The Perfect Stand
An illustrated guide to the ideal elevated setup
By Jeff Murray

Bowhunters have very little wiggle room when it comes to tree-stand location. You need to plan your shots precisely in this game, and a stand that's even slightly in the wrong spot-"a little too high or low, or a tad too close to or far from the hottest sign-"can cost you your deer. The perfect setup is shown here. Study it carefully, and try to re-create it when you hang your own stands this fall.

Quick Tips:

• Hang your bow on a holder within easy reach of your bow hand.
• Hang your backpack and/or rattling antlers on a branch or tree step within easy reach of your non-bow hand, but out of the way of shooting lanes.
• Adjust the height of the tether on your safety harness so you can't fall below the stand, making it easier for you to get back in if you do slip.
• Whenever possible, pick a tree with branches and possibly foliage that will help keep you obscured, and don't prune unnecessarily around the stand.

KEY COMPONENTS
Before you ever hunt from a stand, you need to determine precisely where to sit, then give yourself a clear shot. Click through the following slides to learn how.