Tree Stands - Sit or Stand to Shoot?

[Goke]

Thanks All. I'm going to give the adding height to the seat thing a go. That sounds like a good idea. I'm partial to standing as well but its interesting to see everyones preferences and the rationale for them.

[Bill Carlsen]

While I would prefer standing to shoot I have had some physical problems that have "forced" me to set up my stands for what I expect to be a sitting shot. I have degenerative disc disease in my lower back. For several years the pain in my left leg would not allow me to stand for very long. I did the PT thing and got that pretty well under control then had meniscus surgery on the left knee. Now that I can stand for longer periods I have been caught sitting and then found out that when I sit for a while and go to stand that left knee goes "crack"...and it is loud. So I stand when I can but I try to set my stands for that sitting shot because if they come in quietly and they get to within 40 yards and I try to stand it's game over...I'm busted!

[ChuckC]

of course, you can always place your stand so that you can shoot (while sitting) at the location you expect the deer to pass, much easier in the thick marsh where I hunt, and keep the stand in the thick stuff so that you have no other opportunity.  That keeps you from worrying about it and keeps the wiley deer from seeing a lot of movement. . .  just raise bow, draw, and  well, tell us !
ChuckC

[greg fields]

I stand also, never hunted out of a blind, so not sure what I would have to do there.

[YORNOC]

I try not to sit at all.  I feel more confident standing.

[JamesV]

I hunt from a ground blind and shoot sitting, usually deer are in close when I see them so if I stand I mostly get busted. Hogs are not as tall and with bad eyesight I usually stand to be able to shoot down in the cover.

[59Alaskan]

Standing, but practice both.  You never know when a deer is going to come in and you just can't stand up or you'll be busted.

I will practice contorted sitting shots for this reason.

Sitting for me. I am already sitting when I first se the deer and don't have all the movement of me trying to get stood up.

Bisch

[Widowbender]

Both, depending on the situation...I dont take a shot at game from a position I haven't practiced though...

[xtrema312]

I am with Charlie and the others who like to stand for more mobility and more natural shooting position.  I also like the extra bow limb clearance I get.  I like to be tight to the tree as much as possible to reduce my outline.  I have been busted too may times setting and sticking out form the tree to much.  I hunt with stick ladders and hang on stands most of the time so I am only up about 16-18'.  I like the shot angle this gives me, but you have to be a little more careful not sticking out of the tree so much.

I find I can lean against a tree with my back flat and feet out a little.  I can do that a long time.  I set for a few minutes to rest and then get back up.  I stand about 80% of the time, but I set my stand so my setting shot is in the best location.

[TxAg]

Originally posted by Bisch:
Sitting for me. I am already sitting when I first se the deer and don't have all the movement of me trying to get stood up.

Bisch

x2

[Talondale]

I prefer standing, less of a profile and it allows me to turn without as much visual movement.  Also it allows readjusting angles easier.  I always stand the first and last hour and then alternate standing and sitting.  Can't say I've ever had  a situation where I haven't been able to stand up on a deer but I practice sitting shots just to be sure.