In all my years of hunting I have hardly use a tree stand. Not that I dislike them but I learned to hunt on the ground. I always have cool encounters from a treestands but ether from lack of confidence in them or my impatience I end up on the ground. I have mainly still hunted(most of my success) and built natural ground blinds. Spot and stock hunting is hard around here(not impossible) because alot of terrian is high flat plateau country with thick timber. I have a treesaddle,two hang on's and a latter stand to hang before late August. I am looking for any kind of tip from saftey to picking the right tree.

hey Jim, I've used them here for elk sucessfully (no kill, but shot opportunity). I find a good water source for elk. It can be frustrating for those of us used to running and gunning, but it is also very rewarding. I haven't figured out the mulies yet out of stands anyways. Good luck down there  

Always were a safety harness
Think about the expected travel route of the animal in relation to the sun
Try to have good cover in the tree
Wind direction
Entry and exit route for the stand

I was raised in a treestand and feel the exact opposite of you, naked and exposed on the ground.

Boy I have sure had close calls in the treesaddle with elk and waterholes but no luck on elk that way yet. Tough to find waterholes that don't get hunted to death with all are easy road access around here. Most of the water and wallows only get hit at night. They did close a few roads last year in one of my elk spots so maybe that will help.
Your shirts are sure looking cool I'm going to have to get one. Good luck on that moose,maybe next year I will put in and not just for pionts.

Try to set-up with good background cover, taller trees, evergreen, etc. Helps keep from being picked off. Set-up for predominate wind direction, and try not to have the sun in your eyes Good luck. Ditto the safety harness.

Never hunted elk from a treestand..but for safety I would always use a harness, don't put up in dead tree. Also be aware of high winds if you are in area with lots of dead timber.

Safety is first, comfort is second. If height bothers you, dont go that high. A nice seat will go a long ways in staying still, alert and able at crunch time. Make sure you have a good back drop and good cover to prevent skylighting your outline.

Always check the tree you want to set up in. In the fall, sometimes leaves arent there...make sure the wood is solid, and it isnt near any widowmakers.

Spend the little extra cash it takes and get a rope to attach to at ground level. Climb safely.
And always try to make sure atleast two people know where you are, when you will be back, and how to find that spot if needed.

Always wear a harness and set the stand (and use the saddle) in your backyard before the season starts.Get familiar with it in the yard before you put it in the woods away from any help.Build your confidence by shooting out of it first.The rest will be learned from trial and error.

You don't necessarily have to practice from THE treestand...but practice shooting from something about the same height.


Shooting "down" on an animal really really messes me up, on both trajectory and form.