In this Backyard Life video, NASCAR champion Austin Dillon veers off the track to discuss how to choose the perfect deer stand location. When Dillon’s not racing, he’s often found hanging treestands on his North Carolina property in preparation for deer season.
Dillon opens this video in a Millennium treestand, a brand he says is super easy to hang. (Dillon was able to put his up with the help of one of his buddies, Paul.) “You pretty much have to assemble a ladder and get to the top here [in the tree].” And he adds, “The cool thing about these Millennium deer stands is they have a slot that allows you to move the seat any place you want, as long as you have the key needed to do so.”
Location, Location, Location
Back down on the ground, Dillon explains why he chose the deer stand location he did. “I think one of the hardest parts about hunting is making sure you have a good spot to hunt,” he says. Standing at the intersection of two dirt roads on his property, Dillon continues, “I chose this location because of this four-lane highway. Because, you can just tell there are deer traveling these paths. I’ve got roads coming this way and roads going this way. And, it’s on the edge of a field with a little bit of water behind it. You can tell the deer are traveling through here.”
Behind Every Perfect Stand is the Perfect Tree
The next big consideration is finding the perfect tree to hang your stand in. Dillon’s deer stand is in a “really sweet location. Kind of hidden with good coverage.” He chose a tree that’s set off the path crossing. He could’ve chosen a front tree, but in doing so, Dillon explains you give up some of your cover. In his chosen location, Dillon says, “When the leaves fall, I still feel like I’ll have enough cover to defend myself from the deer seeing any little move that I make. It’s hunting, man. Small movements matter.”
Another reason for selecting the tree he did is the ability to get into his hunting area quietly. “I’ve got easy access from the field into the deer stand. Not many sticks or stumps laying around that I’m going to trip over. I can get out easy and not spook the herd here,” he explains.
Noting that it’s always a lot of fun when you put in the prep needed for the chance to take home a big buck, Dillon adds, “That’s what it’s all about. The prep work and then, when you get to sit down and have that opportunity at a buck of a lifetime . . . That’s what I do it for!”
