Just curious on how folks try to set up.  Would you rather have game come past you from the rear, from the front or from the side?

I usually setup the way that gives me the most background cover for the direction I "think" the deer will be coming from.  Since I usually shoot from a standing position I can easily turn any direction to shoot.  I find I move more though if I can't see in the direction I expect deer from.  Being able to watch with minimal head movement has it's advantages too.

my personal preference (if possible) is to have the tree between me and the  deer as it approaches.  That is if the tree is lacking in back cover.  And of coarse the deer usually show up from where I'm not expecting them anyway.
joe

In the piney woods, climbing treestands prevail. Standing up will leave a good view of most any direction. Much prefer a shot in front of me to any direction 45 degrees from center. Seems deer come from behind too many times.

I set up with the tree behind me. That way I'm not moving around peaking to see what's coming and I can swing either way they come by.

I like them coming from the front with tree cover in front and behind. I plan for a shot on the right since I am a lefty. I leave quite a bit of foliage so I can remain hidden especially as I like my shots to be about 12-15 yards.

I set my stand up, if possible, to shoot off the side of the stand, with the left side being my best shot. I prefer shots to the left and right of the stand because those are the easiest to get perfect alignment.

I like when they pass on my left at a bend that goes to the left in the trail. I set up on the outside of that bend.

I hunt from the ground so I plan to stand up to shoot...its easy enough to shift one way or the other. I sit facing whichever way gives me the best background cover....helps me stay hidden

I set up so they come in behind, and stay behind me, keeping the tree trunk, 4 bushes and a few limbs in the way so its impossible to ever get a shot. It turns out that way so much I must be doing it deliberatly !  

QuoteOriginally posted by mnbwhtr:
I set up with the tree behind me. That way I'm not moving around peaking to see what's coming and I can swing either way they come by.

Ditto for me also.

I prefer to setup where animals can approach from the rear if I am stationary. I usually have a backdrop as well as concealment in front so it doesn't matter. I just prefer the rear approach it gives me more time to check out the animals alertness and more time for a optimal shot. I use the same theory as bedded bucks they bed with wind at their back and use their eyes to look forward. They smell what's coming from behind and see what's in front. I can listen for the rear approach and look forward for twitching tails and ears or white spots that were not there before. That is a little tip I learned in the Marines make a mental note of the terrain or sketch it if needed and then look for what was not there before. It's not always what you see but what you didn't before that gives you the most info.

I like to set up on an inside curve on a trail or form the side. Hap