Treestands

[Ptaylor]

#7231

Alright fellas and fellers. If you had to pack a tree stand into the backcountry which one would you use? And why?

I am thinking next year I may carry a tree stand into the wilderness. Here’s why: These black-tails just don’t stick to the same trail. I put out some game cameras and got nice pictures of bucks using the trails, but if they want they can just use another trail above or below the one I’m waiting by (which is what happened one on hunt this fall, a fork buck came walking by me but uphill and beyond my range at 38 yards). I am thinking if I get up on a tree a bit it will open up a few more shooting lanes for me, because of the steep hill side. On those hills I can only watch one trail when I am sitting on the ground, but up in a tree I would be able to hunt a few trails.

So which tree stand would you use. Consider weight to carry in, safety to climb tree, and comfort.

[Matt Steed]

#60070

Tree stands are sort of like bows; everybody has their favorites. What works for one man, might not work for another. Most of my hunting is less than a one mile walk. I have personally used about five different name brand climbing stands. For me, I can’t sit if I am not comfortable. I don’t mind a little more weight if it is a comfortable stand. A good friend of mine gave me a Lone Wolf climbing stand. It is very light and packs flat, but it is very uncomfortable to me. I can only sit in it two hours max. I have some friends that love them and want use anything but a lone wolf. I am 6’2″ and 230#’s.

My suggestion would be try as many as possible before buying one. I also have found that the closed front makes no difference in my shooting. I just keep my foot platform close to the seat so when I stand up to shoot I have plenty of clearance. I also wear a Hunter Safty System vest. As soon as my feet get on the stand; I secure myself to the tree.

God Bless

[Brennan Herr]

#60547

I use the summit viper. I replaced the seat with a net seat to lighten a little. I also put a hip belt and shoulder straps from a molle pack on it as well. It is a very stable and packable stand. I have used api, lone wolf, and others. For me the viper is the safest, easiest to use and comfortable. Good luck

[Stephen Graf]

#9272

As Matt said, everyone likes something different. In that regard, I just haven’ been able to make friends with climbing stands.

For me, rails or other things sticking out get in the way of shooting. I shoot an ASL so that may be part of it.

I like to put my stands in a clump of vegetation in a gnarly tree. Can’t do that with a climber. A climber needs a straight clean tree. To make them effective you have to go higher or else the deer make you out. This is particularly true on a steep slope, like you mentioned. I never go up more than 12 to 14 feet. I get nosebleeds up there 😳

I like to put my stand up before hand. That way, when it comes time to hunt I just slip quietly up the tree with no fuss. Climbers make noise and take time to get you where you are going – which reminds me of a story….

When I was young, I like the Lock-On Wind Walker hang on stand. Five pounds and super sturdy. Best stand I ever had, but it had a small platform and a not so comfy seat. Didn’t bother my resilient young flesh. When I passed into my fourth decade, not so much.

One thing for sure though, no matter what type you choose to use you will have more luck with the more cautious deer like white tail and coues deer

[David Coulter]

#10247

I’m a hang on guy for store bought stands. I don’t go up very high at all. Usually under 10 feet, so I need to be brushed in well. I want that shot angle as the first priority. Most of my stands are homemade ladder stands with standard 8 ft PT 2x2s, using bolts instead of screws at the main load junctions. That won’t help you in the back country though. I buy whatever hang-on is on sale and I take the seat off and stay standing. For myself, I can stand longer than I can sit, as I can move my legs and feet slightly more often. The main thing though is I know I’d get busted when it was time to stand up. So many times there seems to be nothing but squirrels within a hundred miles and then suddenly, like a ghost, the deer is 40 yards away. I’m always convinced I’ll get busted just trying to get in position, let alone standing up. I think the best advice is to try as many as you can. If you have to carry a few extra pounds to feel secure, that would be worth the sweat. Good luck! dwc

[Ralph]

#15369

I don’t even wanna tell you how to take a header from a “ground stand”:D but for sure don’t try to knee walk downhill into a gully. I spooked all three of the bucks I thought I’d get ahead of for an attempted ambush. I reckon if they lived long enough they’re still laughing (it’s been 10 years or so since that happened, older now and perhaps a bit wiser):?:?

Maybe I be glad there’s no trees where I hunt to stand in. A header might be a bit rougher on me if’n I was elevated some.:roll:

Mesquites are not trees. They are thorny monsters.

Seriously I’m glad we talk tree stand safety. Sure don’t want anyone buggered up for taking shortcuts.

[Franklin Young]

#37782

Like it was stated, mostly personal preference. I have a Summit Bush Master. Great bow stand, about 20 pounds. I have a collapsible 6′ pole saw attached to it. Brings it up to about 23-24 pounds. I have also used and liked Old Man steel stands a few years ago. Also a very good stand. I kill 3 deer out of it with my wheel bow.

[Don Thomas]

#15167

My preference for this purpose is the Eaglet, the down-size model of the Screaming Eagle Paul Brunner used to make. I don’t think they are being made or marketed anymore, but you might get lucky and find a used one (and I could be wrong about their availability). I’m glad I have a few. they are stable, safe, quiet, and light. I’ve packed them in to some hellacious places. Don

[smiley1]

#23120

Agree with Don. Screaming Eagles, eaglet were the best treestands on the market. I still use the bracket stands which enables multiple locations with only one stand. If you do a search you may still find some for sale. Steve

[grumpy]

#26178

“Screaming Eagles” Is that what they call you when making that really fast trip to the ground?

[bruc]

#32888

grumpy wrote: “Screaming Eagles” Is that what they call you when making that really fast trip to the ground?

😆

[Ralph]

#33282

Hey Grumpy,:D. Good’un…

Wonder how many bald eagles we have perched in tree stands???

[Ptaylor]

#62189

I just talked with Screaming Eagle, and they are definitely still in business. I’m planning on picking one of these up this winter. Thanks for all the suggestions folks.

What about safety harnesses? Any suggestions, again weight and quality considerations.

[handirifle]

#7848

HSS saved my bacon, and I wasn’t even hunting, I was tree trimming. They have several models. Mine of course is the oldest and heaviest, but sure is strong.

[John Cholin]

#49075

I gave-up looking for a commercially available tree-stand. I make my own from aluminum I get at Home Depot and Lowes. Mine have a 24 inch by 28 inch platform, hooks for hanging my pack and fold-up seat. I use 10 mm Dacron static line and a deck cleat to attach them to the tree. I spray paint them with several coats of flat primer and they weigh about 7 pounds when ready to use. Buy the time I’m done I have about $100 in the stand so I’m not saving money! But I think I’m saving weight.

Most of the time I use screw-in tree steps and select a multi-trunk tree to give me cover, usually ash or red maple.

I like the Muddy harness.

Best Regards,

John Cholin

[Stephen Graf]

#50569

Have pictures?

[Author]

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