I have some places that are sweet fields to hunt for early season. The only draw back is the trees surrounding the fields suck for tree stands.........most I would say are not even an option to climb........too thin or 40 branches and limbs in the first 10 feet up.

I want to hunt these fields.......especially early when the woods are still so thick.

Would you just find a happy medium to get off the ground.......even if it means being in a lousy tree??

or

Would you just hunt off the ground (I personally don't care for being on the ground) but it may be my only option.



Thanks

How about a tripod stand?

Another option would be a well concealed ground blind. I have an ameristep doghouse, but there are several others.

Atlasman,

im no expert but the way I see it you have some good options. First you could build a blind. If you do watch the wind. Build blinds for every wind, or if the deer only come out in a couple of spots, only hunt with the right wind. I believe you have to be extra careful with wind on the ground. You could also buy a popup blind. Gives you a little more freedom.

If it were me, Id get a chain on treestand and some screw in or strap on steps. Id find one of those trees with 40 branches and limbs down low and chain that stand on 11 feet up. Use the natural cover. IF you can get higher go ahead. I think that is my favorite option. Trim a couple of shooting lanes behind you in the woods and make a couple to the field. If I understand your setup right this may be a good method. I know lots of situations where people have been successful w/o getting real high in the tree, but they took advantage of the cover. Just my 2cents though good luck

It may take some time, effort and a few more tree steps than normal....but I would try my hardest to get my butt off the ground. With enough tree steps...you could skirt your way around all of the garbage 0-10 feet and place your stand just above all of it. Cut a few shooting lanes and your good to go. I've never really been a ground hunter and having the advantage of seeing a fare amount of distance from the perch of a tree is a must for me. If I hunted on the ground, I would just consistantly have this feeling of a disadvantage of having deer "on me" really without me knowing about it. I know it's all about your setup, but in a tree is where I'd be.

I agree with the above post. I'd what I possibly could to get off the ground, be it tree steps, ladder sticks, trimming, or a ladder stand. My second choice would then be a blind....in either case, unless you can get high enough to have your wind pass over the deer, wind is certainly the key.