RE: Big wide open hole, or small tiny hole?
 

Tiny holes always :D Didn't you learn anything in school? lol

I don't cut shooting lanes either unless there is an obvious branch right in my face.

RE: Big wide open hole, or small tiny hole?
 

Cut them big you can always zip tie branches back on if you think you over did it.

RE: Big wide open hole, or small tiny hole?
 

I think concealment is more important than wide open lanes. I DO try to find trees that afford antural lanes whenever possible. I will trim small branches around my stand just to help stay quiet or make it easier to stand up and get off the shot. I think deer notice majopr changes so I try to keep it to a minimum.

RE: Big wide open hole, or small tiny hole?
 

As a rule I don't cut lanes. I hunt thick stuff and you'll find it looks different from 30' up. To get the deer to stop use your scents. Also to get your scents in a direction without walking there, put some on a stick and toss it there.

RE: Big wide open hole, or small tiny hole?
 

I do cut lanes. Sometimes big sometimes small. Have never had a problem with it bothering the deer. I think it is more important to have the stand hid than a lane 20 to 30 yards from the stand, so I pay more attention to hiding the stand than how much I clear of a lane.

RE: Big wide open hole, or small tiny hole?
 

As stated, I go with the all natural look. The less I cut the better but I always plan where they might come. Think ahead and I think what matters the most is the area you hunt. Is it thick, open or a combination of both. I think what you should look at is if you backround cover has you mixing in. Does it hide you or make you look like a whale in a bath tub.

RE: Big wide open hole, or small tiny hole?
 

Not lanes.... just some holes and mostly what Mother Nature provides. They're the best.

RE: Big wide open hole, or small tiny hole?
 

When hanging my stands i prefere to find a spot that has ample room to shoot if the oppertunity rises.I will trim very little.Yes I do prefere more open shooting lanes,I dont want to be limited if the big one shows up and I am looking through to many branches.