The ‘Spot Set’ > North American Hunting Club

The "spot set" technique could be your ticket to killing a mature whitetail.

POSTED BY: Thomas Allen
May 17, 2011

The "spot set" is a whitetail hunting technique that implements the power of surprise, and works exceptionally well in urban settings—though it’s definitely not limited to this application. If you ask some of the most successful hunters across the nation, they would all most likely agree that the first time you sit in a particular spot is the best chance you have to kill a mature whitetail.

The gear you choose to use is essential. I strongly suggest a lightweight and quiet set of portable climbing sticks; I prefer Muddy or Lone Wolf. I also suggest a Muddy, Lone Wolf, or Wedge-Loc Ghost treestand—I can have any of these hung silently in less than 15 seconds. Once in the tree, having a small set of hand pruners and a compact, extendable saw will make it easier to trim a few small branches that might interfere with a shot—but don’t cut unless you absolutely have to.

You should practice this system and become fluid with its execution before actually implementing it because you want to make only one trip up the tree.

I start by tying my bow and pack to a pull rope and then attach the rope to my belt, and I put the first two sticks on the tree before ascending. With the stand on my back, I place the final two sticks and then the stand. I hoist up my bow and pack, and I’m ready to hunt. Silence and safety are keys to the success of this technique, so make sure to use a safety system that has a lineman’s harness.

Once mastered, you’ll be able to do this in the dark without making a single sound, which will capture the purity of the element of surprise.

Comments

By jwillard Tuesday, May 31, 2011 1:36 PM

I've tried this technique as well and I really like the idea. However, there are a few issues that I've noticed.

I usually clip my lone wolf alpha stand to one hoist rope, my bow to another rope, and then ascend the tree. I hang the first stick on the ground and then hang the others as I go up using the lone wolf stick caddy. However, I've ran into issues with the multiple ropes getting tangled, etc as I pull up my stand/gear. Plus, rope management and keeping things tidy is a trick; especially in the dark.

Your idea of climbing with the stand on your back is nice, but how would hang your last few sticks quietly? Are you carrying them in your hand, with a caddy of some sort, or attached to your back? I really like the thought of reducing down to one rope, but I'm curious how you pull that off. Could you elaborate on that particular aspect of your setup?

Thanks,

JW

By rstevens211 Sunday, July 24, 2011 5:45 AM

JW you need a rope approximately twice as long as the distance you are sitting up the tree, tie one end to your bow and the other end to your backpack, a loop in the middle will help if you use a D-ring. As far as the climbing sticks go i couldn't tell you, good luck and safe hunting.

By EliBourne Friday, August 12, 2011 10:45 AM

Boy you people must be loaded to be buying all that gear. I checked the prices on that stuff and about had a heart attack. I will just continue to walkin sit downwind from where the deer are coming through at the base of the tree or better yet a blow down and nail them when they walk by. Whole lot quicker, quieter and cheaper. Plus when the wind shifts all I gotta do is move onto the other side of the trail.

By dzskqq Wednesday, August 17, 2011 11:53 AM

i do the same thing with a tree sling wrapped arround my waist and a pair of tree climbing spurs. only need one rope to pull up my bow

By mmiller49 Friday, January 20, 2012 1:15 AM

Sounds like to much climbing to me, i use a box blind that my sons and i built about 3 years ago that has steps instead of a ladder.

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The ‘Spot Set’

The "spot set" technique could be your ticket to killing a mature whitetail.

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