Before heading out into the wood always carefully check each and every one of your tree stands for worn or broken hardware. If you have any questions contact the manufacturer of the stand. This is also a good time to check for any squeaks or creaks verses discovery once hung in a tree.
When determining tree stand location try not to get stuck on finding the perfect tree. Keep in mind your deer hunting, not tree hunting. Consider trees that are most importantly a comfortable shooting distance from the trail, offer adequate cover, and are downwind from the direction deer are expected to come from. Always remember that once your busted the hunt is over and a trophy buck may even avoid the area in the future. Also consider travel to the stand location without having to cross and trails while staying downwind of any deer. Creeks make excellent travel routes to reduce and scent trails.
Given a choice of trees to hang a stand in the larger tree will typically be the best choice. Larger trees provide more cover to your back and sides will prevent deer from silhouetting you. Larger trees also create more shadows and it is always better to look out from shadows into brighter lit areas, than to be in light, and be looking into darker areas. Being in less light also helps to reduce any glare from shiny reflective surfaces on hunting equipment.
Avoid getting to high in the early season as this is when the foliage on trees is the densest. While cover is great for concealment you still need to be able to see approaching deer in order to get ready without being detected. This extra time is also needed to make sure a buck is the right one.
Take the time to sit in a stand once hung and identify shooting lanes. Next take the time to cut any limbs or saplings that may cause an arrow to glance. Be sure not to make any major changes as these could be detected by deer using the area. If to much cutting is necessary consider another tree to hang your stand in.
Never hunt from a tree stand without wearing a safety harness. Even a ten foot fall could kill you or cause an injury to remove you from the duration of the hunting season. Do your self and relatives a favor by buckling up.
