Treestand and Ground Blind Setup: Wind, Access and Shot Lanes
October 30, 2026 · 1 min read · Antler River Archery
A great stand in the wrong spot, or reached the wrong way, won't produce. Focus on three things: wind, access and shot lanes.
Wind first. Deer travel with the wind in their favour. Set stands on the downwind side of the trail or funnel you're hunting. In southwestern Ontario, prevailing winds are west and southwest, so have a second stand for east or north winds.
Access matters as much as the stand. Plan an entry and exit route that keeps you out of bedding areas and food sources. Use ditches, fencerows and creek beds to stay hidden, and never cross the trail you're hunting.
Height and cover. 18–22 feet is a good height for most setups. Pick a tree with a trunk or branches behind you to break your outline. In a ground blind, brush it in a week early and keep back windows closed so you sit in shadow.
**Clear shot lanes. **Trim two or three lanes from 10 to 30 yards, and get landowner permission first. Range trees and landmarks before your first sit.
Go mobile. Saddle hunting and lightweight climbing sticks let you hunt fresh sign the same day you find it. The XOP Ride and X2 climbing sticks and the XOP Solo Scout 16 pack are built for this style.
Safety. Wear a full-body harness and stay clipped in from the ground up with a lifeline.
Come see us. Thinking about switching to a saddle or mobile setup? Come to the shop and get hands-on with sticks, platforms and packs. We'll help you build a system that fits how you hunt.
