As a hunter, you know there's nothing quite like the feeling of being up in a treestand, high above your hunting area, waiting for the deer to start moving.

But, if you're new to hunting from a treestand, or just want some tips to improve your treestand hunting experience, we've got you covered. Here are 7 hunting tips when hunting from a treestand to keep in mind.

1. Get To Know Your Treestand

Get to know your treestand and hunting area before hunting season. Scout your hunting area out and test putting up your treestand, and make sure it’s sturdy and comfortable. Furthermore, make sure you have select a few different locations to place it depending on the weather conditions.

Before the hunting season starts, it's important to get to know your treestand and the area you’ll be using it in. Scouting in your hunting area is an easy way to familiarize yourself with the terrain so when you're out there in the woods you can be as prepared as possible.

Make sure that the treestand you have chosen is strong and stable enough to support you before climbing up. Also, be sure to check that it is comfortable enough for you and if you’re not happy with how comfortable your treestand is, then chances are you won't be able to stay in the woods hunting for long.

Finally, pick a few different treestand locations so that when the weather conditions change or are simply not right for one treestand location, you'll be able to make a quick adjustment to your hunting plans by choosing one of your alternative treestand locations and your hunt can continue!

2. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Before the hunting season starts, treestand preparation needs to be at the top of your list. Putting off treestand setup until the last minute is a recipe for disaster.

The whole point of hunting from a location like this is to stay unseen, and to be able to comfortably and safely sit in the woods hunting for extended periods of time. To achieve this means having time to adjust your treestand, so it’s perfectly situated and as safe and comfortable as possible.

You also want enough time to make sure that your shooting lanes are clear, and that you know exactly how to position your treestand in or on the tree you’ve chosen so it's as a stable as possible.

This entire process - can take some trial and error if you plan on using climbing treestands or ladder-style treestands, as each style of treestand and its setup can vary greatly.

Just Remember: Don’t let yourself get stuck rushing the treestand setup process; get out there early and make sure you have everything dialed in before the hunting season starts!

3. Make Sure You Always Wear a Safety Harness

Wearing a safety harness while in the stand is a must for any hunter. Not only does it protect you if you fall out of the stand, but it also helps keep you connected to the tree.

The safety harness (which should be provide by the stand manufacturing brand) attaches easily to a strap or rope that wraps around the tree, providing both safety and stability when hunting from even the highest of heights. 

Make sure your safety harness fits comfortably and is checked each season before climbing into your stand - it may be the only thing stopping you from getting injured or worse yet killed while hunting!

Also, make sure you're aware of how dangerous hunting from treestand is by reading one of our most popular blogs.

4. Be Aware of the Weather Conditions

Whenever you're out in the woods, it's important to keep your wits about you and to observe what's going on around you. Being aware of the weather when setting up your treestand and during hunting is critical to your hunting success.

Your well-planned hunting trip can be easily ruined by unpredictable weather, so it's best to always plan ahead. Rainy forecast? Don't forget your rain gear! Be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you this way you have the best possible chance to tag your trophy this hunting season.

5. Keep Your Movements To a Minimum

Once you’re settled in your treestand – too much movement can surely alert deer to your presence. You've worked tirelessly to scout the perfect hunting spot, put up your treestand, cleared your shooting lanes, and now you've finally positioned yourself for hunting success.

At this point, it's important to remember that sudden or excessive movements will only alert deer to your presence. Even though you may be ready and excited for an amazing hunt, make sure to restrain yourself and minimize your movements while in your treestand.

6. Use Hunting Binoculars or a Rangefinder

Using hunting binoculars or a rangefinder is a great idea when treestand hunting. If you have a wide hunting area to keep track of then making use of a good set of hunting binoculars or a rangefinder will benefit you.

Binoculars will also help you to spot movement and identify deer more easily. A good pair of binoculars is an essential piece of hunting gear for any successful treestand hunter.

Additionally, a quality rangefinder can be extremely helpful in estimating the distance between yourself and your target. With a rangefinder, you can ensure that you are taking accurate shots from your treestand.

7. Use a Rope or Pulley System

Most hunters know that hunting can be a dangerous activity, and one way to prevent accidents is to use a rope or pulley system when lifting gear into your stand.

This ensures that both you and the items in question stay safe, plus it's incredibly efficient at moving heavier or bulky items such as hunting backpacks or hunting bows up and down without having to manually lug them into position.

It also simplifies the process of your treestand hunting experience, so you can save energy and avoid exerting more risk than necessary. All in all, having a rope or pulley system ready is well worth the investment in order to ensure better safety and convenience when treestand hunting.

Final Thoughts On Hunting From A Treestand

Being prepared for hunting season means having a good understanding of your stand and knowing how to operate it safely. Take the time to scout out a comfortable spot and make sure you have plenty of time before the big day to set it up properly.

Make sure you’re connected to a safety harness when entering or exiting and be aware of changes in the environment. The movement will alert deer to your presence, so use binoculars, as needed to help keep your movements to a minimum. With the proper treestand preparation, you’ll have a more successful hunting season – now get out there and happy hunting!