PA deer stand pics

[Cold Spring]

Today was the last day of our PA two week regular deer season, buck and doe were concurrent since last Saturday, no Sunday hunting. I hunted mainly for a particular big buck nearby my home. I didn’t see him over the six days I spent in the woods and as far as I know no one took that buck, the word would have passed pretty quickly if so. Over those days I passed up two small but legal bucks, and saw one big spiker and probably 35-40 does. I bought an antlerless license too but didn’t use it – trying to make up for past sins.

I’m posting some cell phone pics taken from one of my stands where a sidehill trail converges with another one on a flat. Two rifles are shown, one is my Model 70 in 300 Win Mag that was born as a 264 Westerner. Now on her second 300 barrel and third stock, she’s been with me since I was a young pup and we've hunted in some good far away places. The other rifle is the familiar Krag sporter I wrote about on another thread. I also hunted with a 348 Model 71 but the cell was on the counter at home that day.

Old schooling it but effective, just a pile of rocks with a cushion that’s been my seat there for many years. Same setup as when I was a kid. Enjoy the view!

[Setter Man]

A lot to be said about sitting on the ground, old school, like having a unrestricted view of the world and the ability to hear every sound. There is a lot one can take in while waiting for a buck to appear.

[mobirdhunter]

Old School is the way to go. You've inspired me to take my old Savage 99 in 250-3000 (I had someone load me a couple of boxes using the original 87 grain bullet) next year. I just like sitting in the woods with a good rifle some days. Thanks for posting those pictures.

[King Brown]

My oldest and dearest friend, who died last year at 101, only used a Savage 250-3,000 on deer. I called it a "popgun" but so impressed with its accuracy in good hands I bought one and haven't regretted it. I prefer 100gr bullet.

[Dean Romig]

I have spent fifty-six Vermont deer seasons still-hunting and sitting on my Therm-a-Seat 1” foam pad (just like yours Frank, and made right here in MA) sometimes in the same place year after year, but usually where I find a lot of activity. I always carry pruning clippers so I can make the best of a new spot or where there is new growth in an old spot.
I don’t trust myself in a tree stand even with a full body harness. Sitting in the right spot on the ground is just the ticket for me.

I shot a buck at 12 feet from where I sat that never knew I was there.





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[Steve Hodges]

I agree with all on the "sitting on the ground" method instead of in a tree. Was a time when I would not Deer hunt on the ground, HAD to be in a tree stand. Not anymore. Warmer, every bit as effective, IMO, and I am not going to break my back falling off my Lowes five gallon bucket

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

I have spent fifty-six Vermont deer seasons still-hunting and sitting on my Therm-a-Seat 1” foam pad (just like yours Frank, and made right here in MA) sometimes in the same place year after year, but usually where I find a lot of activity. I always carry pruning clippers so I can make the best of a new spot or where there is new growth in an old spot.
I don’t trust myself in a tree stand even with a full body harness. Sitting in the right spot on the ground is just the ticket for me.

I shot a buck at 12 feet from where I sat that never knew I was there.





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56

Geeez I've only been on the face of the earth 57 1/2 years

I suppose you could say I took to the trees a little later then some . I used to lay between two blow down trees . Dunno if I ever got one at 12 feet but if I haven't I didn't miss it by much .

I really enjoy sitting in a climbing treestand 30-35 feet up . Strapped in etc , I've taken many many naps up that high . I've got 6 or 7 climbers that you'd have to make a concerted effort to fall out of .

In the last 10 years I've gotten to where I like deer hunting/driving with some friends the last 2 or 3 days of the season . That's more of a social thing , although a deer or two are killed some years .

I also occasionally like the pop up covered ground blinds ESPECIALLY if it's raining . Been known to take a nap or two inside one of those things sitting in a bag chair while it's pouring outside .

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by CraigThompson

56

Geeez I've only been on the face of the earth 57 1/2 years

I suppose you could say I took to the trees a little later then some . I used to lay between two blow down trees . Dunno if I ever got one at 12 feet but if I haven't I didn't miss it by much .

I really enjoy sitting in a climbing treestand 30-35 feet up . Strapped in etc , I've taken many many naps up that high . I've got 6 or 7 climbers that you'd have to make a concerted effort to fall out of .

In the last 10 years I've gotten to where I like deer hunting/driving with some friends the last 2 or 3 days of the season . That's more of a social thing , although a deer or two are killed some years .

I also occasionally like the pop up covered ground blinds ESPECIALLY if it's raining . Been known to take a nap or two inside one of those things sitting in a bag chair while it's pouring outside .

The nap in the woods while deer hunting has to be one of God's greatest gifts to humankind!

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

The nap in the woods while deer hunting has to be one of God's greatest gifts to humankind!

It truly is!!

I woke up one evening after dark after having fallen asleep soon after I sat there at about 2:30 pm. It was snowing pretty good when I sat and when I woke up I had at least 3" of fresh snow blanketing me.





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[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

It truly is!!

I woke up one evening after dark after having fallen asleep soon after I sat there at about 2:30 pm. It was snowing pretty good when I sat and when I woke up I had at least 3" of fresh snow blanketing me.





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Never did that ! When I was going to the Blackwster NWR for Sika deer I’d leave home at about 12:30 AM drive the 3 1/2 hours , refuel the truck and be at the refuge gate when they opened usually up the tree and situated by 05:30 . Then I’d nap until close to legal shooting time . Little Sika hooves splash splashing in the water are an excellent alarm clock !