Success From 5ft Up?

[Randy Koleno]

When my kids outgrew their gym set, we removed the slide, pole, rope and anything hanging out too far. It wasn't easy, but we carried it to a spot on our camp land so we could see above some laurel. There has been a number of deer killed there, (gun) at very close range. It can be done, but I always feel exposed there.

[Bill Turner]

The first buck I ever killed was from a stand that had my feet about 6 ft off the ground. I regularly hunt from 10 to 12 ft ladders. I even have two 7 ft. aluminum tri-pods I use in heavy cover. Of course, as Terry says, it all depends on the circumstances. Try it, you'll like it.

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

...just sit on the ground five foot up a hill side at a funnel !. save carring in extra ###

[hvyhitter]

Have used a low stand like that twice with success...in NC swamps where the brush was so thick that you would have to crawl in and no tall trees. At ground level you couldnt see 6 ft but 5 ft up put you high enough to see the deer moving and find shooting lanes. Same situation in the mountain laural in western MD.

[njloco]

I did just that last season. I would guess to say I was at 8-10' I had a buck come out just as I was about to get down due to low light conditions. This buck was so curious as to what I was, he came up the tree like a dog would when it trees it's prey. He just stood there leaning against the tree looking at me for about 20 seconds. I almost started to laugh, but I held it together. I moved a little to fast to get the shot and that's when he jumped but only about 15-20 yds. Too dark to see any branches around him, so I just watched until he left.

I carry two lone wolf three step section's with me and a lone wolf alpha stand (it's very light) I stalk for awhile before I decide if or where I'll go up into a tree, I say trying it is the only way you'll find out. I would figure out how high the canopy is, and go just above it. Over here it's about 8-12 feet high.

Good luck

[Hookeye]

I have a stand in my bud's woods that's 6 ft to the platform. It's not in a stand of trees, is in a single trunk tree with no branches until way up.

It's about 5 yds in inside the fence.

Along the fence a big tree fell, and on the other side there's a crop field.

I used the stand to set up behind some of the fallen tree. A little better visibility to see when the deer are coming into the field, have passed on several small bucks there.

Never knew I was around.

The tree is wide enough to cover most of my silhouette.

Think that sometimes more important than stand height.

[Wannabe1]

With the stand on the uphill side of the trail I'm looking at, 5' off the ground gives me good cover and a downhill shot that is not to extreme. Shooting from the ground does not provide very good shooting lanes due to the height of the brush. With 5-6 feet up, it will put me above the underlying brush. The tree I'm looking to put the stand in, is only approx. 12yds from the trail. I think blending will be ok but, it's the movement of bringing the bow up that worries me.

I'm assuming that broadside might not be the best shot opportunity? Does quartering away as the deer passes sound best?

[browndown]

If your going to do it ,make sure you have a good backdrop and good cover scent. I won't go below 15' but usaually I'm at 20'. Good hunting

[Hookeye]

I like 15-18 ft for trad bows, higher for gun or compounds.

But sometimes it's just not needed (or doable).

Must say, I'd rather be 5 or 6 ft off the ground than stuck inside a tent type of blind.

[xtrema312]

I would not bother getting up less than 12'.  unless you have a multi trunk trees or other cover to slip into.  I think you are better off to get a leafy suite to go with it if setting low.  Maybe set it near the ground.  That makes a nice seat, and quiet foot movement.  I have done that when I didn't want to pack climbing stuff or had a tree that would work.

[BrianH]

I have to disagree with some of you.  Several years ago I set up my lone wolf in the dark one morning about four feet off the ground, just enough to get me above the undergrowth.  Killed two does that morning and all I had on was a black and green plaid shirt.  Camo means nothing if you move at the wrong time.  

Oh, and this was a single trunk tree on the edge of a small beaver pond, both does were in the same group, shot the first one on the opposit side of the pond and when the other does ran around the pond to my side, I shot the second.

[Wannabe1]

That's what I was looking for! My stand will just put me above the undergrowth also and as I stated, should have an easy downhill shot. I will be putting my scenario to the test possibly this Saturday before heading to my main hunting area to hunt a trail I have been watching all summer.

[bornagainbowhunter]

Each spot that you hunt requires a different setup.  I have hunted in spots that have deep gulleys where my stand is only there to keep my feet out of the leaves so I can turn quietly.  I have also had spots where I had to be 30' in order to get proper placement.  You always have to consider cover, wind, line of sight and ability to get a shot off. Every time.

[kstout]

I killed a black bear in Ontario hunting an area that had been clear cut.  The biggest trees were about 5-6" at 6 feet above the ground.  I put my stand in a spruce about 6 feet high.  The first night I heard something below me and looked down to see a bear straight below, looking up at me.  I held still, and he started toward the bait.  I took the shot at about 12 feet,,and the bear went about 30 yards before going down.  So I think 5-6' is sufficient with good cover.

[Wannabe1]

bornagainbowhunter: You are absolutely correct and that's why the main trail I intend to hunt, my stand  will be about 15ft up.  

[lpcjon2]

If you have cover and can position it in the rite spot you can.No different from being on foot.Just have to make sure you have the appropriate cover and be still.If you stand up and can align your body with the tree they won't make out your shape.