What are your opinions on tree stand vs, ground blind? If you use a tree stand where/ how to keep the bow or rifle while sitting? How much do you need calls or antlers to rattle? I’ll be on public land so stand is carry in carry out, are climbing stands too noisy?
Most bow hunters use tree stands because it's a much more effective tactic. Pop up ground blinds have their place but you don't just pop them up and hunt. They need much more prep than tree stands. Ground blinds need brushed in so they blend in.
Then there's ladder stands. They are heavy and they take some technique to set up. They are definitely not stealthy to erect but they are safe and comfortable.
Climbers have their place, too. But they are restricted to trees without branches or you'll have to cut them as you climb...usually not legal on public land. And, IMO, cover to conceal you is important in trees. Cutting branches reduces valuable cover.
And climber must be carried in and out, and then attached to the tree. It's not stealthy.
Hang on stands are my choice, but they have their downsides as well...especially on public land. You might no be able to legally leave one on the tree and you also need a method to climb. Screw in steps can't be used on most public ground. Climbing sticks are the other option...but they're more gear to carry and install.
But I still prefer hang on stands (on private land) they can easily be pre set in trees that provide better cover and hunted with less disturbance.
Yet another choice is the tree saddle which is similar to a rock climbing harness. They are light and mobile but they have a learning curve and they have their own set of challenges...you still have to ascend the tree just like a hang on stand.
There's a forum that's basically a community of dedicated saddle hunters. A lot of those guys have sold their conventional stands and strictly hunt from only saddles. Used properly, saddles are probably to safest of all of the elevated techniques.
As for hanging or holding the bow...I hang mine 90% of the time. I have much less fatigue or movement when my bow hangs. Holding a bow for an 11 hour sit is tiring and hands get cold.
Screw in hangers are nice but may not be legal on public land. Strap on hangers are easy to make.
And most importantly, never climb or hunt from elevated stands without the proper safety gear.
Calling, rattling, etc is widely debated. There's a ton of reasons why calling may or may not work. Time of the season, buck doe ratio, age structure of the herd, hunting pressure, calling techniques, wind direction, odor control, terrain and cover are all pieces of the puzzle. And disposition of the deer is another thing. The mood a buck is in may cause him to not be susceptible to calling today and that same buck may respond to the exact same tactic tomorrow or even later that same day. I've seen it happen a few times.
Other than snort wheeze, I rarely call. Where I hunt, most mature bucks tend to circle down wind and scent check calls and they get educated. Sometimes calling does more harm than good...but there are plenty of guys who swear by it.
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