I love this man he is so good at what he does. I have learned a lot from this good hard working man!! Thank you so much for taking your time to teach us all of your techniques. I hope you down a big one this year!!!!
I look forward to your videos, very informative, whether for the first time hunter or a seasoned one, there's always something new to learn. Thanks for sharing!
I found when I brought my phone into my stand I also brought my “office.” I don’t want to look at work email or have people text me while I’m in my stand. Trust me, turn off the phone, but have it with you for safety, and just enjoy the sounds and sites of nature. Unplug and enjoy the hunt. I’m sure you will go through some withdrawals, but it will be worth it.
At first, I put a thumbs down to Steven Gura's comment. But then I removed it because I do respect his opinion. I am of the opposite mindset however. I am not on social media so I don't have to worry about that distraction. And I am horrible about checking my emails, haha (call me unprofessional if you'd like). I find that my phone helps me stay very still. Most of the time, I'll look up from my phone and here comes a deer walking right into my kill zone. I do take breaks to soak up nature and the serenity. I tell people that it's my form of meditation. But after a while that gets a little old and I get bored. And when I get bored I get fidgety. Speaking of boredom, the entertainment my phone provides allows me to stay out longer. Thus increasing my chances of getting something. I'd say the majority of the time I've harvested a deer I was on my phone.
@@ricmartinez2590 I definitely understand both views. I will say, the sits where I'm on my phone the most are the times I see the fewest deer. When my phone is in my backpack and I'm alert I see far more deer movement, usually at ranges of 100 yards or more, but for muzzleloader/gun season it could be the difference between getting a shot or not seeing anything. Just my two cents
@@thwackTX Completely true, Bow hunting i will sit on my phone but im also listening and obviously im waiting for those deer to be And need to be within about 35yards or less. Now gun hunting though i dont go on my phone really at all as im watching everything and dont want to miss a chance at something good as you can now shoot much further
I used my climber recently on a tree I had not hunted before. It was before sunrise and I wasn't paying attention to how high I was climbing. When the sun came up I just about had a heart attack when I looked down. I think I was at 30 feet! I almost passed out from fear ;)
Hey Jeff. Good stuff. I can totally relate to those screw in tree steps back in the 90's and getting up 25-30' LOL. Now at 50 years old, my stands are all around 18' but I always put in a conifer. If I do put in a hardwood, I try and pick one with conifer back drop or ones really close. In 30 years of bow hunting, I have always shot from a seated position! 100% believer in the less movement the better concept and it's worked.
Jeff great info! Now that I am in my fifties like you I hunt lower than I used to! The one other point besides what you talked about is that is certain places the canopy will tell you the height you should be at. With lower cover it is much easier to hunt in the cover height. I have been to quite a few properties were people have stands up way to high for a earlier season stand as the under cover takes away shot opportunity. But this stand might be very functional later in the season. This all comes into play which I am sure you know but maybe a subject to touch on! Really enjoy the videos great job!
When I was alittle younger I used to put a stand for gun hunting about 60ft up in a giant pine tree, I could see the entire swamp and all it's trail's. I shot so many deer out of that stand. It was on public land, and eventually it was cut. Now that Im in my 40s now and I keep my stands around 20ft and most of my shots inside 25yrds with a bow.
I'm 60, don't like getting up high anymore, I use mostly ground blinds now. 16' is about max for me now, like you said, I like to try and get a lot of back ground cover. Thanks for the great video !
great info! i have been bowhunting since age 15 and i am 52 now. i have taken some really nice bucks over the years, a big 160-170 10 pointer last year. I usually use a summit climber or some permanent stands on my property....they are not that tall, maybe 16 feet. i have learned over the years to remain very still and take the shot when the opportunity presents itself. i have never been a fan of heights so no way could i do 30 ft or higher! LOL
Jeff - I really enjoy your channel. Very informative videos for me, a gun hunter that is interested I getting into bow hunting eventually. Question for you - do you take your stands down and put them back up every year? If so, when do you think is the best time for both?
Some good points as always Jeff. Don't forget to have fun. There is no one way to kill deer. Even mature Bucks. Read/watch more than one source and figure out how to do it where ever your hunting. That's half the challenge. Me as well as lots of other people would love to be able to manage 10+ acres of property for hunting. But it's just not in the cards. So we have to hunt how we can and do what we think is the best way. But pretty sure they all have a few things in common. Know where they like to travel, be quiet, and don't move.
Jeff, I respect everything you say and find it helpful. At age seventy-two, I've moved down to a height of eight to ten feet, usually a height I can touch the bottom of the platform from standing directly below the stand. I know that is considered very low but I made the move eight years ago as a test run for three years. What I discovered, surprisingly, is that I was never sky lined and rarely picked off. I cover my face with a mask or face paint and go a bit farther in breaking up my outline. For me, lower is better and now that I've aged it is safer. I do use a lineman's belt while climbing and a rock harness while sitting. That said, how can I reach you to consider coming to Arkansas and guide me improving my eighty acres?
I’m glad I’m not the only one on my phone to keep still, quiet and just listening and not that high in the tree like other people say you have to be, I’ve never been in a tree stand over 15ft and killed my first and biggest buck sitting on the ground on a $5 Walmart “hunting stool” using a tree stump for cover in front and back against tree line looking into the power line opening, he was a 4 1/2yo 133” 10 point, for alabama he’s a jam up buck especially for your first buck, but I grew up with the mentality that sense we don’t have many good bucks in bama from hunting pressure then if the buck wasn’t good enough to be mounted then I wasn’t going to shoot it and I waited years and years before finding him lastyear in November 2020
I also love to hunt out of my brushed in home made ground blind. So cool to have deer 10 and sometimes 5or 6 feet away as they walk by . Awesome experience
Jeff.... we love your videos and have decided to try and grow some switchgrass. The grass germinated about two weeks ago. (I live in Mich). My question for you is this: How soon can I treat the switchgrass to kill competitive weeds? Thank you in advance for your answer.
Love challenged me in previous videos to hunt like a preditor.more so than hunt like a human.thanks .that just raised the bar enough to make me a better hunter.love this kind of content .also make a Vidio of your every day life ; would be interesting🤔
I know scent is one if the most important aspect to hunting. What are your thoughts on ozone machines to help with scents and scent vaporizers. Thank love your videos. Mike from Michigan.
Hanging stands "carrying them up a ladder" is one of the most awkward and critically dangerous points in hunting. I'm older, and after lots of years of shaky balancing I first post and attach the climbing ladder, attach the HSS system, then go up with a cordless drill make a hole above the stand placement and attach a big "eye bolt". You can then loop a rope, attach it to the stand you want to hang and raise it "off the ladder" and secure it. Attaching a couple straps while the stand is safely supported and ladder is on and HSS engaged is then cake. Just a thought..
Hi Mike...so easy just to stand at the top of the ladder with an HSS hanger harness attached, pull it up with a rope and set it on a T screw like we do with the Family Tradition Treestands we use. And they are heavy!
I always figured their line of sight is about 10' before they have to look up. BUT , wind and movement is still the most important. Besides, the pucker factor kicks in about 15' for me.
You nailed it in this one. Our stand strategy is identical. And to me, the best stand for this strategy is a Millenium 150 Monster cam lock on. I want my predominate deer flow on my right side as I am a lefthanded archer. The stand I'm referring to is comfortable, big enough to adjust for long sits and easy to put up and take down. Love this channel. Very good video for beginners and folks who need to adjust their stand hunting style or strategy.
Great video Jeff... I know you're a sit and hunt and shoot guy, but what's you thoughts on saddles... I find it really tough to turn for a shot while seated if the deer doesn't come in exactly how I plan. I think I'm more likely to be figity in a saddle but turning for a shot seems so much easier plus you typically setup so you're a bit shielded by the tree... I just had too many times where the deer comes in from my 6 and goes to my offhand side and I couldn't scoot around for a shot
I will be a ground dweller this year. My first bow season not on private but on public land here in Michigan and I’m scouting about 5 different big tracts of state land in lower Michigan. Will be run and gun on the ground with a crossbow. I figure let’s use this year for recon work! Worked last year in the UP for rifle!
We have permanent stands built onto the trees. 4 sides with a floor and then a roof over the top. Works well with thermals and visibility but...the movement of deer has changed over the 30 years since they've been put up. This year I'm trying saddle hunting so I can move around the property more freely. Thoughts?
Great thoughts...safety is number 1. I always try to say seated as much as possible including the shot and with as little movement as possible. When i get busted it is usually because I moved around to see an area better or stood up.
I never wanted to be above 20 feet maybe a little more I carried just enough steps to get me there and was pretty consistent at getting it there. I had my pull string attached and hanging from the stand and when it was a foot or 2 off the ground I knew it was at the perfect height for me at least. Now age has caught up to me and I still hunt as much as I can I had to learn a whole new skill set for the ground I just don't trust myself in a treestand anymore. Fortunately I have and I still take freezer deer and occasionally even a nice buck.
Hey Jeff, for a “100k special” you should set out all your favorite equipment that has worked for you and make a video explaining why you like them. For example tree stands and trail cams. Thanks!
@Brian Berg great idea...and I'm thinking as many products as I can give away! Would be a lot of fun for me too! Likely a web class or two, some books and hopefully a lot of hunting products 👍
@Brian Berg +1 I’d definitely like to try Family Tradition Treestands, but they are not available online, and there are no dealers anywhere near my area of Upstate NY.
I really like that 17-20 foot butt level. I'm only hunting with a bow & over 90% with a saddle this fall. @ that height u aren't too high to shoot a deer @ 10-15 yards tight on the shoulder where momentum with a premium cut on contact broadhead will blow through any whitetail. All that needs 2 be done is practice on a 3D target which u have all summer to do. I have 20 years of success planting brassicas, but I usually plant earlier so I can get the two-fold benefit of 3 types of 🍀 the following April coming in strong. Buckwheat plantings have killed weeds in areas that have had them when u want a more multi-year patient approach. I really like to plant pumpkins or butternut squash around the perimeter of these Buckwheat areas since the 🐝 traffic is phenomenal!
I use a Summit viper, My utility ropes are 20’. I normally hang in the 18-22’ range (top of stand). One thing I find is important is the canopy height. For instance I tend to hang lower in early October than I do in late November; do to the foliage. No since hanging higher if you can’t see or shoot.
Oh for sure...I find myself doing that too...higher when the canopy is higher. Especially when the leaves drop. Although I only use my climber on public land, kind of a necessary evil there.
I choose to hunt higher than most when conditions allow. I hear and see the comments about shot angle. I've killed a lot of deer with the bow and most from heights of 25-40'. I have a great many deer pass downwind that would certainly wind me if I was hunting lower. If you're not confident in shooting at downward angles, practice, practice, practice.
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. What is your thoughts about so called "staging areas?" Anything worth sharing in a video, or is it just a term used to explain a natural hesitation while en route to an open food source?
Hi Marcus you are very welcome! If you search "deer staging areas" on TH-cam you can find several staging area videos of mine. Just type in anything whitetail in a TH-cam search and you will find that topic of mine up top... Check out this one - one of the latest... th-cam.com/video/JhmCAaHgAfo/w-d-xo.html Here is one of the latest...
I usually try to get at least 20' feet, but more importantly I try to get high enough with tree cover behind me so I am not silhouetted. so when I pick a tree for my climber I try to make sure there is cover behind me. I use buckshot climbers so I also face the tree so the tree acts as another cover barrier.
for an animal that has almost 360 degree veiw how high up really a moot point even if deer at 30 yards. and since deer see movment real ezy staying still is the key 100 percent! good video like always!!
Yeah I’m getting one of them lifeline this year even though I’m in a 14 foot two man ladder stand a guy can break his neck from a fall of 5 foot just stumbling and falling while your walking can kill a person or paralyze him or her self
When my nose starts to bleed I stop. ;) I use a Tree Lounge and climb a lot of straight poplar timber. It really does mess with your perspective, the target vitals get smaller as you go higher, your accuracy becomes paramount the higher you go. 40-50 feet are common for me.
My stand is about 15 feet give or take, and I'm using a Guide Gear XL hang on, 30 inch by 36 inch platform, my tree is on the side of a hill, so to my left, the deer are at eye level, and to my right, they could be 40 feet below me
I hunt dense hardwoods. Steep hill sides. Bout 20 fr. works good for me in those circumstances. Cover is the main thing. The only thing actually. I shoot a bow seated as well.
So weird not seeing you in sitka . Haha. How are you liking the first lite stuff so far? I run their baselayers as I think they have the best and have the corrugate pants as well
Jeff I’m trying the no-till with buckwheat this year but would like to establish some early usage in my plots (building herd). Can you recommend a seed I can mix a small amount with the buckwheat that won’t bother my fall planting?
I’m 22 I go up 15 to 20 feet. I’ve had a few deer walk pretty much under me and they didn’t notice. I just line up with the upper tree growth . Use a branch that will block the deer view of mine.
I have had properties or areas where I didn't need to go more than 10 ft and if you got any higher that you couldn't see I've hunted the edges of cutovers in a big pine tree in Georgia where I got as high as 25 to 30 ft
Jeff you mentioned a safety line system and we all see you always wearing a full harness, good job. Couple concepts about fall protection and prevention. I still see guys wearing a body belt connected to the lanyard which is connected to the tree, some call the body belt a “guy strap”. If a person falls, even a very short distance, or simply slips and the gut strap is holding your entire body weight there’s a dangerous situation called suspension trauma occurring while you are hanging from that gut strap. Organs are going to start shutting down in minutes. This is not due to the fall and the quick stop of the lanyard, that’s a different and equally horrible situation, rather I’m talking about what happens due to hanging from the lanyard and gut strap. Second thing, harnesses are decidedly the best option of the two, a person can still experience suspension trauma while in a harness, but you e got a lot more time to deal with getting out of that position. It’s important to situate the tree to lanyard attachment point in consideration of the fall. Will there be branches to stand on, or will the ladder be easy to reach while suspended from the lanyard. I think ladders like you use give a person the best opportunity for a self rescue should they fall while wearing a harness. Anyway thanks for setting a good example and frequently mentioning your lifeline and harness! Ksf
I use my hearing more than seeing it makes a lot of difference great video brother as always. Good luck to you and GOD BLESS you and your family and crew brother Amen 🙏
Im about 12 to 15feet up or in a ground blind I play the winds and weather and that works dam good sit and stay put till u shot and get out the only too time you move
I read a article years ago that was done by biologists that said when they went 20 feet or higher that they saw more deer. For years I hunted from a climbing stand and I always tried to sit at least 20 feet, but preferred around 24 off the ground. I did see more deer hunting this way, however I think the biggest factor was that I would move at least 50 to 80 yards every 2 to three days as people are easy to pattern and deer know this. Another big factor was going in from a different approach so your not patterned. I would like to add this. How high is too high? In 1990 I had a great stand location where 5 trees came together at the base and separated about 15 feet at the top. I was able to start on the outside with a very steep angle on the stand heading up, then work my way around to the inside of the group of trees. I was 35 feet to my feet when I got level. I did shoot a 200lbs field dressed 12 point at 25 yards from my stand, however I aimed at the lowest side of the deer because all I could see to shoot at was the back of the deer. Not much to shoot at with a bow and arrow!!!
Awesome info! Would going lower help to get a double lung shot in more cases? Also, what about a top x reasons for a mock scape fail video? I had one I tried to set up last year and I’m not sure the deer ever used it.
Hi Aaron! Unless the angle is super steep I don't think it makes a huge difference...but definitely if straight down no matter what the height. Also that's a great idea...on the list to shoot soon ☺️
I've always based my tree stand height with my feet around the 20' mark. With hopes of the thermal climes will take my scent upward. Things that would change the height would be foliage to break up my outline. But at the end of the day, if I'm not playing the wind, I'd just educate the resident shooter bucks or does
Hi Sir, I fell out of the tree several times while hanging stands "back in the 70's & 80's" so now I primarily use ladder stands and box blinds. Be safe.
Switched to a saddle last year and just love it. Being so light and mobile has been huge for me and makes it so much fun however I am not filming my hunts either but I know several do from saddles like The Hunting Public and DIY sportsman as well as Catman. I am 56 now but have been climbing trees since I was 12.
Hi Brad they are great for bad trees and being mobile...but I wouldn't trust them in tight quarters and mature buck hunting. Actually wouldn't allow them on the lands I own or hunt...spook factor too high. I also like getting to a tree and going straight up. No changing clothes at the base, etc. Just can't see using one any time soon...
Lots of guys shoot mature big bucks from saddles. The hunting public is one. Might not be that good on small private parcels but great for state land where you have to walk in alot. Just be as quit as you can setting up your steps and wear your saddle in. I shot a 3 yr old 9 point last yr. In mine and in Michigan where I hunt that is a mature buck.
I’ve found a saddle works great in a lot of situations. I’m not an elitist. But it works for me...in both tight spots and open. It allows you to keep the tree between you and the deer. It also allows you to shoot if a deer comes in directly behind you. For me the main advantage was not having to carry in a heavy climber and find the “perfect tree” with no big limbs. Great video though on height and go into. Thanks!
what do you think about that I have a stand that I call almost bulletproof because he's 26 feet high and I'm in a big maple every tree around are 15feet cedar and 75yards behind its a big lake I always though that with low pressure at that height and with a wind blowing in the lake direction deer behind me would not pick me up, I've never heard or seen a deer pick me up from there
I'd say in thick cover with a slug gun, would extra height would be beneficial. Not too much higher than the brush itself. Seeing through the brush would be a problem for anyone, even deer.
Any advice for hunting on a cattle farm. My grandfather in law is letting me scout and hunt his 100 acre cattle farm this season. The whole property is fenced minus 3 acres and were the houses are. Its surrounded by wooded land. Any advice for cattle farm hunting?
I have a sitting deer stand. I just started bow hunting. I normally shoot deer at 20 yards using a rifle. What is the good height I can shoot from with a bow without being seen, in normal forest cover, and still hit the deer at close range? I have been told that I can miss at close range if I get too high in my stand.
I find if I'm in a thick area or an area where my shot is only going to be like 15 to 20 yards, the higher you go the steeper of an angle the shot will be and thus making it harder
Last year we put up a hang on stand that's 6 ft off the ground to the platform to accommodate a hunter who was having some health problems and could not climb a tall ladder. We of course call it the 6 foot stand and two deer were killed out of it last year. I think it comes down to how concealed you are
15-20 ft. Is all I've ever hunted. Staying still and making sure you have a good background to break you up is more important than being higher in a tree IMO. I also like to be able to shoot 360° around me so never used conifers, too much trimming and destruction of a tree.
I noticed when you pulled your bow back you didnt have your trigger finger behind the release trigger...I always pull back with my finger behind release..safety..love your info tho..God bless..
2021 6 pt out of a saddle this year roughly 12 feet in the air. 1st out of a saddle 2nd yr running it. You'll def be spotted. Again about the hunting g skill and knowing when to make a move. I know I did. Lol
Don't forget the higher up the smaller the vitals..I think picking a tree with good back cover, sitting still, and Knowing when to draw.Is key..Knowing this, you can most def shoot deer at 15-18ft..Back drop cover is huge..
Early season I stay mostly between 14-20 ft bc of the greenery, but late season into January I regularly DRT in my saddle up to 40 but mostly around 30-35 ish, I like the height (even though they scare me) but something about being a little higher makes me feel better when they’re closer, in the thick woods I’m not worried about deer at 100yds, or even 60 in most matters but the extra height though it may not matter that much (in fact I know it doesn’t bc I’ve killed deer from the ground with a bow) being still is paramount and using DRT sometimes I purposely pick big oaks in a forest of poles and it’s 30 ft to nestle in the canopy to better hide myself. I only hunt public land along the river in Louisiana where most woods is huge oak forests and thick palmetto. Pro tip: to cover scent just soak in doe piss for 24hrs, seems to work fine 😂 jk obviously, good stuff🤘
I have a quick question.. how do I get over my fear of heights to get up in a tree? Whats the minimum height you think for a stand? Or does it go back to elevation and the lay of land and thinking about what's at eye level for them?
Good info for new new bow hunter like me but I'm sure you would challenge your skills here in Ontario when 1/2 day sitting are impossible unless you enjoy hypothermia, you scent go down not up crunchy snow yup you do appreciate a trophy spike by mid December lol
Hi Kent...I have a few others too, just need to type in a Google search and they will typically be at the top depending on how you word it. Hope you like this one... th-cam.com/video/Obaia-hOLzo/w-d-xo.html
![[TH] VCT Pacific Stage 2 - Week 3 Day 3 // DFM vs PRX | DRX vs TLN](/img/n.gif)
All boils down to Hunting Skills ! Knowing when to " make the move " .
I love this man he is so good at what he does. I have learned a lot from this good hard working man!! Thank you so much for taking your time to teach us all of your techniques. I hope you down a big one this year!!!!
Love it!!!!!!! Actually been practicing sitting in my stand. 18/20 ft. So much less movement. Thanks for this Jeff.
I look forward to your videos, very informative, whether for the first time hunter or a seasoned one, there's always something new to learn. Thanks for sharing!
I found when I brought my phone into my stand I also brought my “office.” I don’t want to look at work email or have people text me while I’m in my stand. Trust me, turn off the phone, but have it with you for safety, and just enjoy the sounds and sites of nature. Unplug and enjoy the hunt. I’m sure you will go through some withdrawals, but it will be worth it.
At first, I put a thumbs down to Steven Gura's comment. But then I removed it because I do respect his opinion. I am of the opposite mindset however. I am not on social media so I don't have to worry about that distraction. And I am horrible about checking my emails, haha (call me unprofessional if you'd like). I find that my phone helps me stay very still. Most of the time, I'll look up from my phone and here comes a deer walking right into my kill zone. I do take breaks to soak up nature and the serenity. I tell people that it's my form of meditation. But after a while that gets a little old and I get bored. And when I get bored I get fidgety. Speaking of boredom, the entertainment my phone provides allows me to stay out longer. Thus increasing my chances of getting something. I'd say the majority of the time I've harvested a deer I was on my phone.
@@ricmartinez2590 I definitely understand both views. I will say, the sits where I'm on my phone the most are the times I see the fewest deer. When my phone is in my backpack and I'm alert I see far more deer movement, usually at ranges of 100 yards or more, but for muzzleloader/gun season it could be the difference between getting a shot or not seeing anything. Just my two cents
@@thwackTX Completely true, Bow hunting i will sit on my phone but im also listening and obviously im waiting for those deer to be And need to be within about 35yards or less. Now gun hunting though i dont go on my phone really at all as im watching everything and dont want to miss a chance at something good as you can now shoot much further
I used my climber recently on a tree I had not hunted before. It was before sunrise and I wasn't paying attention to how high I was climbing. When the sun came up I just about had a heart attack when I looked down. I think I was at 30 feet! I almost passed out from fear ;)
Hey Jeff. Good stuff. I can totally relate to those screw in tree steps back in the 90's and getting up 25-30' LOL. Now at 50 years old, my stands are all around 18' but I always put in a conifer. If I do put in a hardwood, I try and pick one with conifer back drop or ones really close. In 30 years of bow hunting, I have always shot from a seated position! 100% believer in the less movement the better concept and it's worked.
Jeff great info! Now that I am in my fifties like you I hunt lower than I used to! The one other point besides what you talked about is that is certain places the canopy will tell you the height you should be at. With lower cover it is much easier to hunt in the cover height. I have been to quite a few properties were people have stands up way to high for a earlier season stand as the under cover takes away shot opportunity. But this stand might be very functional later in the season. This all comes into play which I am sure you know but maybe a subject to touch on! Really enjoy the videos great job!
When I was alittle younger I used to put a stand for gun hunting about 60ft up in a giant pine tree, I could see the entire swamp and all it's trail's. I shot so many deer out of that stand. It was on public land, and eventually it was cut. Now that Im in my 40s now and I keep my stands around 20ft and most of my shots inside 25yrds with a bow.
Ground shrinkage must’ve been pretty iffy that far up! Lol but that’s bad ass
Thats badass
Great stuff, when I was younger I used my range finder to check my hight and it was 13 yards. I don't go that high anymore usually around 18 to 20ft .
I'm 60, don't like getting up high anymore, I use mostly ground blinds now. 16' is about max for me now, like you said, I like to try and get a lot of back ground cover. Thanks for the great video !
I've shot deer sitting on the ground with a bow. Also shot deer out of old 10ft ladderstand. It depends on the cover. I now prefer 14 to 16 feet.
I never hunt in a stand kill plenty a deer. , but I live in the mountians. And hollers.
One of the biggest game changers in my hunting life was going from 15 ft atands to 20 to 22! Totally changed things for the better in so mant ways!
Great topic! One that I haven't heard much discussion on
Great concept. I typically stop at 20 feet.
great info! i have been bowhunting since age 15 and i am 52 now. i have taken some really nice bucks over the years, a big 160-170 10 pointer last year. I usually use a summit climber or some permanent stands on my property....they are not that tall, maybe 16 feet. i have learned over the years to remain very still and take the shot when the opportunity presents itself. i have never been a fan of heights so no way could i do 30 ft or higher! LOL
Jeff - I really enjoy your channel. Very informative videos for me, a gun hunter that is interested I getting into bow hunting eventually. Question for you - do you take your stands down and put them back up every year? If so, when do you think is the best time for both?
Great advice brother everybody should wear some kind of safety harness no matter how high or low they climb.
Thanks for all the help
Very well said Jeff. Thank you.
Thank you Michael!
Some good points as always Jeff.
Don't forget to have fun. There is no one way to kill deer. Even mature Bucks. Read/watch more than one source and figure out how to do it where ever your hunting. That's half the challenge. Me as well as lots of other people would love to be able to manage 10+ acres of property for hunting. But it's just not in the cards. So we have to hunt how we can and do what we think is the best way.
But pretty sure they all have a few things in common. Know where they like to travel, be quiet, and don't move.
I also adjust the height to not be seen by bedded deer and to utilize natural shooting lanes. Good info thanks again.
Great advice Virgil! Thank YOU 👍
Jeff, I respect everything you say and find it helpful. At age seventy-two, I've moved down to a height of eight to ten feet, usually a height I can touch the bottom of the platform from standing directly below the stand. I know that is considered very low but I made the move eight years ago as a test run for three years. What I discovered, surprisingly, is that I was never sky lined and rarely picked off. I cover my face with a mask or face paint and go a bit farther in breaking up my outline. For me, lower is better and now that I've aged it is safer. I do use a lineman's belt while climbing and a rock harness while sitting. That said, how can I reach you to consider coming to Arkansas and guide me improving my eighty acres?
I’m glad I’m not the only one on my phone to keep still, quiet and just listening and not that high in the tree like other people say you have to be, I’ve never been in a tree stand over 15ft and killed my first and biggest buck sitting on the ground on a $5 Walmart “hunting stool” using a tree stump for cover in front and back against tree line looking into the power line opening, he was a 4 1/2yo 133” 10 point, for alabama he’s a jam up buck especially for your first buck, but I grew up with the mentality that sense we don’t have many good bucks in bama from hunting pressure then if the buck wasn’t good enough to be mounted then I wasn’t going to shoot it and I waited years and years before finding him lastyear in November 2020
I also love to hunt out of my brushed in home made ground blind. So cool to have deer 10 and sometimes 5or 6 feet away as they walk by . Awesome experience
Outstanding as always
Thanks Paul 👍
Jeff.... we love your videos and have decided to try and grow some switchgrass. The grass germinated about two weeks ago. (I live in Mich). My question for you is this: How soon can I treat the switchgrass to kill competitive weeds? Thank you in advance for your answer.
Love challenged me in previous videos to hunt like a preditor.more so than hunt like a human.thanks .that just raised the bar enough to make me a better hunter.love this kind of content
.also make a Vidio of your every day life ; would be interesting🤔
I know scent is one if the most important aspect to hunting.
What are your thoughts on ozone machines to help with scents and scent vaporizers.
Thank love your videos.
Mike from Michigan.
Hanging stands "carrying them up a ladder" is one of the most awkward and critically dangerous points in hunting. I'm older, and after lots of years of shaky balancing I first post and attach the climbing ladder, attach the HSS system, then go up with a cordless drill make a hole above the stand placement and attach a big "eye bolt". You can then loop a rope, attach it to the stand you want to hang and raise it "off the ladder" and secure it. Attaching a couple straps while the stand is safely supported and ladder is on and HSS engaged is then cake.
Just a thought..
Hi Mike...so easy just to stand at the top of the ladder with an HSS hanger harness attached, pull it up with a rope and set it on a T screw like we do with the Family Tradition Treestands we use. And they are heavy!
I always figured their line of sight is about 10' before they have to look up.
BUT , wind and movement is still the most important.
Besides, the pucker factor kicks in about 15' for me.
You nailed it in this one. Our stand strategy is identical. And to me, the best stand for this strategy is a Millenium 150 Monster cam lock on. I want my predominate deer flow on my right side as I am a lefthanded archer. The stand I'm referring to is comfortable, big enough to adjust for long sits and easy to put up and take down. Love this channel. Very good video for beginners and folks who need to adjust their stand hunting style or strategy.
Great video Jeff... I know you're a sit and hunt and shoot guy, but what's you thoughts on saddles... I find it really tough to turn for a shot while seated if the deer doesn't come in exactly how I plan. I think I'm more likely to be figity in a saddle but turning for a shot seems so much easier plus you typically setup so you're a bit shielded by the tree... I just had too many times where the deer comes in from my 6 and goes to my offhand side and I couldn't scoot around for a shot
I will be a ground dweller this year. My first bow season not on private but on public land here in Michigan and I’m scouting about 5 different big tracts of state land in lower Michigan. Will be run and gun on the ground with a crossbow. I figure let’s use this year for recon work! Worked last year in the UP for rifle!
We have permanent stands built onto the trees. 4 sides with a floor and then a roof over the top. Works well with thermals and visibility but...the movement of deer has changed over the 30 years since they've been put up. This year I'm trying saddle hunting so I can move around the property more freely. Thoughts?
My hearing isn't all that good but I can spot deer extremely good with just my eyes , I'm going out tonight after a nice buck ,thanks for the tips
Great thoughts...safety is number 1. I always try to say seated as much as possible including the shot and with as little movement as possible. When i get busted it is usually because I moved around to see an area better or stood up.
Amen Bob...all great comments! Hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend my friend ☺️
And you and Diane. Will be planting the food plots with buckwheat next week.
I never wanted to be above 20 feet maybe a little more I carried just enough steps to get me there and was pretty consistent at getting it there. I had my pull string attached and hanging from the stand and when it was a foot or 2 off the ground I knew it was at the perfect height for me at least. Now age has caught up to me and I still hunt as much as I can I had to learn a whole new skill set for the ground I just don't trust myself in a treestand anymore. Fortunately I have and I still take freezer deer and occasionally even a nice buck.
Hey Jeff, for a “100k special” you should set out all your favorite equipment that has worked for you and make a video explaining why you like them. For example tree stands and trail cams. Thanks!
Wes I really like that idea! You can bet I will definitely be doing something very special.
@Brian Berg great idea...and I'm thinking as many products as I can give away! Would be a lot of fun for me too! Likely a web class or two, some books and hopefully a lot of hunting products 👍
@Brian Berg +1 I’d definitely like to try Family Tradition Treestands, but they are not available online, and there are no dealers anywhere near my area of Upstate NY.
I really like that 17-20 foot butt level. I'm only hunting with a bow & over 90% with a saddle this fall. @ that height u aren't too high to shoot a deer @ 10-15 yards tight on the shoulder where momentum with a premium cut on contact broadhead will blow through any whitetail. All that needs 2 be done is practice on a 3D target which u have all summer to do. I have 20 years of success planting brassicas, but I usually plant earlier so I can get the two-fold benefit of 3 types of 🍀 the following April coming in strong. Buckwheat plantings have killed weeds in areas that have had them when u want a more multi-year patient approach. I really like to plant pumpkins or butternut squash
around the perimeter of these Buckwheat areas since the 🐝 traffic is phenomenal!
I use a Summit viper, My utility ropes are 20’. I normally hang in the 18-22’ range (top of stand). One thing I find is important is the canopy height. For instance I tend to hang lower in early October than I do in late November; do to the foliage. No since hanging higher if you can’t see or shoot.
Oh for sure...I find myself doing that too...higher when the canopy is higher. Especially when the leaves drop. Although I only use my climber on public land, kind of a necessary evil there.
I choose to hunt higher than most when conditions allow. I hear and see the comments about shot angle. I've killed a lot of deer with the bow and most from heights of 25-40'. I have a great many deer pass downwind that would certainly wind me if I was hunting lower. If you're not confident in shooting at downward angles, practice, practice, practice.
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. What is your thoughts about so called "staging areas?" Anything worth sharing in a video, or is it just a term used to explain a natural hesitation while en route to an open food source?
Hi Marcus you are very welcome! If you search "deer staging areas" on TH-cam you can find several staging area videos of mine. Just type in anything whitetail in a TH-cam search and you will find that topic of mine up top...
Check out this one - one of the latest...
th-cam.com/video/JhmCAaHgAfo/w-d-xo.html
Here is one of the latest...
I usually try to get at least 20' feet, but more importantly I try to get high enough with tree cover behind me so I am not silhouetted. so when I pick a tree for my climber I try to make sure there is cover behind me. I use buckshot climbers so I also face the tree so the tree acts as another cover barrier.
for an animal that has almost 360 degree veiw how high up really a moot point even if deer at 30 yards. and since deer see movment real ezy staying still is the key 100 percent! good video like always!!
Yeah I’m getting one of them lifeline this year even though I’m in a 14 foot two man ladder stand a guy can break his neck from a fall of 5 foot just stumbling and falling while your walking can kill a person or paralyze him or her self
I have killed the majority of my archery Dee sitting down. My stands are always between 18-25 feet. Enjoyed this video very much.
I’m not the biggest fan of heights so I hover around 20ft. I’m working on being comfortable going a little higher
Thanks for right tip.
When my nose starts to bleed I stop. ;) I use a Tree Lounge and climb a lot of straight poplar timber. It really does mess with your perspective, the target vitals get smaller as you go higher, your accuracy becomes paramount the higher you go. 40-50 feet are common for me.
My stand is about 15 feet give or take, and I'm using a Guide Gear XL hang on, 30 inch by 36 inch platform, my tree is on the side of a hill, so to my left, the deer are at eye level, and to my right, they could be 40 feet below me
I hunt dense hardwoods. Steep hill sides. Bout 20 fr. works good for me in those circumstances. Cover is the main thing. The only thing actually. I shoot a bow seated as well.
Very informal video love it!!
Cool, informal is how I roll 😁
Excellent!
So weird not seeing you in sitka . Haha. How are you liking the first lite stuff so far? I run their baselayers as I think they have the best and have the corrugate pants as well
Jeff I’m trying the no-till with buckwheat this year but would like to establish some early usage in my plots (building herd). Can you recommend a seed I can mix a small amount with the buckwheat that won’t bother my fall planting?
I’m 22 I go up 15 to 20 feet. I’ve had a few deer walk pretty much under me and they didn’t notice. I just line up with the upper tree growth . Use a branch that will block the deer view of mine.
I have had properties or areas where I didn't need to go more than 10 ft and if you got any higher that you couldn't see I've hunted the edges of cutovers in a big pine tree in Georgia where I got as high as 25 to 30 ft
Jeff you mentioned a safety line system and we all see you always wearing a full harness, good job. Couple concepts about fall protection and prevention. I still see guys wearing a body belt connected to the lanyard which is connected to the tree, some call the body belt a “guy strap”. If a person falls, even a very short distance, or simply slips and the gut strap is holding your entire body weight there’s a dangerous situation called suspension trauma occurring while you are hanging from that gut strap. Organs are going to start shutting down in minutes. This is not due to the fall and the quick stop of the lanyard, that’s a different and equally horrible situation, rather I’m talking about what happens due to hanging from the lanyard and gut strap. Second thing, harnesses are decidedly the best option of the two, a person can still experience suspension trauma while in a harness, but you e got a lot more time to deal with getting out of that position. It’s important to situate the tree to lanyard attachment point in consideration of the fall. Will there be branches to stand on, or will the ladder be easy to reach while suspended from the lanyard. I think ladders like you use give a person the best opportunity for a self rescue should they fall while wearing a harness. Anyway thanks for setting a good example and frequently mentioning your lifeline and harness! Ksf
I use my hearing more than seeing it makes a lot of difference great video brother as always. Good luck to you and GOD BLESS you and your family and crew brother Amen 🙏
Im about 12 to 15feet up or in a ground blind I play the winds and weather and that works dam good sit and stay put till u shot and get out the only too time you move
I read a article years ago that was done by biologists that said when they went 20 feet or higher that they saw more deer. For years I hunted from a climbing stand and I always tried to sit at least 20 feet, but preferred around 24 off the ground. I did see more deer hunting this way, however I think the biggest factor was that I would move at least 50 to 80 yards every 2 to three days as people are easy to pattern and deer know this. Another big factor was going in from a different approach so your not patterned.
I would like to add this. How high is too high? In 1990 I had a great stand location where 5 trees came together at the base and separated about 15 feet at the top. I was able to start on the outside with a very steep angle on the stand heading up, then work my way around to the inside of the group of trees. I was 35 feet to my feet when I got level. I did shoot a 200lbs field dressed 12 point at 25 yards from my stand, however I aimed at the lowest side of the deer because all I could see to shoot at was the back of the deer. Not much to shoot at with a bow and arrow!!!
Awesome info! Would going lower help to get a double lung shot in more cases?
Also, what about a top x reasons for a mock scape fail video? I had one I tried to set up last year and I’m not sure the deer ever used it.
Hi Aaron! Unless the angle is super steep I don't think it makes a huge difference...but definitely if straight down no matter what the height.
Also that's a great idea...on the list to shoot soon ☺️
I've always based my tree stand height with my feet around the 20' mark. With hopes of the thermal climes will take my scent upward. Things that would change the height would be foliage to break up my outline. But at the end of the day, if I'm not playing the wind, I'd just educate the resident shooter bucks or does
What is the ladder system that you use? I've only used climbing sticks, but have a large oak I would like to hunt and seems the right play!
Hi Sir, I fell out of the tree several times while hanging stands "back in the 70's & 80's" so now I primarily use ladder stands and box blinds. Be safe.
Man Cris not good, glad you are safe. I LOVE the high quality ladder sticks we use along with Lifelines from HSS...just impossible to fall nowadays...
What brand of ladder rails are you using for your tree stands they look really safe.
Enjoyed the video, suggest a future video on how to best use box blinds for us older guys who can’t climb trees anymore
Hi Miles thank you! I hope that you like this one...I have a few for hunting on the ground 🙂
th-cam.com/video/Obaia-hOLzo/w-d-xo.html
Great stuff, thank you
Thank you Jeff you are very welcome!
My muddy safety tree-line is 26 feet long, so thats my limit. I really prefer to hang it based on back-cover more than height.
Switched to a saddle last year and just love it. Being so light and mobile has been huge for me and makes it so much fun however I am
not filming my hunts either but I know several do from saddles like The Hunting Public and DIY sportsman as well as Catman. I am 56 now but have been climbing trees since I was 12.
Hi Brad they are great for bad trees and being mobile...but I wouldn't trust them in tight quarters and mature buck hunting. Actually wouldn't allow them on the lands I own or hunt...spook factor too high.
I also like getting to a tree and going straight up. No changing clothes at the base, etc. Just can't see using one any time soon...
Lots of guys shoot mature big bucks from saddles. The hunting public is one. Might not be that good on small private parcels but great for state land where you have to walk in alot. Just be as quit as you can setting up your steps and wear your saddle in. I shot a 3 yr old 9 point last yr. In mine and in Michigan where I hunt that is a mature buck.
I’ve found a saddle works great in a lot of situations. I’m not an elitist. But it works for me...in both tight spots and open. It allows you to keep the tree between you and the deer. It also allows you to shoot if a deer comes in directly behind you. For me the main advantage was not having to carry in a heavy climber and find the “perfect tree” with no big limbs. Great video though on height and go into. Thanks!
Saddles are stupid
Cool story greg. I'm in Michigan too an get 4 to 5 year old every year with my bow
Any tips on self climbing tree stands thanks!
what do you think about that I have a stand that I call almost bulletproof because he's 26 feet high and I'm in a big maple every tree around are 15feet cedar and 75yards behind its a big lake I always though that with low pressure at that height and with a wind blowing in the lake direction deer behind me would not pick me up, I've never heard or seen a deer pick me up from there
I'd say in thick cover with a slug gun, would extra height would be beneficial. Not too much higher than the brush itself. Seeing through the brush would be a problem for anyone, even deer.
What do you suggest for hunters that are afraid of heights.
Any advice for hunting on a cattle farm. My grandfather in law is letting me scout and hunt his 100 acre cattle farm this season. The whole property is fenced minus 3 acres and were the houses are. Its surrounded by wooded land. Any advice for cattle farm hunting?
do you practice with your bow sitting down a lot since you hunt sitting down?
I've been hunting in eastern ky and I haven't seen a buck over 120' Carter co. Is where I hunt are there bigger bucks than that?
Thanks Jeff
You are very welcome Bob!
I have a sitting deer stand. I just started bow hunting. I normally shoot deer at 20 yards using a rifle. What is the good height I can shoot from with a bow without being seen, in normal forest cover, and still hit the deer at close range? I have been told that I can miss at close range if I get too high in my stand.
I like a good oak that holds leaves until February. Low level branches using sticks and a hang on only up 15-17 ft. Have deer come right under me.
Heck I hunt out of those cheap buddy stands from Walmart. I think they are only like what 15' or something like that?
Do you set your 3rd axis on ypur sight?
What is your take on the saddle hunting?
I find if I'm in a thick area or an area where my shot is only going to be like 15 to 20 yards, the higher you go the steeper of an angle the shot will be and thus making it harder
Amen Jeremy...really great point - I definitely missed that one in the video!
Last year we put up a hang on stand that's 6 ft off the ground to the platform to accommodate a hunter who was having some health problems and could not climb a tall ladder. We of course call it the 6 foot stand and two deer were killed out of it last year. I think it comes down to how concealed you are
Right on Robert i agree an seen the same some spots cant be real high
15-20 ft. Is all I've ever hunted. Staying still and making sure you have a good background to break you up is more important than being higher in a tree IMO. I also like to be able to shoot 360° around me so never used conifers, too much trimming and destruction of a tree.
I noticed when you pulled your bow back you didnt have your trigger finger behind the release trigger...I always pull back with my finger behind release..safety..love your info tho..God bless..
I seen that video of the muzzle loader hunt
2021 6 pt out of a saddle this year roughly 12 feet in the air. 1st out of a saddle 2nd yr running it. You'll def be spotted. Again about the hunting g skill and knowing when to make a move. I know I did. Lol
Spot on 23 ft I noted at the end of the shelter belt straight line of sight for Ol timber too see me, I was laughing, thought I covered angles, lol
I'm not a hunter, but I enjoy outdoor pictures.I call myself an armchair hunter. I 👍 wearing camo!
Don't forget the higher up the smaller the vitals..I think picking a tree with good back cover, sitting still, and Knowing when to draw.Is key..Knowing this, you can most def shoot deer at 15-18ft..Back drop cover is huge..
Early season I stay mostly between 14-20 ft bc of the greenery, but late season into January I regularly DRT in my saddle up to 40 but mostly around 30-35 ish, I like the height (even though they scare me) but something about being a little higher makes me feel better when they’re closer, in the thick woods I’m not worried about deer at 100yds, or even 60 in most matters but the extra height though it may not matter that much (in fact I know it doesn’t bc I’ve killed deer from the ground with a bow) being still is paramount and using DRT sometimes I purposely pick big oaks in a forest of poles and it’s 30 ft to nestle in the canopy to better hide myself. I only hunt public land along the river in Louisiana where most woods is huge oak forests and thick palmetto. Pro tip: to cover scent just soak in doe piss for 24hrs, seems to work fine 😂 jk obviously, good stuff🤘
I have a quick question.. how do I get over my fear of heights to get up in a tree? Whats the minimum height you think for a stand? Or does it go back to elevation and the lay of land and thinking about what's at eye level for them?
You eventually just get used to it, I know the first time getting in it each year there’s slight nerves but after that it feels normal.
I've wounded more deer being at 21 or higher. Way to sharp of an Angle for bows. Especially wen thier close
Hey brother I just got out of therapy on my right shoulder the bad stuff ain’t got here yet lolllllllllll.
When did you switch to first-lite clothes? Or did I miss that in another video?
Hi Denny! About 2 months ago? Been incredible to be a part of true whitetail team...loving the gear too!!
th-cam.com/video/BMHeWyAJYjQ/w-d-xo.html
Good info for new new bow hunter like me but I'm sure you would challenge your skills here in Ontario when 1/2 day sitting are impossible unless you enjoy hypothermia, you scent go down not up crunchy snow yup you do appreciate a trophy spike by mid December lol
Angle, end of the shelter belt, literally straight across, almost died laughing in the tree stand, about 25' off the ground, lol
Can you do a video for sitting on the ground and hunting
Hi Kent...I have a few others too, just need to type in a Google search and they will typically be at the top depending on how you word it. Hope you like this one...
th-cam.com/video/Obaia-hOLzo/w-d-xo.html