Hey everybody, just wondering how you guys cut and prune around your stands? I have open shots around mine, but from up in the tree do you just cut holes in the foliage for view or do you take out bigger chunks. I know this depends alot on surroundings and direction of deer movement. Just wanted to get some opinions/ideas. Thanks.

LT

Well in the areaI hunt, anything I cut pretty much opens lanes. Pine boughs can get pretty big, so if I have to cut them, they generally open up pretty big areas.

I try to cut lanes with enough brush in between them to let me get drawn without getting busted. Also this way I may get a shot opportunity at a deer traveling either way on the trail I set up on.

where I hunt the only trees I can really hang a stand in are cottonwood's and for the most part it's wide open for shooting, sometimes I kinda feel like I stick out like a sore thumb but I haven't been busted because they saw me yet.

I NEVER like to cut lanes. In fact, I avoid cutting anything. I'd rather shoot through a 6 inchhole than walk around cutting limbs and branches while leaving scent all over the place. I have seen people ruin many a good set up by cutting big lanes and spooking the deer into another patter, far from the nicely cut bowling alleys. Deer prefer these places with brush, cover and all that. You take it away and they'll move more often than appreciating your lumberjack skills. I don't want deer to know anyones been there and I don't want to change the places they feel comfortable with. An unalarmed deer through a 6 inch holes is far better than an edgy deer in a free fire zone. A limb or two maybe, but never lanes.

I just got done cutting lanes yesterday. Well, actually I was in the tree while I pointed my dad where to cut for me.

I'm with davidmil. He pretty much summed up my approach as well.

I usually dont have to cut out lanes. The trees are pretty open here, its the underbrush and laurel thickets that kill you.

I too am with david. No lanes, maybe snap off a branch or 2.