How low?
 

I was looking at some of the old stands on my property and one of them is no more that 8 feet high and that got me thinking.. How low is the lowest someone should go in a stand for deer hunting?

RE: How low?
 

All depends on the terrain, one of the biggest deer Killed in Wisconsin(#2 bowkill I believe) was killed from a guy sitting about 8' off the ground! This was the only tree options for him, he got it done!

RE: How low?
 

well, it all depends on the surroundings. if you have a tree larger than your shoulders, and have a lot of stuff to break you up then it doesn't matter. there are many variables that could go into this.

RE: How low?
 

Back in the day 12' or even 8' may have done the job, but nowadays I believe deer have learned to look up.

Also I feel like if you're 8' up, why not just be on the ground and more mobile......if you go up, go up! my opinion perfect height at the platform is between 15-18'

RE: How low?
 

Bingo, and actually, I believe the guy who shot it is founder of Lone Wolf Treestands ironically. And if I remember correctly he also holds the #4 or #5 spot as well...

RE: How low?
 

10' is low enough....but somethime the terrain doesn't permit it

RE: How low?
 

Bingo, Andre, he was about 10 yards off a dirt road. He knew this monster was crossing there and this was the only tree to sit in. Guys would drive down the road laughing at him, Andre got the last laugh!;)

RE: How low?
 

With my compound.....I'm at 23' most times.

Being that I am going to enter the season with the longbow.....I like th angles better at a much lower height. I'll be hunting no higher than 12'.

RE: How low?
 

I've killed a deer from on the ground with my bow. Although it helps to get elevated it isn't a requirement to get the job done.

RE: How low?
 

Most of my stands are 8'--some are 6',and some are 12'.Killed this buck at 20yds from an 8' permanent stand

RE: How low?
 

I hunt at 22 feet when I can, but even at this height I have deer spot me.

RE: How low?
 

Early on for me....steps and sticks/ladders (not to mention the wallet:))got one just so high...usually 10-15 feet. I did okay, but will admit that I've done better latelyin a self-climber when topping out at 20'. That said....I've had three or foursemi-permanent stands within recent memory...each around 15'..+/-. One had the sun come up directly behind it duringthe best segment of the season (I like to say I planned it that way, but I'd be lying :eek:)and the other three had a cedar tree, or evergreen,that stood at my height, directly behind/beside the tree I was in. All of them were awesome!!!.....deer have been everywhere around those trees (from 0 to wayyyy beyond shooting distance) andI have never gotten busted. Taken several deer from each set up....let many more walk. Sometimes it isn't necessarily the height...but the help you get from what is immediately around you. Gimme an evergreen and a good tree to sit in and they can be money in the bank!!!

RE: How low?
 

You got it Joe!! I've shot bear and deer 5' up in a tree being it was the only option for me. Going high up isn't always the best scenario.

RE: How low?
 

All my ladder stands are at 15' and my hang ons are at about 18'-20'.

RE: How low?
 

I shot one once from 6 feet off the ground....