Best stand option for thick area with immature trees

[Wworker]

I just got permission to hunt a farm with a few acres of woods. The largest wooded area was timbered probably 10-20 years ago and has mostly immature, 6" - 9" diameter trees.

I'm still trying to figure out deer movement patterns in the area, so I want to adjust locations if necessary.

What do you think is the best stand options for this situation?

 

[Dave0317]

I’ve used Wild Edge steps and a Tethrd predator on trees around 6-8 inches in diameter before. Expect more movement from wind. Other than that, it wasn’t too much different than any other tree. Main problem I have with trees that small is they often lack sufficiently leafy branches for concealment.

Have you considered hunting from the ground? I actually have had a few close encounters by sitting in a ditch so I’m concealed mostly below the ground surface level. If there is not a ditch like that, I’d gather up some branches and build a natural brush blind.

Edit to add:
You mentioned it’s young “timber”. Pines I assume? If that’s the case, the pines we have like that here wouldn’t be suitable to climb at all really. They are 6 inches diameter and get skinny and very brushy as you go up more than 5-6 feet. For those, I would find the trails leading in and out of areas with feed trees or other type of cover/habitat change. Southern Outdoorsman podcast guys talk about this a lot. They love sitting edges of young pine thickets.

Last thing I’d say, is sit on the ground, but be super still. From ground level you can see under the low canopy pretty well.

I guess a more detailed description could help. I forgot there is so many situations that could involve smaller trees, timber, pines, etc.

 

[Swamp Fox]

Huh.

I'm sitting a ground blind on the edge until I know more where I won't be riding a pine straw at 25 feet.

 

[Choupique]

Just sit on the ground. Act like you're turkey hunting. Works great for deers

 

[Swamp Fox]

I’ve used Wild Edge steps and a Tethrd predator on trees around 6-8 inches in diameter before. Expect more movement from wind. Other than that, it wasn’t too much different than any other tree. Main problem I have with trees that small is they often lack sufficiently leafy branches for concealment.

Have you considered hunting from the ground? I actually have had a few close encounters by sitting in a ditch so I’m concealed mostly below the ground surface level. If there is not a ditch like that, I’d gather up some branches and build a natural brush blind.

Beat me to it.

 

[left hunter]

Yeap, ground hunting would be my suggestion as well. I will just find some super thick stuff and get in the middle of it as long as I have a clear shot with my bow to a travel route I’m happy. I have killed all my best whitetail deer from the ground. I’m pretty convinced the mature bucks get used to “looking” for stands. Especially ones with blobs in them!

 

[Wworker]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

It's a mix of small beech, maple and oak trees.

I hadn't really considered hunting from the ground, it's been a long time since I did that.

That's probably a good option for now.

I've been considering a saddle for a couple years but haven't picked one up yet.