your number 1 tip for a newbie...

[VA Elite]

I shot from a tree stand today and to say it was not pretty is being modest. I was about 16 ft up and taking 10 yard shots. most were over one or two under and maybe 3 in the lungs. this is way different than the compound. I know this was just the first day from the tree but boy was it a huge hit to my confidence... what is the number 1 rule above all others when shooting from the tree?

[KyStickbow]

I always pick a spot a little lower on the deer when shooting from a stand...and remember to bend at the waist!

[Roy from Pa]

I'll second that...

[Wind D Ranch]

Just like KyStickbow said, bend at the waist.

[YORNOC]

Trad archery is a never ending learning experience.
Shoot your bow and pay attention to where your arrow flies. Learn, and adapt. Just like hunting, ALWAYS adapting, nothing stays the same.
Be aware of that now, and you will be fine.

[Friend]

Maintain the same solid form and focus that you established when shooting ground level.

[Steve O]

Don't try to learn to do it on your own. Do not try to learn it from the Internet. Do not try to learn it from books or videos. You will develop BAD habits (and reinforce them for years) that will haunt you the rest of your days. Find a mentor who does it right or spend a few bucks and go to a shooting school/clinic. Rod Jenkins in particular does a fantastic job of teaching proper shooting form. I'd pay $50,000 to go back 30 years to spend $300...

[paradocs]

You have a tendency to drop your elbow, if I recall, and that might be exaggerated from a tree stand.  I agree with the previous posters; bend at the waist, hit your anchor, and keep that elbow in line!      

[newhouse114]

My main tip is: do not get discouraged! Keep practicing!

[maineac]

Pay attention.  Your brain is an amazing tool.  It can take a while, but your brain will adjust.  Make sure your form and shooting are consistent on the ground before you start to change angles.  And bend at the waist.

[Pat B]

Normally if you are shooting over you are not picking a spot but shooting at the deer.
 Also don't get as high in the tree. Ten to 12 feet is plenty high enough and you have a bigger target too.

[VA Elite]

thanks gentlemen. I will continue to practice and keep all this in my brain. I shot from a ladder stand back in February it was about 12 ft high and I had an awesome day with some really good shooting. this was the first time since then. I may have been a little too high at 16-17 ft and on a much smaller platform. bend at the waist... bend at the waist... maintain my anchor.... maintain my anchor...I got this

[Mike Vines]

#1 rule when hunting/practicing from a tree stand...Wear AND use your safety harness 100% of the time.

Steve O is correct, find yourself a Mentor and learn from them.

As John Schulz told Wenzel, "Lay your bow over flat, look at that spot you want to hit and you'll kill your bear." or deer in your case.

[Charlie Lamb]

Pavans advice is golden.

[VA Elite]

always wear a safety strap... don't like being In a tree without it. charlie, so was he talking about canting the bow?

[Charlie Lamb]

Yes, cant the bow more than normal. You may be surprised.  

[johnnyk71]

17 feet high and a 10-yard shot is a bit of a tough angle. Try getting a little lower in the tree, or a little bit further shot from the tree. Maybe a little of both. Most tree stand shots end up going high. Bend at the waist, and don't drop your elbow when you shoot. Sometimes a tendency to "peek" moves your bow arm, and this can cause a noticeable amount of misses from a stand.

[Tradcat]

Maintain that solid T formation when you bend at the waist. In other words don't drop your bow arm or you will almost ways miss your spot high

[VA Elite]

good stuff guys. I will certainly lower the stand some and try the canting... the elbow thing is something I hadn't thought about