Anyone figured out a good way to read in a stand?

B

bclark1

New member
So here's a riddle - anybody got a good way to read large books and loose papers in your deer stand? I'm way backed up this year and it would behoove me not just to sit back, enjoy nature and shiver as usual. It occurred to me to wrap everything to avoid bright colors and sharp edges, but it still seems like the movement would bust me - if not when I am reading, when I try to move from book to rifle/shotgun. Has anyone solved this or am I a spaz for trying to multitask and not just enjoy my time afield?
 
I wouldn't worry too much about the bright colors and sharp edges, you should already be wearing orange. If it's a crunchy leaf day in the woods, the deer should let you know if they are on their way.(if they are going to be close enough to see you move to your gun very slowly) I've many a time gotten to my stand early on purpose,gotten bored and pulled out the State hunting laws and read parts I had skipped or skimmed.

But if it's a quiet leaf day, it may just be a good quiet place to catch up on your reading.
 
I have one of those PDA phones with Internet. So I just sit and read, this forum, or the state hunting laws online or just sit and play solitaire. The buttons are quiet enough they don't make any noise, just can't do it when there's low light, kinda blinding when you go to look around. That's what I read to pass the time. :D
 
I read in the stand a lot and sometimes do crossword puzzles, mainly just to help keep alert during those late morning hours. Never really had any issues doing this, I just try my best to keep quiet and minimize the movements I make. But I also climb up pretty high to try and get out of sight as much as possible. An over-the-shoulder messenger style bag attached to the stand makes a good place to slip the books when the time comes.
 
Make book covers of brown paper. Loose papers kept by subject in brown cheap pocket folders will allow you to read page by page and little movement to put it down. Many a deer has been taken by bow at close range where the archer was not holding his bow when he made a visual on the deer...
That is a big sign of a good hunter.
Brent
 
Reading? In a treestand - never thought about doing that! Might have to get me some glossy books with lots of pictures!:D talk about a distraction!:D:D
 
Zahn, I like glossy magazines with lots of glossy pics of purdy girls... Field and Stream, Outdoor life often have some real pretty girls... Does are so purdy and drive me wild!:cool::rolleyes:
Brent
 
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I'm all for anything that gives me more patiance to sit on a stand longer. I find that when I read, my ears work real well - maybe better than when I'm watching for something. I like small paperbacks that fit in a pocket. jd
 
I know people that smoke every now and then while up in deer stands. I say if the leaves are making noise that you should have no problem, with a news paper. Of course you should be positioned down wind of where you plan on taking the shot. I figure deer are like any other animal. I mean if our eyes suck (blind) our other four census are magnified with time. So just because the deer cannot hear you doesn't mean he won't see you 300yds away. Of course when your not looking your deer will walk by, and than it will be mine.
 
nra, you gittin' tired? I have only participated in one census... But if they ask nice I will help them with a few more. My senses think that I should help...:D Just havin' fun! I ain't the spelling, grammar, punctuation police generally. Beinz ta' how I iz reely smart i tri not to make the lessar edgeyoukated feal two bad abowt not noing the write weigh to right.:o
Brent
 
I've often taken a paperback along. I sorta trained myself to read maybe a paragraph and look around the area, read a paragraph and look around. Keeps me from getting bored just sitting. I've mostly been a walking hunter or a stalker. Sitting and waiting just isn't my deal.
 
I do the same thing as Art. No, I don't "need" to read. I often read before or after the initial "prime time hours" and it helps me be more patient. I have had deer sneak right up on me, usually behind me, even in crunchy leaves. Being surprised by the trophy of a lifetime is not a good thing at 15 yds. One thing, you don't need binoculars at this point but you may have trouble raising your firearm to a firing position unless you're in a blind or box stand.

Everyone has their own way about things. But I get bored if I'm not seeing game after an hour or so. I say anything that keeps you in your stand longer and reduces movement is a good thing.
 
Can I just hire the spoilsports to brief the material for me while I hunt, since they don't think the two can be comingled? Unfortunately there are some of us who haven't retired quite yet (I've got maybe another 30-40 years?) but still love getting afield.

I've read small-ish reprints of novels while stand hunting before, I was just curious about textbooks and 8x11 files. I've been thinking about it and the best way is probably to hang a quiet bag under my seat where I can just ease whatever down into it without fumbling with a pack or whatever. Trying to figure out some way to keep the weapon at a psuedo-low-ready in the meantime.
 
I just love to read Tolstoy's "war and Peace" during the rut - seeing that i usually dont see anything all week or 1000 pages, whichever comes first!!:D
 
The only problem I'm starting to notice, is that after reading for awhile, my distance vision is blurry when I first look up. Seems like my eyes don't refocus as quickly as they used to.:confused: jd
 
My buddy takes along a "pocket book." If he gets bored, he'll read a page or two. I've always wanted to bring something with me but just haven't convinced myself its a good idea.
 
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