Fall 2027 PA OUTDOORS woods and waterways
From the Stand
Expert tips for Deer Hunting
A Q&A with PA Outdoors and Forrest Hoffert, Jr. of Lebanon Indoor Archery & Supplies
Q: If you were to hunt a new property, how would you go about choosing where to set up your stand?
A: Prior to Season get out and find bedding areas. Look for the trails going to and from the bedding areas to food. Set up stand at pinch point along trail from Bedding to the food source. Also take note of the wind. You want to be down wind from the bedding location and be able to get to and from your stand without disturbing the deer.
Q: Would you approach the property differently in early season vs. the rut period vs. last season? And why?
A: Early in the season you have more time. You can hunt the same trail location near the bedding. During the Rut you would hunt the areas where Buck chase the Doe, near field lines with woods. Last season same locations if the deer were not pushed much during the other seasons.
Q: How important are entry and exit routes to your stands?
A: This is very important! You don’t want to walk in on the route the deer travel. And always be quiet. Don’t rush or you’ll push deer out of the area.
Q: How would you handle a situation in which you have a stand location that you really want to hunt, but it’s not easily accessed?
A: Really try to locate the stand to a location you can access or take the long way as to not push thru a good location. If you push through it, the deer will be gone. Take your time and be quiet.
Q: What are your thoughts and advice for managing wind and scent control?
A: Wash Clothes with scentless detergents. I’m a big believer in Ozonics scent management. Get geared up at your hunting spot if you are going to sweat on your way in. can seal sweaty clothes in bags.
Q: Ladder stand vs. climbing stand vs. hang-on vs. saddle vs. ground blind. What is your preference and what factors go into choosing what type of stand you would use?
A: I prefer Ladder stands because I feel they are safer and you can move them to different locations. Ground Blinds can be good, but you need to set them up early before the season or deer will notice they are there.
Q: How high is high enough? When it comes to stand height vs. cover, what is more important to you?
A: It’s more important to camo you tree stand, than the height. The camo will mask your movements. Even a higher stand can be spotted by deer if they are on a higher elevation or you are moving.
Q: Final thoughts: Is there anything else you'd like to share that we haven't covered? We'd love to hear any additional thoughts.
A: Get out and scout as much as possible. Go as far in as you can, and look for the signs. And Enjoy!
Lebanon Indoor Archery and Supplies
2 East Lehman St. Lebanon, PA Suit 1, 17046
https://lebanonindoorarchery.com/
Q: If you were to hunt a new property, how would you go about choosing where to set up your stand?
A: Prior to Season get out and find bedding areas. Look for the trails going to and from the bedding areas to food. Set up stand at pinch point along trail from Bedding to the food source. Also take note of the wind. You want to be down wind from the bedding location and be able to get to and from your stand without disturbing the deer.
Q: Would you approach the property differently in early season vs. the rut period vs. last season? And why?
A: Early in the season you have more time. You can hunt the same trail location near the bedding. During the Rut you would hunt the areas where Buck chase the Doe, near field lines with woods. Last season same locations if the deer were not pushed much during the other seasons.
Q: How important are entry and exit routes to your stands?
A: This is very important! You don’t want to walk in on the route the deer travel. And always be quiet. Don’t rush or you’ll push deer out of the area.
Q: How would you handle a situation in which you have a stand location that you really want to hunt, but it’s not easily accessed?
A: Really try to locate the stand to a location you can access or take the long way as to not push thru a good location. If you push through it, the deer will be gone. Take your time and be quiet.
Q: What are your thoughts and advice for managing wind and scent control?
A: Wash Clothes with scentless detergents. I’m a big believer in Ozonics scent management. Get geared up at your hunting spot if you are going to sweat on your way in. can seal sweaty clothes in bags.
Q: Ladder stand vs. climbing stand vs. hang-on vs. saddle vs. ground blind. What is your preference and what factors go into choosing what type of stand you would use?
A: I prefer Ladder stands because I feel they are safer and you can move them to different locations. Ground Blinds can be good, but you need to set them up early before the season or deer will notice they are there.
Q: How high is high enough? When it comes to stand height vs. cover, what is more important to you?
A: It’s more important to camo you tree stand, than the height. The camo will mask your movements. Even a higher stand can be spotted by deer if they are on a higher elevation or you are moving.
Q: Final thoughts: Is there anything else you'd like to share that we haven't covered? We'd love to hear any additional thoughts.
A: Get out and scout as much as possible. Go as far in as you can, and look for the signs. And Enjoy!
Lebanon Indoor Archery and Supplies
2 East Lehman St. Lebanon, PA Suit 1, 17046
https://lebanonindoorarchery.com/