Looks like back in 2015 they moved public land treestand date from Sept 1st to the 15th. Anyone kmow why this happened? I personally would like to see it moved to July 1st. Anyone else have an opinion on this?

no idea why they moved it ... dosnt matter to me because in 2016 I went strictly to a LW Alpha II and sticks, I carry in and out every sit .. too many guys try to hog up spots by placing multiple stands ... I wish more state lands had bow only areas where no stands can be 'left unattended' ....

I'm with you on the bow only areas, but my dad and nephews aren't able to hunt mobile for now. Just curious, would you be opposed to a july or august date?

why so early, I think it is because guys want to hog up locations and claim 'their' spots' ... just what state lands need, more pressure from guys wondering around looking for 'their place' ....

Guys are going to hang stands regardless, better to do it in the summer than a week or 2 before the season don't you think? Sept 15 is way too late IMO. Also, a stand doesn't "claim" a spot lol. Its public. Anyone can hunt anywhere.

yea, a stand being up kinda does 'claim' an area, I and many others will not hunt near an existing stand, I do it out of courtesy, same as I'll never knowingly set up to another that is in a specific location ... I dont expect it to be done to me either ..

I have 13 stands up on public right now. Some likely won't get hunted til november, and if i tag out in oct or early nov, some likely wont get hunted at all. Add into the mix that there are always some abandoned stands out there, i never write an area off because of stands. Plus, when hunting mobile, especially when setting up in the dark, you really have no idea if you're setting up near someone elses stand anyways. If i see another hunter, i stay clear, but i don't avoid an area just cause there are stands there.