Tree stand etiquette in 410

[walk in the woods]

Trying to get an idea of where to put my tree stand in 410. I have some rifle experience but new (and excited) about bow in 410.

Walking around there are alot of tree stands that get left out year round. I don't want to be too close for safety and general manners.

Questions:

1. How close to existing tree stand can I put mine?

2. If there is a really old looking tree stand, made from wood, that looks like it hasn't been used in years....can I put mine near there? Can I use the old one?

I know there are probably no definite answers to these questions but looking for general ideas. I realize that solitude is part of the appeal for hunting and trying to avoid being "that guy".

[270person]

[EZM]

You are opening up a heated debate here - some will tell you "it's public land and first come first served and to heck with whomever left it there" all the way to the polar opposite of the argument which says "move far away from this sacred ground and keep walking".

Personally, I wouldn't set up too close to any active stand, nor would I use another stand unless it's very clear this stand hasn't been used in a long time - even then, I'd feel kind of strange - and likely set mine up a distance from there anyways - but hey, that's just my opinion.

[slough shark]

Just because it’s made from wood that has aged doesn’t mean it’s not being used. If it has fallen into disrepair that’s another thing but normally when you build a tree stand it’s meant to be somewhat permanent. Don’t have stands in that zone but I have wood stands that I’ve built on private land, I have to kick guys out on a regular basis that think they’re up for anyone who has permission to hunt on the land. It’s always frustrating when they have a hissy fit when you tell them to leave, like you ruined their hunt when they really have no right to be in there, they didn’t buy the materials, build it or trim the lanes.

[CNP]

Originally Posted by slough shark

Just because it’s made from wood that has aged doesn’t mean it’s not being used. If it has fallen into disrepair that’s another thing but normally when you build a tree stand it’s meant to be somewhat permanent. Don’t have stands in that zone but I have wood stands that I’ve built on private land, I have to kick guys out on a regular basis that think they’re up for anyone who has permission to hunt on the land. It’s always frustrating when they have a hissy fit when you tell them to leave, like you ruined their hunt when they really have no right to be in there, they didn’t buy the materials, build it or trim the lanes.

A 2 X 4 stand on public land is a different matter and I believe that is what the op is asking about. You don't build a permanent stand on public land and have the gall to think no one else can hunt that location. I'll put my portable stand anywhere I want on public land because I don't know when some homie will be in his stand...……..although I tend to avoid a location where I know that someone's portable stands are being used regularly.

[SnipeHunter]

200 yards or one bow shot.

[3blade]

The very small amount of huntable land in 410 is full of new and old tree stands. It’s also full of hunters, anglers, dog walkers, hikers etc. Just do what you want, you will have company no matter where you set up. One of the f&w guys commented that wherever they set trail cams in that zone, they get pictures of people. Doesn’t matter where, when, how close or how far.

[petew]

Buy 10 or 20 cheap stands, hang them all over , leave them up for years, and claim a quarter section or 2 as your personal scouted spot that nobody can hunt. You will fit right in.

[The moose]

Put the stand in where you want in a good location you have identified. try not to be too close but if it happens it happens.

If you see someone else out get down, have a chat, be respectful to each other. I like to respect an others right to be there the same as mine. If Ive been in the stand for hours and you show up I don't expect to be asked to leave but might do so if im nearing the end of my sit and want to extend the courtesy.

Dont act like petty children ( Happens way too much ) and everyone can get along in the woods.

I dont use others stand without permission and if I use them (very rare) at all it kind of feels like Piggie backing someones else's effort for the game im chasing.

I have a stand near someone elses. Ive gone 4 years and never seen someone use the other stand the same time as me. I bowhunt alot too.

[elkslayer132]

Are permanent stands allowed to be left on crown land year round? How do you prove you built it? Do you leave a name and contact number? If not why not?

[KyleSS]

This is just my opinion.

1) If it is not mine then I won't use it.
2) I would not set a stand closer than 250 yards to someone else's when bowhunting

[Predatorhunter]

Originally Posted by KyleSS

This is just my opinion.

1) If it is not mine then I won't use it.
2) I would not set a stand closer than 250 yards to someone else's when bowhunting

I agree. Nothing winds me up like getting to my stand that I scouted, set up, and find someone sitting in.

[Dewey Cox]

What's the difference if they're sitting in your stand or beside your stand?
I dont think you can claim a spot as yours on land you dont own.
I think hunting public land would get tiresome.

[Prairiewolf]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

What's the difference if they're sitting in your stand or beside your stand?
I dont think you can claim a spot as yours on land you dont own.
I think hunting public land would get tiresome.

I agree. If its clear the stand has recently been used or put up (fresh tree scrapes, obviously new, etc) I'd give it space, but if its been there as a means to "claim" that area and I've seen it unused for a few trips, forget it. If you want to get good spots to hunt on public land, bow or rifle, get up early and you'll always have a good selection.

[omega50]

I always try to put my stand at least 10 ft above the next tallest stand in the tree

[Prairiekid]

I live in 410, I have crawled all over the zone. I have never hung a stand, but I would definitely say there is a good buck to doe ratio in the area. You asked about etiquette though, I have found most in 410 pretty good at avoiding each other, and just go the other direction. If you're going to be hunting weekends you're going to see and bump into people though. I can think of a few places where I never saw a stand within 250 m of a good trail. Oh and someone stole my trail cam, it was even locked with a Master cable lock, another hunter I spoke to had the SD card taken out of their cam. Good luck, hopefully you post your success!

Also, have you heard of a tree saddle, it might be what you're looking for.