MARION -- All too often we spend more time dressing up our ground blinds and treestands with too little thought about where to place them. That often is a big mistake.
Be aware of prevailing winds. Try to place stand in a location where the prevailing wind will be from the trail deer most likely to use in approaching you. A second choice is a position that has a cross wind. The idea is to prevent the deer from becoming aware of your presence by using his nose, his primary defense system.
By locating your stand with your back to the sun and front to the deer you defeat another of the animal's defense systems. Deer do not have a UV filter over their eyes like humans. They hate to look into the sun and avoid doing so as much as possible.
By placing a treestand high you can be above his nose level. Fifteen feet is usually enough but be aware of wind currents carried over ridges. The nose level is also above any other scent line where your scent would carry it to them. This may be high but it does not have to be sky high. Some people place their treestands in the nosebleed area of a tree. So high that it causes one's nose to bleed from the altitude. Pick a tree that is easy to climb for safety sake. Be sure to use a harness and lifeline in going to/from and while in your treestand.
Prepare your blind and stand locations so that you have shooting lanes that give a clear shot. If none is available then trim some branches and bushes to provide several shooting locations through which deer are likely to pass.
It is advisable to remain concealed from the ground level in the case of tree stands. Do not allow yourself to present a silhouette against the sky. Deer do look up. With a ground blind you can use natural brush and other vegetation to conceal yourself and your blind.
For more information on lodging accommodations as well as outdoor activities in Williamson County, or to receive a free color Water, Woods & Wildlife in Williamson County Guide, contact VisitSI at 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, IL 62959. Call 800-GEESE-99 or email info@VisitSI.com. Current information is also available online at www.VisitSI.com.
