Deer might overlook a noise, and you might even get away with being seen if you are well camouflaged. But odor is a dead giveaway.

Prevailing wind direction is no guarantee of wind direction. Select at least one alternative location to get you downwind from approaching deer if the wind suddenly shifts and blows from another direction.

Of course, there can be one big hitch to this plan. Just because you’ve located a perfect area to set up a stand doesn’t mean there’s a good place for it. Tree-stand hunters know that the perfect trees don’t always exist where they’re needed most for their favorite stands.

If it fits your budget, purchase different types of stands. A climbing stand, a ladder stand or a strap-on stand, and a ground blind will allow you to set up at most locations.

Bowhunting is far from a pure science, but there are ways to cut corners if you put your time in.

Spend cooler summer mornings and evenings looking for deer, scouting new territories and making plans for the 2006 hunting season. It will be here before we know it!