Scouting

Stand location is as you can imagine a very important thing.  If you don't scout right you may miss that shooter.  I begin scouting in last august through september.  I like to walk around and find a deer trail and just follow it.  Some will lead to an even bigger trail with more deer traffic.  When I find something like that I like to put out trail cameras to see what is using the trail.  I prefer using Cuddeback Trail Cameras.  Trail cameras are nice because they tell me when deer are moving.  Either during the day or night like this picture from my last bow season.

Many bow hunters try to find where deer are going from bedding areas to a food source.  Once I find a spot I want a stand I try to find a tree that allows me to shoot to my left because when I draw my bow back it is much easier aiming.  Once I find a tree I make sure that I have good cover so i am not seen easily, but still have good shooting paths.