I set another tree stand

[cnelk]

When I was up camping over the weekend, I set another tree stand.
I had one in this tree a couple years ago with success.
It took me 3-4 years of watching the area to pattern the elk as there is no trail, bedding area, wallow or other item of interest.
Its just a spot where elk seem to like...

What camo pattern would you suggest?
Im wearing blue jeans and a gray sweatshirt in the pic...

[stringunner]

Just curious how far off the ground that stand is? 15 feet? Hard to tell from the picture...

[cnelk]

I carried in 3 - 4ft climbing sticks. The platform is about 11ft

[JohnFitzgerald]

I have my cam's out and plain to tree stand hunt opening weekend. For those who have a lot of experience in tree stands, is 11' high enough or should I go up to 20'? I hate heights but I'm willing to go as high as I need.

[Swede]

John: There are no absolutes on tree stand height. Much is dependent on where you are located. In basins, I would be frustrated if I was stuck at only feet height. On a ridge I would be more comfortable. Generally I prefer to go fairly high so scent will be carried a long way off if the thermals are bringing it down to the ground. I also like a little more height so I can be less visible. I feel more comfortable farther up.
cnelk's stand is fine if he stays still when the elk are coming his way and if the wind is cooperating. A part of good stand placement is knowing what the wind will be doing at the peak times for elk to show up. I assume Brad has things figured out for his location.

[cnelk]

Without having to tell too many details about the stand location in fear of disclosing the area,
the spot has several important factors that make this spot what is it.

It has the most predictable thermals and wind I have ever seen.

As you can see, all big trees are dead from beetle kill and I do not want to go too high to make it any more top heavy than it is.

The longest shot that can be made is ~35yds, and thats only if the elk pass thru a shooting lane, its pretty thick

[twinkieman]

All of the good camopattern's would work, in a tree I like Realtree HD.

[RockChucker30]

I'd prefer ASAT or Predator Fall Grey in that situation, and Fall Grey would be my #1.

[Washington Wapiti]

Seems like maybe a leafy Ghillie suit would be a good application for this stand. I'm considering using one this year in mine, but haven't committed to it yet. Not sure how shootability is in those suits. But they sure blend well. Looks like you'd be the only clump of foliage on the tree.

[the weasel]

i'm not succesfull by any means.. but,
i would have gone up to the limbs above you (looks like 4 more ft. roughly). i try to go up no less than 15ft. i measure it by my bow rope on my stand.
as SWEEDE stated though if wind is good and good camo is worn and your slow you can get away with it. as for camo i would look at ASAT or PREDATOR for sure. at least something with bigger / bolder breakup patterns. now i do have some mossy oak, and some off brands but i LIKE those 2 patterns the most!

just my 2 cents and what i would try to do if it were me.

[BrentLaBere]

Blue jeans are working good with that skyline and as far as the grey shirt goes? I cant tell where it stops and the aspen tree begins .

[stringunner]

Thanks cnelk for posting the height.... Being somewhat new to tree stand hunting, I'm trying to figure out what is the minimum height needed, the maximum and where I feel comfortable in between. As for what camo, I have no suggestion, I have a number of different patterns in my camo box and generally grab and go in the dark early morning I rarely match.

[rudyc]

+1 // "I'd prefer ASAT or Predator Fall Grey in that situation, and Fall Grey would be my #1."

I believe those 2 will have you covered.

[Coveyleader]

My experience with elk is he could be sitting in that tree with blaze orange on doing jumping jackets and he'd be good. Elk just don't pay attention to things in trees. Unlike deer (wt or md) elk can be drawn on at almost any time when perched. About the only time you have to be carefull is when the stand is level to the ground due to a ridge or hill. I cant tell you how many times Ive called to elk under me and it takes several times for them even to look up. This is why a stand is so deadly. You can get away with almost anything, and your scent is above the immediate area although they still bust you by smell if they get down wind or down valley.

[Relentlessly Unforgiving]

Why would you put your stand in a dead tree with dead limbs above you? Can that set up be trusted? I looks as though you could fin a live tree that would provide great cover without have to worry about what above your head. Sounds like camo is not the concern but the setup is. IMO there has to be a better tree providing the same shot opportunity that is a safer bet than a dead tree!

[cnelk]

Why would you put your stand in a dead tree with dead limbs above you?

Im guessing you havent been to Colorado lately?
Millions of acres of trees have been killed by beetles.

Not too much to choose from. I chose the best one in that spot

[Relentlessly Unforgiving]

Im guessing you havent been to Colorado lately?
Millions of acres of trees have been killed by beetles.

Not too much to choose from. I chose the best one in that spot [/quote]

Actually I have been. That's beside the point! I personally would prefer my stand not to be below any dead limbs. You have been at the site obviously and I hope that you have examined all the possibilities. I did not notice you wearing a safety harness either but that's another can of worms.

[fm]

Do you ever put your stand in a aspen. I know a lot of people don't like to. I have heard some say it is to open or you stick out to much. Where I deer hunt they are the only trees around,but I have arrowed a lot of deer hunting out of them. Sitting still is the main thing.

[cnelk]

fm
I shot more than a few deer up near where you are out of aspens, They are a bit larger than the ones near this stand.

JRHOLDSEM
Geez... what did I do to piss in your wheaties?
The harness is there on the tree. I just didnt pose for the pic with it on...

[fm]

I have noticed that they don't grow as big out there. Where we are hunting now most of the aspen have died off to and are falling down.

[Freebird134]

How high is that stand? It doesn't look very high....but I like getting up there.

As far as camo, I think your blue jeans and sweat shirt look surprisingly good!

[Buglemaster]

Thats about the height I can deal with..Too much higher & I'd prolly get a nosebleed. I agree with freebird about the camo. Bet you could get er done just as you are.

[Relentlessly Unforgiving]

cnelk I did not intent to come across in a negative manner. I expected that you had some type of fall protection or were going to state that you were not that far off the surface.