Ladder tree stands are one of the most popular types of deer hunting tree stands, particularly when hunting on private land where stands can often be left set up throughout the season. This style of deer hunting stand uses a metal ladder, typically aluminum, with a small seat built into the top of the ladder.

Scouting

Scouting is key for determining where to position your ladder tree stand for the best hunting. Whenever possible you want to do some pre-season scouting to find out where the deer are feeding, where they bed, and what routes they use to travel between the two. Keep in mind that if your scouting is last minute that you may be educating the deer even more than you're educating yourself, so try to get in the area early and identify the locations of mast trees, likely bedding areas, and areas of cover.

If your goal is a morning tree stand hunt, for instance, you probably want to set up near where the deer are bedding, while an evening hunt may work better when set up near a food lot.

Post-season scouting can be even more important than pre-season, since many deer will change their habits when the season begins.

Even if you've done all your scouting in advance, be prepared to adjust. If a heavy rain falls, for instance, it may cause most or all of the remaining leaves to drop from a stand of trees. Deer that were using that stand for cover as they moved will very likely choose a different path if the cover of the leaves is gone. Similarly, snowfall may drive deer from a brushy route into evergreens. Having a climbing stand in reserve might just give you the edge for shifting to adjust to conditions.

Plan For The Wind

Another factor to take into account is the wind. Many hunters assume that if they're 15 or 20 feet off the ground that the deer will never smell them.

Not so. Even if you're 30 feet off the ground, your scent can disperse after 40 or 50 yards and drift down to the ground, and there goes your big whitetail buck.

Investigate the wind patterns at different times of the day when you'll be hunting and make sure you'll be downwind of where you expect the deer to be traveling. Check to see if the wind direction changes as you go higher; sometimes your stand may rise above an obstruction and the wind can change as much as 90 degrees if this happens. This also means that you're more likely to encounter swirls, which can carry your scent in directions for which you hadn't planned.

One way to track this is to bring along some milkweed pods. Gather them earlier in the fall and bring them along in a plastic bag, then let a few loose on occasion and see where the wind travels from your stand. Another great idea is to bring along a few feathers tied to the end of sewing thread, and tie the other end of the thread to a branch in your field of view. This will alert you quickly if the wind changes.

Minimizing Your Scent

One way to get around much of the scent issue is to use scentless soaps when cleaning your clothing and storing them away from strong scents such as smoke or chemicals. Many strong scented foods can also be smelled on your breath or in your sweat, so it's a good idea to stay away from such foods for a few days before a hunt.

Many hunters also brush their teeth and gargle in order to reduce the bacteria that can cause odors. It's also a good idea to don your hunting clothes when you arrive at your destination before going into the woods. Wearing your hunting clothes into a diner or when filling up at a gas station can contaminate them.

Tree Stand Manufacturers

Many people are interested in discovering which is the best tree stand and finding reviews. Many hunters have their own opinions, but here are some of the most widely known products:

RealTree bowhunter ladder stand
Summit tree stands, particularly the Summit Classic tree stand
Remington ladder tree stands
Tower deer hunting stands
Rivers Edge tree stands
Tree Lounge deer stands
Old Man tree stands (The Ol' Man)
Big Shot tree stands

Tree Stand Reviews

Here are also a few tree stand review sites:

PA Bucks

Hunting & Fishing Gear Review

Good luck, make sure you follow safety precautions when using a tree stand, and enjoy your hunt!