I keep reading how important it is to have a good entry and exit to your stand. Does this mean a clear trail in and out? meaning making less noise in and out? Do you enter and exit the same path always? is it best to enter from different directions, or keep the same way always? thanks in advance
It basically means getting in and out undetected by scent, sight, and sound. Sometimes if you are hunting somewhere really thick you may need to cut a path. Other solutions may be coming in from a different way. I typically try to come in the opposite way and up wind of where I expect the deer to be traveling. This will limit being seen or heard by deer in close proximity. As far as scent left behind after the hunt. It is good to enter and exit from an area they typically don't travel, if possible. I have some locations, however, where this simply is not possible and our paths cross. However, I try to keep this at a minimum. Don't walk on the trails coming in or going out. Use a creek if you have one as a path. This will cut down on scent and sound, too if the creek is babbling. If you don't have a creek, or it is impractical to use, look for ravines and ditches to cut through so you aren't seen as well. If you come in through a field, try to walk the edge so you don't stick out like a sore thumb. It is situation dependent and all depends on what kind of areas you hunt. Think backwards, if the deer were hunting you and you HAD to get to a stand, what would you do to avoid being seen/heard/smelled etc. What's your general layout of your hunting spot? That might help a bit.
I'm learning a lot from everyone here. I wouldn't understand how it works either if it weren't for you guys.
I also use hiking trails on public land for entrance and exit routes when possible. I figure that deer will be use to having human scent in these areas since they are used year round.
I hunt my own private lease, so this probably wont work well on public property.. All of my stands are cleared.. And when I say "cleared"... I mean there is not so much as a twig on the trail to and from the stand.. A buddy says he does not want to trim a "highway" to his stand.. And I hear him for 300 yards thrashing branches and leaving scent on everything he rubs against.. I can walk with a dim/to no light all the way to the stand and not rub against anything.. Other than my steps, there is absolutely NO NOISE... Just personal preference.. I spray my boots with BFO or Bowhunters Set-Up as a curiosity scent and do not sweat because the walk is real easy... The easier I can get in and the less noise I make, the better !!!!!!!
