Preparing deer stands in spring is a crucial task for any avid hunter looking to maximize their chances of success during the upcoming hunting season. Spring is the ideal time to inspect, repair, and strategically position deer stands to ensure they are in prime condition when autumn arrives. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare deer stands in spring:
1. Inspection
Begin by thoroughly inspecting each deer stand for any signs of damage caused by winter weather, such as rust, rot, or structural weaknesses. Check for loose bolts, unstable platforms, or any other safety hazards that may need immediate attention.
2. Repair and Maintenance
Address any issues found during the inspection by repairing or replacing damaged parts. This may involve tightening bolts, reinforcing weak joints, or replacing worn-out components. Ensure that safety harnesses and other safety features are in good working condition. Check your windows to make sure they are in good operating order. Consider replacing existing windows with quality DeerView windows for maximum visibility and flexibility.
3. Cleaning
Remove any debris, such as leaves, branches, or animal droppings, that may have accumulated on or around the deer stand during the off-season. Cleaning the stand helps prevent unwanted scents that could alert deer to your presence. Use caution when checking for and removing bee hives, hornets nest and snakes. They love to make deer stands their home.
4. Painting and Sealing
Consider giving the deer stand a fresh coat of paint or sealant to protect it from the elements and prolong its lifespan. Choose a camouflage pattern that blends in with the surrounding vegetation to minimize visibility to deer.
5. Scent Control
Take precautions to minimize human scent around the deer stand by using scent-free soaps and detergents when cleaning, storing hunting gear in scent-proof containers, and avoiding smoking or wearing heavily scented products while in the vicinity of the stand.
6. Placement
Strategically position deer stands in locations with high deer activity, such as near food sources, travel corridors, or bedding areas. Use trail cameras to monitor deer movement and adjust the placement of stands accordingly. Ensure that stands are placed at a safe distance from each other to avoid overcrowding and minimize disturbance to deer.
7. Clear Shooting Lanes
Trim any overhanging branches or vegetation that may obstruct your view or interfere with your shot. Clearing shooting lanes not only improves visibility but also reduces the risk of arrows or bullets being deflected by foliage.
8. Safety Precautions
Before using the deer stand, double-check all safety harnesses, straps, and other equipment to ensure they are properly secured. Always use a safety harness when ascending, descending, or sitting in the stand to prevent falls and injuries.
9. Scouting and Monitoring
Continue scouting the area around the deer stand throughout the spring and summer months to gather intelligence on deer movement patterns, feeding behavior, and potential hunting opportunities. Make note of any changes in deer activity and adjust your hunting strategies accordingly.
10. Respect Wildlife and Environment
Lastly, always prioritize ethical hunting practices and respect for wildlife and the environment. Avoid disturbing nesting birds, damaging vegetation, or littering in the area around the deer stand.
By following these steps to prepare deer stands in spring, hunters can increase their chances of success and enjoy a safe and rewarding hunting experience when the deer season arrives.
Deerview wants your deer hunting season to be the very best. We manufacture windows solely for use in deer stand/blind applications. Our goal is to be the best in the industry in providing visibility to your hunt. All of our windows and doors can be custom-made to fit your specific openings, or you can select from our standard sizes. We have the style of window best suited for your particular blind’s needs. Learn more at deerviewwindows.com
Check out Deerview Windows’ product pages to determine which style of window is best for your particular blind’s needs, and let us give you a free quote.
