Recommended tree stands and ground blinds?

[krist003]

Hey group. Any suggestions on lightweight/packable and quick setup tree stands or ground blinds for socal? There are a lot of options out there! I have always been a spot and stalk kind of guy, but I might give a blind or tree stand a try a little this archery deer season. For those who use them, what do you use?

 

[ilovesprig]

Private or public?

 

[TheGDog]

Just bring a 3D Leafy suit, and hold still. Have you tried one yet?

 

[HATCHET1]

Sitting does not work for this mammal hunter..stick and move...ishi did not sit in blinds..he was a hunter gatherer..last of his kind.

 

[QuePasaJames]

Ladder stand or climbing tree stand? In my experience, a ladder stand feels way safer. If you've never used a climbing stand, I would suggest going with someone who has the first few times. They can be pretty scary, and many things can go wrong. If that bottom piece slips off your feet or off the tree, hold on for dear life!!!

One of my buddy's best friends died using a climbing stand. Just be careful I guess. Don't skimp on your safety gear, and definitely use a harness.

 

[krist003]

I would use it on public ground. I’m not much of a sit still guy either, but was kicking around the idea of trying it out in an area that I know they would pass through. I could always sell them if it’s not for me. A blind could come in handy for turkeys too.

I can’t imagine being in a tree stand for more than 3-4 hours. Not sure I would want to sit much longer in a blind either. Deer can’t see worth a damn if you stay still but thats hard to do when you are drawing a bow.

 

[ilovesprig]

Deer can't see worth a damn?....I've had does pin me just after I blinked....lol

 

[HATCHET1]

Id like to hunt that deer..

 

[krist003]

Well I might have been exaggerating a little, but I don’t blink either. I squint my eyes if they are close. Something about eyes that animals don’t like.
Im certainly not the deer whisperer but I’ve had so many encounters where they walk within 10 yards and if you are still enough they look right through you. They may move their head up and down trying to see you but can’t quiet make out what is there. Then after long enough they go back to what they are doing.
I’ve only been around a mere 34 years but I’ve never been too impressed with their eyesight, but smell, yes.

 

[stikbrandon]

Well I might have been exaggerating a little, but I don’t blink either. I squint my eyes if they are close. Something about eyes that animals don’t like.
Im certainly not the deer whisperer but I’ve had so many encounters where they walk within 10 yards and if you are still enough they look right through you. They may move their head up and down trying to see you but can’t quiet make out what is there. Then after long enough they go back to what they are doing.
I’ve only been around a mere 34 years but I’ve never been too impressed with their eyesight, but smell, yes.

Hmmm

 

[krist003]

I guess I’m alone on this one, lol. Boy did this thread go off course

 

[Kellendv]

I guess I’m alone on this one, lol. Boy did this thread go off course

I’ve had lots of encounters like that in Texas. I do think recognizing movement is what they are best at and agree that vision is not their best sense, but they are very good at picking up movement. A blind allows you to get away with a lot more. But I’ve had plenty of opportunities just sitting under a tree....

 

[ilovesprig]

OK....Back on course...lol...I've only killed 4 bucks with my bow...2 with a pop-up blind and 2 without...Both bucks shot without, saw me when I drew back...Both ran a goodly distance....The 2 bucks that I shot from the pop-up were relaxed and didn't go far at all...There may not be any correlation, but I know I was more relaxed as well with the shot.

 

[krist003]

Yeah I find myself sitting there for long periods of time afraid to draw my bow because I think they are just going to blow out of there as soon as I do. A little paranoia I guess. Which sometimes is good because it gives my heart some time to slow down a little!

The blinds sure do cover up some movement, but the more I think about it, i'm not sure if I would like one. Seems like a tree stand or full blind would hinder you in just as many situations as it would help. Maybe I will look for one of those portable stake out blinds just to get a little more concealment in open areas. Leafy suit sounds interesting, but I am more concerned about the movement than the camo or breakup.

 

[Baller]

I too am looking at getting a portable ground blind. I think there are certain places/times that it can be an advantage, specifically during bow season. Hopefully someone with some real insight that uses them will chime in instead of the typical knuckleheads that always wanna take it off topic.

 

[ilovesprig]

I wear leafyflage for most game that sees movement well....I think face paint is pretty important too.

Ed F.?

.

 

[Bowman]

Options
Ladder stand
Hang up stand
Blind

Ladder stand with the most visibility and comfort.

Hang up stand good visibility but depending on the design and comfort.
Can be very uncomfortable.. lol

Blind , comfortable, don't worry about movement. But can be less visibility in shooting lane.
Steve had a cool blind..

Sitting at a tree has lots of avantage and dis-avantage. It depends on how well you conceal your self.

PS all work lol
I have had issues with still Hunting
As soon as I drew my bow , hey heard me and was busted..lol

 

[TheGDog]

I can’t imagine being in a tree stand for more than 3-4 hours. Not sure I would want to sit much longer in a blind either. Deer can’t see worth a damn if you stay still but thats hard to do when you are drawing a bow.

You have to wait until they pass behind a tree or bush that's in-between the two of you. Or until they put their head down to nibble. Then you draw back slowly. If you can't draw back slowly, that just means you've got your bow cranked up too high. Rt now I'm at 54Lbs and thats about the max I can do slowly, due to shoulder injuries.

 

[Bowman]

And it gets worse the older you get.
Shoulder, arm back lok

 

[TheGDog]

MAke sure to couple the Leefyflage gear with a leafyflage boonie hat. And wear a mesh face mask with it. And yeah.. a little face paint to break up the forehead/eye area.


The boonie really breaks up the outline of your head... AND... seems to make the bugs not see ya as well also. I had a big decrease in how many flying insects try to come up to me when I'm in the leafy or Mesh Ghillie and have the Mesh Face Mask on. the fluttering of the leaves in the breeze seems to help shoo'em away. And for goodness sake don't forget liner gloves! Hands stick out like a sore thumb!