Should you hunt the same stand after killing a deer?

This is a common dilemma that many deer hunters face after harvesting an animal from a particular stand location. On one hand, some argue you should move to a new spot to avoid pressure and educate the other deer. But some make a good case for staying put to capitalize on the existing deer patterns. Let’s dive into the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision for your situation.

Table of Contents

The case for moving to a new stand

Here are some of the main reasons why changing stand locations makes sense after killing a deer:

Avoid pressuring the area – After a shot, deer will be on high alert and may avoid the area for some time. By giving it a break, you reduce pressure.
Prevent deer from pattern recognition – If deer see a hunter in the same place multiple times, they will learn to avoid that spot.
Take advantage of wind patterns – The wind may be better suited for another stand location on a different day.

Cover more ground – Trying new stands allows you to hunt more terrain and increase odds of encountering more deer.
Account for shifting deer patterns – As food sources change and the rut kicks in, deer movements can change.

In general, the logic behind moving to a fresh stand revolves around reducing pressure and deer wariness. Deer have very strong memories and will remember negative experiences for a long time. By giving them space, you allow their guard to drop over time.

Reasons to keep hunting the same stand

On the other hand, here are some benefits to staying put at your successful stand location:

Deer will return – As creatures of habit, deer will eventually come back to food and bedding areas you took advantage of.
The area remains attractive to deer – If it’s a hotspot, other deer will be interested in returning.

You already have the approach worked out – No need to figure out new access and entry/exit strategies.
Familiarity and confidence – You likely feel more confident and comfortable hunting a proven stand.
Respect the spot – Some argue you should show respect by taking just one deer from a location per season.

The idea here is to capitalize on the deer activity in that area and use your knowledge and experience there. As long as you are careful about scent control and play the wind right, you may still see success.

Other factors to consider

Beyond the main pros and cons above, here are some other variables to take into account:

Time of season – Early season deer patterns can change more quickly than late season. Staying put makes more sense during the rut when bucks are cruising.

Number of deer taken – If multiple deer are harvested from one stand, moving is likely a better call.
Local regulations – Some areas prohibit excessive disturbance or restrict how close you can hunt to a kill site.
Property layout – On smaller properties with limited stands, you may have no choice but to reuse locations.

Deer density – In areas with low deer populations, reducing pressure may be more critical.

Consider all these factors along with wind patterns and weather changes when deciding your best move. There is no one size fits all solution.

General guidelines on re-using stands

Taking all the variables together, here are some general guidelines on re-hunting a productive stand:

Wait at least 1-2 weeks before returning during the early seasons when deer are more pattern-bound.
Only take one deer per year from ultra-productive spots during peak rut.
If hunting a low-pressure area, stands can be reused more aggressively.

Focus on marginal stands if hunting pressure is high to avoid spooking deer.
Use a different approach and wind when coming back to a stand.
If legal, consider using a ground blind to reduce pressure on stands.

Every situation is different. The key is being flexible, tracking patterns, and avoiding spooking deer from sanctuary areas. With careful timing and strategy, productive stands can be hunted again successfully.

How to know if it’s too soon to return

Here are some signs that you’ve returned to a stand too soon and pressured the deer:

Fresh deer tracks and droppings have disappeared.

Scrapes and rubs are no longer being visited.
Game trails show no new signs of deer activity.
Food sources remain untouched.

Deer seem skittish and alert when approaching.
No deer sightings despite ideal conditions.

If you notice these warning signs, the deer have likely become apprehensive of that area. It’s best to back out and give them more time before attempting that stand again.

Tips for re-approaching a stand

If you do decide to hunt the same stand again, here are some tips for stealthy re-entry:

Wait for the wind to switch directions before going back.
Park in a different, distant location and access the stand quietly.

Use scent eliminator sprays and cover order on clothing and gear.
Trim shooting lanes and clear debris differently than before.
Bring a ground blind and hunt lower on the edges of the stand area.

Only hunt the stand every 2nd or 3rd time in the area to reduce pressure.

By being extremely cautious and unpredictable in your return, you can outsmart deer that may be avoiding that zone after a harvest.

Conclusion

In the end, whether to hunt the same stand again comes down to balancing pressure and patterns for your specific situation. Both staying put and moving on have their merits. The best approach is usually to remain flexible based on signs of deer activity and wariness. With careful timing and shifting tactics, productive stands can be successfully hunted again during the same season.

Pros of Moving Stand	Pros of Staying Put
Reduce deer pressure Avoid pattern recognition Take advantage of wind shifts Hunt new ground Account for shifting patterns	Deer will return to area Location remains attractive Approach is already worked out Familiar and confident Show respect by taking just one deer

Key Takeaways

Let stands rest 1-2 weeks after harvesting deer, especially early season
Only take one buck per year from prime rut stands
Watch for signs like disappearing tracks that indicate deer are avoiding the area

Use different wind, parking, and stealth when re-entering a stand
Remain flexible based on activity patterns and pressure

With smart timing and adaptive tactics, you can successfully hunt the same stands again during deer season. But changing locations is often wise to keep deer patterns fresh and reduce wariness after a harvest.