Hunting Spot

[Bwana]

How long do you typically stay in one hunting spot before going on to another stand location? I generally set up on two hunting spots and will divide my time equally betwen the two for the duration of the trip to avoid using a spot too much.

Also, I set up a couple of spots around the area I wish to hunt. An example: If I were to want to hunt a creek crossing point I will set up two to three locations around that spot and hunt the proper spot based on prevailing wind directions each morning. Does anyone else do this to keep the wind in your favor? Several in my hunting party say it is unnesscary so I am wondering If I am putting in too much effort.

[SR-Mechead]

I have two stands and and I will use my climber to try other spots. I think it depends on how much time you spend in the woods. I hope to spend a lot of time this year.

[spk131]

I set up 6 different spots on my property then if i add my dads and my brothers there is a lot of treestands.

[tedshunter]

Let your friends tell you what they want,it's who harvests the deer at the end of the season and who did not.It always helps to have the wind on your side,but then again if I am seeing deer at one particular spot verses my standby spots I will stay near that spot and just try to keep the wind in your favor.Remember a deer's nose is thier best defense so if you can eliminate that part of the equation that is one less thing you have to worry about.

[hunting man]

I dont like too many stands close to each other. The less traffic in the area I hunt, The better I seem to do. The best hunts are the first times I use a stand that year. I have never set-up more than 2 stands on one trail. I like to use a stand for a day or 2 then change to the other end of the farm for another day or two. The most I hunt a spot is during rifle season. Then the blind is back off the trails enough it doesnt seem to both the deer movement. I will then hunt the first 4 days straight daylight till after dark in the same seat. I havent had to hunt those 4 days in many years though. I tag out on the first couple hunts most years.

[Joe Archer]

I think using Scent-Loc, scent free boots, Scent Killer spray, and using the same trail to your stand really helps keep it from burning out. This year I didn't take a deer on my property until November 10th in a stand I had been hunting since October. I moved out to State land for the last part of the rut and with mock scrapes, and grunts a larger buck in the area kept getting closer and closer every. He finally offered me a shot on the 4th day of my hunt from that stand.
Generally, I think if you keep your scent down, don't get busted, or don't spook deer.... you can hunt a single spot for a long long time. <----<<<

[LReed]

I've got 10 stands on my property. There is three of us hunting it and we try to move around and make sure that we do not over hunt one particular stand. We basically decide on which stand we use on wind direction, deer activity, and whether it's a morning or evening hunt. But I really don't have any multiple stands on one location.

[brdhntr]

Depends on the situation for me. In Ky where I only have 5 days to hunt, I will spend at least 3 of the 5 in one stand, unless I see signs the deer are on to me. I take what some would think are excessive precautions when going in and out, and I will move my stand a few yards one way or the other almost every day. Here in MI, where I have plenty of time and space to hunt, I will avoid sitting in the same spot 2 days in a row. I may hunt the same trail, but usually at least 100 yds from where I sat the day before. This involves a lot of carrying stands in and out ( I prefer climbers, but have a lightweight loc-on and ladder, too), but it pays off big dividends come the end of the year.

[mich buckmaster]

I have 26 stand locations and some are within 40 yards apart!! I always use wind direction NO MATTER how much scent lok, rubber boots, etc that I use. I have stands set up for ALL wind directions. I WILL NOT hunt the same stand two nights in a row unless the 1st night went COMPLETELY undetected with perfect wind. If the wind swirles even a little I wont hunt that stand location for another few weeks. If I sight a HUGE buck one night, I probably wont hunt that stand for another 3 days. I have a theory that BIG mature bucks make about a 3 day pattern.

Just my 02

[Whit1]

Never, I repeat NEVER ignore or downgrade the effect of wind direction, not only the primary direction, but also th way terrain and treelines deflect the wind. If you friends pooh-pooh your efforts, let them, but do ahead and be prepared. One of the greatest truisms in deer hunting is that a deer will never (NEVER...there's that word again) approach a hunter it can smell.

[jme]

Gotta play the wind and do all you can to reduce your scent - regardless of what your friends say. I typically have 3 stands set up based on prevailing winds. A couple other trees near each of these are prepared in case the wind dictates. A portable tree stand is then carried in and quickly set up. I don't have a problem hunting the same stand two days in a row. However, I sure respect the opinion of those who only go one day at a time.

Can't wait!
John E.
Ypsi

[farmlegend]

I WILL NOT hunt the same stand two nights in a row unless the 1st night went COMPLETELY undetected with perfect wind. If I sight a HUGE buck one night, I probably wont hunt that stand for another 3 days.

mb, I think you need to put in more morning hunts. :D

[stream wader]

have hunted the same stand for 14 years and never have a problem filling my tags,one thing that helps is having wife drive me out to stand and drop me off at base of tree. usualy have deer appearing in field before she is back to the house.

[Ole Spike]

I don't think you can ever put too much effort into deer hunting. I agree with mich buckmaster about bucks following a three day pattern. This is something you don't hear about much, but after 25 years of hard hunting (most years anyway) I swear there is something to it. I believe in thorough scouting and once you feel you've found the right area-stay out of it until you hunt! Keep scent to a minimum, don't touch anything on the way in and be quiet-even on your way out after dark. Seems like the less I hunt a particular stand, the more deer I see when I do hunt it.
Remember, persistence pays and hard work will be rewarded.

[wild bill]

for me it depends on where i am hunting. at my place up north i move around a lot more not trying to over hunt an area. on my property behind my house i have hunted the same stand all season and my deer sightings have been the same but i also spend a lot of time on my property behind the house and i think the deer are used to human activity.