Bait/stand setup for youth

[rfra]

This year my daughter really wants a bear. While we'll do some spring spot/stalk hunting, I think we'll go a head and run a couple bait sites as well. Since we'll have multiple people sitting would you run multiple tree stands or a ground blind in this situation? She'll be using a rifle.

 

[Terrapin]

I like a two person ladder stand. Feels the safest for kids.


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[kmbrewcrew]

I like a two person ladder stand. Feels the safest for kids.


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Depending on age, this is probably the way to go. I always used a double stand with the younger kids, so that I had direct contact with them through the whole hunting process. If younger, I'd definitely go with this setup if it an option at all!

 

[rfra]

She is 13 and has been hunting for a couple years now, has gotten a couple deer and been with me on many elk hunts. A double ladder stand sounds like a nice option, but I dont know that I'd be able to haul one in to the areas we'd likely bait.

 

[Terrapin]

If you can’t haul in a double ladder, then I would use two treestands. It is easier to use two trees that are close together than to stack two stands in one tree. I don’t like ground blinds for bear baits. Let me know if your daughter needs a safety harness system if you go with a treestand. I have several for that size kid...


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[bluetick78]

In my experience, the best type of stand setup depends entirely on the terrain, and what the child is comfortable with. If your bait is down low in a wash with ridges surrounding it, then a ground blind on a close ridge might be good. If it's level between your stand location to the bait, then a tree stand might be better.
The first hunt I ever guided for bears was a baited hunt with a father/daughter. Daughter was 14 yrs old, and deathly afraid of heights. She was not getting in a tree under any circumstances. I brought a Double Bull blind, and she shot a really nice cinnamon boar 2 days into the hunt.
Point is, you'll know more about your child's preferences and strengths/ weaknesses than anyone. Pick a good spot, enjoy the time with your child, and make it fun and memorable for them. Peanut M&M's and hot chocolate make sitting baits much better for kids.....but Fun Size candy bars won't hurt either.

 

[black dawg]

We have done ground blinds (on high spots with bait at low spot) with good success. The 2 man ladder gives much more to see, just make sure both are brushed in pretty good. It can be pretty tough for some kids to hold still enough for long enough.