What do you do when the tree is too close?

by Oct 18, 2012Uncategorized

What do you do when the tree is too close?

Folks, I need some advice.

Dad put up a new tree seat in a new secret spot. Its fantastic. I climbed up there last weekend and sat for a few minutes. It’s another pimped out seat with a bar that comes down over me like a ride at the fair. It’s a little tighter of a fit than my other seat but it will work. Here is my concern: the open shooting lanes are on my right. I am right handed and right eye dominant. The tree is a little too close to my back and shoulder if I need to turn to the right to shoot. The last thing I want is for my gun to kick back and me not be able to go back with it. What should I do?

5 Comments

  1. I would down-size the cartridge, borrowing a smaller gun if needed. Many young or disabled people comfortably and effectively shoot 410 and 20 gauge slugs at big game. A small or short cartridge will allow you to fire from unusual positions. You can even buy a low recoil cartridge. Furthermore, do not get too cold because you will lose flexibility in your joints. I once had two swollen and bruised fingers from holding the forearm and firing during severe cold weather.

    • Awesome! Thanks for the suggestions. I don't know about getting a smaller gun at this point, but staying warm will be key this fall.

  2. One thing that we ahve done in the past is rotate the stand to ensure a right handed shot can be made. Set the stand so that your left shoulder is closest to the tree when the shooting, that will help wiht your confidence, not worrying about that right shoulder being against the tree.

    Hope this helps.

  3. I agree with Travis. I'd move the stand a bit so that you have room. You don't want to tense up while you're afraid of getting hurt and make a poor shot.

  4. yup…rotate the stand. its a pain when looking for deer if you can't face your lane dead on, but far better to be comfy when it matters most…taking the shot.

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Erin Merrill, author of And a Strong Cup of Coffee, is president of Women of the Maine Outdoors, a senior writer for Drury Outdoors, a contributor to the Northwoods Sporting Journal and passionate all things Maine, Hunting, and the Outdoors.

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