Just curious on how some of you set up your lock-on or climber stand. When your setting up how high do you try to get? What kind of tree do you prefer or does it matter? Usually when I try to set up I like about 20-25ft up and always seem to try to find a pine tree because I like how they stay green all season, I feel more covered up. I have a buddy who hates pine trees and likes setting up 30ft or so in oak trees, my only thing is if they lose their leaves I feel really exposed. Also how close do you try and get to a trail or feeder. most of the time a 20yrd shot is easier than a 45yrd shot but is 20yrds to close? Also do you prefer to be on the side of the tree where the deer come in from and have an easier shot or do you like setting up on the backside of the tree and shooting around it? I'm setting up some new spots this year and was just looking for some info from others.

Thanks,
James C.

The higher you can get the more chance you have of the thermals carrying your scent over the deer IMO. Obviously you would hunt the wind but as high as you can get.

First thing to consider is breaking up your outline. Yes, an oak tree looses its leaves but with so many branches it helps to break up your outline. A pine is great for using a climber but using a climber means there are no limbs to impede your climb up which means no limbs to help conceal you. That means you have climb higher to help "conceal" yourself but the higher you climb the steeper your shot angle which equates to a smaller kill zone. In a climber I like to set up on the opposite side of the tree from the direction I think the deer will come. That way the tree trunk helps conceal you.

I never where around trees that I could use a climber, have one in the shed I have had 20 years and never used. The lock-on style I built myself, 18' that breaks into 2 parts, liked it and always tried to put it into a larger Oak tree. Higher the better, but I like 18-20'

it's really a non-issue if you
be still and quiet like you should.

I like to get about 24-25ft. I've found that when you get that high the wind issue isn't nearly as bad and you you scratch your butt and move around without the deer seeing you. They look up but usually not straight up. You get nice low exit holes also.

I have been from 8' to 20' and they all work good if you hide your silhouette. Cedars work very well with their evergreen canopy. Live Oaks are very good also.

I usually will put them as high as I can in open areas but I have plenty short ones that sit just on top of the yaupon canopy also.. Cedars or oak is what I will use 90% of the time.. Iv watched to many live pine trees snap in half to even think about getting in one. I also like branches to break my fall if needed ha

I like finding trees I don't have to use a ladder in more than anything.... very hidden and deer wont pay attention to it as much