Hunting Strategies - Part 1

I hope all you hunters out there had as much luck and success as my brother and I had on opening morning.  If not, I hope you stay patient because your turn will come.  Right now I would like to take the opportunity to go over one of the more useful hunting strategies that I have used over the years, stand hunting.  Nearly every hunter has probably hunted out of a stand at one point or another during his/her lifetime, but if you are one that hasn't you need to try.  Stand hunting, in my opinion, is the easiest strategy to employ.  You just set up your stand in a prime location (we'll go over that a little later) and you're ready to go.  This strategy forces the hunter to be patient because in most cases there is not continuous deer movement.  When sitting in the stand you need to constantly be checking for movement.  The easiest way to spot a deer is to see them when they are moving.  In the mornings I usually get into my stand about 30 minutes before first light and sit until about 9 o'clock.  I am training myself, however, to sit longer because I hear all the big bucks move from 10 AM to 2PM (they must know all the hunters are eating lunch around that time).  Also, I recommend using a safety harness.  Better safe than sorry, right?  Lastly, it is good to bring some kind of pad to sit on because your backside is sure to fall asleep.  Like I said earlier, if you haven't ever hunted out of a tree stand I suggest you try it.  It might change your luck!