Pennsylvania Game News - November 2021 - 60

With the help of a friend, hang your
stand well in advance of the season to
allow time for the area to settle down. On
private lands, this task usually takes place
in August or September in case I wish
to double the stand as an archery hide.
Then I can trim lanes for visibility and
have plenty of time to make adjustments
when necessary.
I also like to add a hoist rope and
accessory hook at this time, which can
be strapped to either the tree itself or
the stand frame for stowing other gear.
Think about sensible placement of these
add-ons. The last thing you want is for a
scoped rifle to be catching on every rung
of a ladder or nearby brush or gear hooks
on its way up the tree. Set it off to the side,
with clearance to be lifted and lowered
unobstructed.
If hunting public land, you might use
the window between archery and firearms
season to accomplish the task of erecting
your stand, but have a plan for transporting
it to and from your location. Be sure
not to damage any trees in the process,
and consider locking the stand in place to
avoid unwanted tampering or theft.
Ideally, tuck the stand into a tree
that offers some degree of concealment
from surrounding vegetation, such as
an evergreen, split-trunk hardwood or
other means of natural cover to break up
your outline. If none is present, consider
adding a piece of camo netting to conceal
movement and hide the metal frame. It's
an extra touch that can help fool the eyes
of a wary whitetail.
SAFETY FIRST
As with any hunting scenario, safety
should be a top priority, especially when
hunting with a firearm from a tree stand.
First and foremost, always wear a
safety harness, even if your stand has a
60
wrap-around bar. Be sure your safety
orange is visible over top of that harness
so you can be seen by other hunters and
meet the 250-square-inch requirement as
per regulation.
Check to make sure your firearm
is fully unloaded before climbing or
descending the stand and use a rope to
hoist the gun with the muzzle pointing
downward. Be sure to tie fast your gun
well above the ground to avoid getting
any blockages of debris in the barrel. Once
securely in your stand, hoist your firearm,
untie it, check the safety, and if lawful
shooting hours have begun, load up.
Be sure that any shot you take has a
safe backdrop, pass up skyline shots, and
always be aware of other hunters in the
vicinity. If hunting with a party, communicate
with others where you intend to be
hunting so they can use the same good
judgement. With necessary precautions
at the forefront, everyone can have a safe,
enjoyable hunt.
WHEN, NOT IF
There's no doubt hunting from a tree
stand in firearms season provides a real
advantage.
A well-placed stand with a solid rest,
an elevated view of known travel areas,
and clear unobstructed shooting lanes
can prove an asset to any gun hunter. Add
concealment, comfort, and safety, and you
can't go wrong.
Assess the best vantage on your hunting
property, hang a stand with time
to spare before the season, and devote
yourself to making adjustments as you
learn the patterns of how the deer utilize
the terrain and cover within the vicinity.
In time, you'll find yourself asking
not " if " but " when " your next buck will
arrive as you experience more consistent
firearms season success.
Pennsylvania Game News - November 2021

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