I know many of you guys stay somewhat mobile even through the season, but for the sets you've planned to hang prior to the season opener (and for sake of argument we'll include lane trimming as well), what's the latest (calendar date, not time) you'll go in and hang a set. Usually I have my sets all hung by July, but I'm looking to add two more this year, but it's not looking like I'll get them in the tree until mid to late August. I'm fine with that since our opener isn't until October 2nd, but I would prefer to get in there earlier. Just curious to see how everyone else approaches it.
I don't think there's a "too late" date. I moved a couple stands, last year, mid-stream (I moved them less than 30yds.....but did move them). Ever thought (if time constrained) of going in and setting them at night?
later and later every year...Oct 1 opener here, usually doing a lot of work the first two weeks of Sept...
Our season here in SE NC opens the 2nd week in September so usually I try to have my stands hung by the middle of August. I only have one more set to hang and I will probably do that one this weekend.
I never understood this sentiment. With so many instances of “single use” hunting setups whether it be via climber or hang on, worrying about getting your stands in early to me, is a moot point.
x2. As someone who'll hang 30 - 40 different sets during the season, this is how I feel. I've got a few out... mostly by default as they've been out since last season and I like where they are and so I left them... but I'll go in and hang a set the afternoon of my hunt for most of my spots.
I hang/hunt the same night quite a bit and don't see a thing wrong with it. That said, I'm trying to get all of my main sets hunt before the season this year if I can. The last two seasons I've hung/hunted the same stands after season starts and while I don't think it effected my hunting persay, it's a big PITA. If I don't have to hang/hunt I'm not doing it anymore. There's something to be said for walking into a stand that's ready to go without having to do any work, make any noise, or work up a sweat.
I suppose that's what I'm getting at. I have a climber that I will use occasionally for a spur of the moment hunt, but I really like having a stand set and ready to go the day of the hunt. Partially because of the sweat/scent issue, but also for the fact that time wise, I really can't afford to hang and hunt by the time I get home from work. The scent issue is primarily my main concern for hanging "early." In the summer, I don't spray down, because frankly, I'm often a sweaty mess when I'm done. Getting a set in June/July really gives the area more than enough time to just settle down (again not sure it needs it, but if it's piece of mind it gives me, so be it:D). I'm not at all concerned about hanging my last two sets at the end of August, but it's still later than I would prefer.
I plan to have mine done by now, but I have two or three to go. I am going to set my blind out two or three weeks before the opener though. I will have the spot prepped well before that though. My Ol Man Roosts just showed up today and I am anxious to get them up. I totally agree with JZ, there is something to be said for sneaking in and not having to climb/setup. Nearly everyone with private land knows a spot or two that are proven travel corridors and could have a stand there knowing it will see use. I hunted out of a climber last year more than I have in a lot of years, but I really like having sets ready to go. It's just hard on my wallet. I now have 11 hang on stands as of today. Add that to two ladders and two climbers and when they are all laying in the basement during the offseason, it's hard not to say I have a problem.
I hunt a small area(40 acres) so my stands are usually fairly permanent. I will move them around from time to time. Last year I set a new stand out the week before rifle season. It was a good move, I saw deer out of it every time except one that I hunted the rest of the season.
I am very mobile with my lone wolf set, I have couple sets hung already while back, but If I see deer in different pattern away from me, boom I'm moving. It has never affected my hunting, just like anything play the wind for right setup and be quiet and take your time so you don't get so sweated up.
If I know where I want to have a stand I love to do stand work in April. No bugs, no heat, no worry about scent and the woods look like it will in November. Otherwise I wait till I know where I want it and then wait till it's going to rain the next day. Oh and one more thing. I don't think there is a latest. If I find a new location that I think will be productive I'll hang a stand anytime.
I try to get my main stands in by the middle of August for the MO opener the second week of September. I'll do the same in Iowa even with the later opening date. Four weeks prior to the opener is plenty early imo...but I'll move stands around all season.
I dont' like putting up with snakes, ticks and chiggers so I try to hang all my stands right after the season is over.
I try to have them all done before September. I have a pretty good idea on our farm where I want to hunt each year. It's usually 4 stands that stay in the same general area. Last year I started being a little more mobile with my hunting using a hang on and sticks. However, I always have a few sets saved back for hanging in a spot that I come across during the season. The last 2 years, some of my best hunts came from finding fresh sign, hanging a stand, and hunting it the next few days.
