When I was a guide in New York State, I observed a wide range of approaches to tree stand hunting. Some hunters would read books to pass the time, while many would play on their cell phones, texting each other all day. Both of these practices are bad habits that can cost you a shot opportunity. The movement you make while turning a page or grabbing your phone from your pocket is exactly what old bucks are looking for. A deer’s survival instinct relies heavily on sight, smell, and sound. Every move you make on the stand creates a sound, even the slightest, which can alert a deer.
Understanding Deer Behavior
Another factor that may lead to getting busted for movement is the shadow you cast on the ground. When you move in a tree, your shadow moves on the ground. Deer recognize this as danger from above, similar to how squirrels react to a hawk’s shadow on the leaves and branches of the trees. Unless you are in a very large tree that resists your movement, swaying branches are also a sign of danger. Wise advice from my father is to “scan with your eyes before turning your head to look around”, then slowly turn and scan in small increments.
Avoid Unnecessary Movement
Another common mistake is hanging your bow up in the tree, causing unnecessary movement when a deer is already in view. If you can see a deer’s eyes, it can see you move. I don’t put my bow down unless I’m doing a rattling sequence or getting down from the tree. Many hunters have been caught reading a book or playing on their phones, only to realize too late that a deer walked past them before they could grab their bow.
Staying Focused and Patient
Some people have a hard time keeping still and get bored of waiting, making them fidget in the stand. For these individuals, time passes too slowly, and their lack of patience and focus causes them to move around. For me, time seems to go by too fast. I can sit in a stand from dark to dark, wishing for ten more minutes of light as the sun sets. My mind is filled with the anticipation of a big buck dragging his hooves in the leaves as he appears from thick cover and makes his way into bow range. After weeks in the stand, you start to recognize what sounds are made by different animals from the cadence of their movement.
Tips for Not Getting Caught in a Tree
Pick the Right Tree: Choose a tree with something in the background to block you from being skylighted. If no trees or background exist, use branches with leaves and tie them to your stand or tree to help break up your outline.
Strategic Stand Placement: Place your stand so deer can pass you before you draw your bow. Make as little movement as possible.
Keep Your Bow Close: If you must hang your bow, keep it close so you don’t have to reach out to grab it.
Stay Alert: Listen to the woods for clues that something is moving in your direction, like birds sounding a warning or a barking squirrel.
As bow hunters we have to be ready before the opportunity presents itself.
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