How to setup

[splatek]

I am a relatively new hunter. This is my second season. I've been using the LWHC and I typically hunt the big woods of the Southern Appalachians/North Georgia Mountains for deer and bear. My question is: Is there a good resource (youtube, link on here, something else) for setting up in the big woods (or in general) with respect to the following things that I 1) think are important and 2) have noticed that I might need some help one.

1) hang height: I've been listening to the D-Aquisto podcast and the routinely talk about going "2 sticks" high - about 12-14 feet. I've found myself doing this by default. But, sometimes I find when deer come over the ridge, like a small finger ridge, they are at or just below eye level with me. Last night they didn't smell me, but they certainly did not like what they saw hanging from the tree.

2) tree selection: using the LWHC, which might change for at least one parcel I am hunting, but tree selection is an issue for me. How do you choose between cover and shooting lanes/openings? I found myself recently sitting in a tree I found in the morning dark up pretty high about 16-18 feet, with a lot of shot opportunities, but sort of out in the middle of an oak flat. I wonder if I should have set up along the edge of that flay, but that would have only given me a few shooting lanes because of the thick cover around. I am using a stick bow, so that also limits shot opportunities.

3) Cover.

I know there is not a one size fits all - "sit in this type of tree and you will kill deer" setup, but I just know there are a lot of way more successful and skilled hunters on this forum and I am asking for sort of eMentoring for tree platform placement in the bigwoods if anybody has any advice I am all ears....

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bowhunter5262]

To me, picking one trail to shoot to has been hard. I've always wanted many shot opportunities. That being said, those trees usually do not have the cover you may need and usually force you into some sort of thermal hub that plays into the deers advantage. Im forcing myself this year, at least when archery hunting, to set up downwind of singular trails where I have more cover, whether the cover is ground level or 25' up a tree. Doing this, I've experienced more deer sightings and less deer blowing.

 

[Buckkillr]

Hanging out in no-mans land without heavy cover is no good unless your 20+ft. Of course there's the possibility of a deer coming in from opposite side of tree and it'll work but once there to the side of you your in trouble.
If at all possible find a beech tree, if you have any or similar. They keep most leaves all year and you can hide really good. My last tree was only slightly bigger than a softball but so many leaves and branches that there was zero chance of being seen but there was a hole big enough that I tied back a few branches and that provided plenty of room to draw.
Deer are edge creatures so more times than not they won't be far off a edge or transition of some kind.

 

[splatek]

To me, picking one trail to shoot to has been hard. I've always wanted many shot opportunities. That being said, those trees usually do not have the cover you may need and usually force you into some sort of thermal hub that plays into the deers advantage. Im forcing myself this year, at least when archery hunting, to set up downwind of singular trails where I have more cover, whether the cover is ground level or 25' up a tree. Doing this, I've experienced more deer sightings and less deer blowing.

Thanks man. I will take that into consideration. I am so new that any advice is helpful.