Sit, sneak or drive? The great Minnesota deer hunting debate

This take on deer hunting might start arguments. But what’s deer camp for, if not to debate things whose inconsequentialness is itself debatable? Here’s the premise: Some 400,000 deer hunters will take to the woods and fields Saturday at dawn for opening morning of the state’s regular firearms season, and each will be doing one of three things: Sitting, sneaking or “driving.” If you’re not a hunter and wonder what exactly all these orange-clad armed folks do all day, all weekend, or all week, it’s one of those three things (assuming they’re actually hunting and not playing cards or watching football or some other non-hunting deer-camp activity). Advertisement Each has its pros and cons — and not just for hunting, but comfort and camaraderie as well. Let’s break them down. Sitting (in a stand) This is how most hunters will spend Saturday morning, perched some 10 to 20 feet above the ground on some sort of seat, waiting for a deer to walk in front within range. Expanded image view Hunting from an elevated stand can provide good sight lines and shooting lanes. ( Dennis Anderson/The Minnesota Star Tribune ) Effectiveness: A well-placed stand, such as one overlooking a long-used game trail or cornfield, is highly effective. The elevation aids sight lines and might help keep your smell away from a deer’s nose. Comfort: This depends on the stand. Traditional open ladder stands can be decent, even offering naps to those confidently secured with a harness. But they’re exposed to the elements. At the other end of the spectrum are enclosed stands or blinds with heaters and roofs, which are almost cheating.