Tree stand. If he was hunting and waiting for /looking for / watching , without being noticed , that could be a place where he wouldn't be noticed? His clothing would blend in. Hunters start early, when it's colder, so they dress warmer. May be sitting there a good while, so need some food, drink, water. Binoculars. A smart Hunter carries and uses rope: 1. to help themselves get up on the stand 2. To tie self so they don't fall asleep and fall off, or fall off when changing positions 3. To tie gear , clothing as it warms up, etc . All that could explain him loaded up under his jacket.
So, he may have had his own deer stand ( covered in DNA, fingerprints) , has plenty of time to remove it. ( saying it's a more modern deer stand, looks kinda like an old fashioned lawn chair, with no legs or back. Maybe think cheap stadium seating with ropes) . Or, he used an old one he found. Some older ones could be more DIY, old school - - - they are wooden, nailed to a tree. Look like a mini deck, or mini platform. Being wooden, more camoflagued. MOO. Brainstorming , thinking.