Perching above a deer’s line of sight is an excellent ambush strategy. Drawing a bow at ground level or raising a crossbow is often instantly detected, followed by a snort and a flash of a white tail. Elevating your ambush point is a proven strategy; today’s hunters have more options than ever. From enclosed blinds to climbing models to saddle stands, the latest invention, can dramatically increase your odds.
Think Safety First
Elevated stands can be dangerous, even in elementary settings despite their effectiveness. A hunter I know had two sturdy ladder stands that seemed incredibly safe. One had a branch above the top step, and the other did not. After an afternoon hunt, he began to climb down the ladder and reached for the branch above the wrong stand. He fell 17 feet, which resulted in devastating injuries. Luckily, his family knew where he hunted, and first responders flew him to a hospital by helicopter.
National Deer Association Review
The NDA provides a comprehensive review of your tree stand options. This is a great organization, and I gladly share their information. For the full rundown on tree stand options, click HERE
