A Beginner’s Guide to Deer Hunting Stands

Discover how deer hunting stands can benefit your hunting game.

One of the best things you can use while hunting deer is a tree stand. Deer hunting stands are great for a number of reasons.

They get you off the ground. This not only gets you out of the deer’s line of sight. But it also helps reduce the amount of your scent at ground level.

You’ll also have a better view of the surrounding terrain. This includes the deer you’re hunting. Different types of tree stands offer different benefits, but they can all help you be a better hunter.

Types of Deer Hunting Stands

Ladder Deer Hunting Stands

Ladder stands are a good option if you’re not doing a lot of mobile deer hunting. They’re a bit heavier and more difficult to move. But they provide great stability and safety.

Climbing Deer Hunting Stands

Climbing deer stands are great for solo hunters who need to move their stand. You have more options of places you can hunt. And you can get closer to the target.

If you use a climbing tree stand, make sure you have a hunter safety harness for climbing and while sitting in the stand.

Hang-On Deer Hunting Stands

If you’re looking for a bit of a physical challenge, go with a hang-on stand. While you need to be in good shape to use these stands, their versatility is worth it.

You can set them up in almost any tree, making them great for bow hunting.

For a more in-depth look at the different types of tree stands, visit our article about choosing the right one.

Deer Stand Plans

Another important part of using a deer hunting stand is finding the right place to put it. Proper placement can make all the difference in a successful hunt.

Survey the terrain, and look for secondary paths that other deer hunters aren’t using. Also look for deer trails in soft mud or under fallen leaves.

And it’s a good idea to look for the deer’s water and food sources. Look around the soft, muddy edges of water sources for deer prints. Deer feed on alfalfa, corn, and clover, so look for fields of those foods.

To learn more about placing your stand, read through our hunting tree stand placement tips.

Once you’ve found your ideal hunting area, you have to pick a tree. The tree you choose can greatly depend on what kind of hunting stand you’re using.

Ladder and climbing deer hunting stands both require perfectly-sized trees with little to no branches. Hang-on hunting stands are more versatile. And you can use them in practically any tree, if you can physically get up there.

For more tips and guides to prepare for hunting season, visit our Hunting Blog.