I scouted out a new spot, but there is only one nice tree to put my stand on, the trails leading out of the bedding area going to the soybeans pass right under this tree,is this to close, i try to stay back off the trails 15 yards when i can,do youthink this is to close?

If it's your only tree....it's your only tree. If your scouting tells you this is a good area...what other choice do you have. You can also give a ground blind a whirl if you want to.

The best advice I can give is the same as any hunting situation. Play the wind right and be as scent conscience as possible. You may or may not get busted. Stay off major trails while walking in/out.

Good luck

Jay

I'm not a huge fan of hunting right over a trail...but I have done it. What I don't like is the shot angle you end up with a lot of times. Especially if the trail comes and goes so that the deer will never give you a broadside shot.

I've shot a couple straight down, and they didn't go far. They didn't bleed either.

I'm not sure of any other option in your case, so practice your shots at steep angles and give it a whirl.

I don't think 15 yards is too close. But if your not comfortable with it take some brush and divert them away from your stand a bit. Deer are lazy and if you create a natural obstacle and make them a new easier way, they will follow it. Since this stand is your only option, you will haev to pay very close attention to the wind.

I am not a fan of putting brush on a trail , If you are going to do this I would do it during or just before a rain to wash away any scent you leave . If there is only 1 nice tree is there 1 or 2 trees that could be used with some triming or screw in steps instead of using a climber or even using a ground blind ?

I have the same problem in 1 of my spots. I hunt on the ground and only when the wind is right. You will find that you may not have as much days in the woods this was but the wait is worth it, up close and personal. Just remember to compensate your shot to allow for the "shooting up" shot you will have to make from the ground.

If you wan to hunt from a tree you don't have a lot of options. I personally like to hunt a bit further back than 15 yards but if that's the best you can do it'll have to do. Most importantly practice shooting steep angles. Practice, practice, practice!