put the tree between me.

RE: Stand Direction
 

I have many of my stands are away from the deer. Its a pain watching backwards but that tree is the best camo you can have. Straight on is ok when you have alot skyline cover branches. I agree with rybohunter......you want to try to avoid it sticking out to the side.....its by far the best way to get busted. But, the deer end up comming from all differant directions.......the most important thing is to get high...I like 18 to 22 ft.

GoodLuck!

RE: Stand Direction
 

Like Cloud9 said, the deer never seem to come from the same direction twice for me. My preference is about 20ft. for bow, higher for gun.I like mostly facing straight towards the direction I "think" they will come, helps me see them without having to move. I like the sun to be setting at my back and try to get cover immediately behind me, if it is a holly tree behind me even better cause they stay green all year. The tree behind breaks my outline and also lets me turn my head when I hear one slipping up behind me;) I'm one of those who is itching to see it before it passes under me.

RE: Stand Direction
 

Truthfully, if your 20' up in a tree, the deer won't see you unless your waving your arms around. The thing is to "see" them first, get set up and be ready when they get into range. If your caught flatfooted and they sneak right under you, it's pretty tuff to stand,grab your bow, and draw back without getting caught. I still like to try to find a hardwood tree next to a pine tree for better cover.

RE: Stand Direction
 

Don't forget about R or L handed shooters. I'm R handed, so I like the deer trail to be on my left, about 45 degrees diagonal forward/left.