How many haunting memories do you have where you were unable to shoot a trophy buck or a big doe because you had a limb or multiple limbs in the flight path of your arrow or bullet? I’ve got more than I’m willing to share.
Regardless of where you hung your treestand, you’ve done your scouting and know right where a deer is going to cross, or at least pretty close. So why chance weaving an arrow or bullet through a couple small openings and risk missing your target or, even worse, find yourself stuck out in the open where you'll get picked off before a shot presents itself.
Take the time to properly cut shooting lanes. To get started, here are a few quick tips:
1. Dress Rehearsal
The best way to identify the lanes and what should be cleared is by actually sitting in your treestand and directing someone to cut limbs from your flight path.
2. Be Conservative
Trim just enough limbs for a clear shot, but not too many. Overdo it and you're left without cover, giving a deer a wide-open line of sight to you, perched atop a tree.
3. The More Lanes, the Better
While being conservative as you clear each shooting lane is critical, cutting shooting lanes in every direction doesn't compromise cover as long as you only cut what's needed from each lane. Give yourself an opportunity to shoot to any area you feel a deer could cross.
Product Spotlight: Hooyman 40v 2AH Lithium-Ion
The Hooyman electric pole saw features a powerful 40V lithium-ion battery that runs for more than an hour and charges in about the same amount of time. The nine-inch chainsaw blade is powerful, too. It cuts just like a gas-powered chainsaw, but with a lot less noise. This makes the pole saw an ideal trimming saw for in-season treestand hanging, when you don’t want to spook nearby deer with engine noise.
This saw will cut large limbs too, so be careful and wear proper protective gear so a falling branch doesn’t hit your head or eyes.
A sturdy-built product, I’ve cleared food plot edges and treestand lanes all summer with it and it never misses a beat. Just make sure to fill the bar-oil reservoir regularly when cutting as the auto-oiler system keeps the chain lubed during cutting. The saw extends to 10 feet and collapses down to 48 inches. You can find this saw for purchase at a number of outdoor retailers or online from $250 to $300.
From the Archives: Field Test
The writer reviewed the Hooyman electric pole saw for a previous post. You can check out his video for a detailed review and to see the saw in action.
