Tree Stands? Ladder? Climber?

[Griz231]

I'm sure there is quite a bit around on this subject, but hell what else is there to talk about while we all wait patiently for the draw results, (just checked, no draw yet)

I'm definitely going to hunt out of a stand for elk this year and I'm looking for some recomendations for a light weight comfortable stand.
Do you prefer ladder stands, or self climbers or???
Archery btw.
Also, what do you do to secure it so some schmuck doesn't steal it?

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

For price go sportsmans guide. What style depends on how much effort you want to put into gettin it up the tree!

[Mudman]

Summit Bushmaster!  Light, packs well enuff and comfortable.  Bicycle cable lock is what i used on stationary stand.  Still have it!

[h20hunter]

Many hours in a Summit Viper.....very comfy. Remember: SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY No use hunting dumb once and having that be your last hunt.

[et1702]

Do you prefer ladder stands, or self climbers or???
Archery btw.
Also, what do you do to secure it so some schmuck doesn't steal it?

Neither, get a hang on stand and some climbing sticks (not the cheap ones).  Ladder stands are usually too low and self climbers are a pain (i.e., hard to find a perfect tree to climb after you've found the perfect ambush spot).  Also, tough to climb and cut limbs at the same time.  Another word of advice, get as high in the tree as you can or are comfortable.  I go 25' to 30' min.

Never had a problem w/anyone stealing my gear, and I usually have two or three stands in an area.  Going out this weekend to check cams and do more scouting.

ET

[oldleclercrd]

Cabelas has a pretty slick masterlock cable for locking your treestand to the tree. A bike cable cant tighten up the slack, but the masterlock cable ( I have 2) can be tightened up. Climber treestands are nice to have so a guy doesnt have to mess with steps. You can leave the climber at the bottom of the tree and lock it, then unlock and climb in the morning. Not only that but if you discover the treestands not quite in the right spot for the best shot, you can easily move it and not have to dick with resetting the steps. 

[Giggles]

Many hours in a Summit Viper.....very comfy. Remember: SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY No use hunting dumb once and having that be your last hunt.

Oh so true! Used an old wooden platform climber that you had to "bear hug" the tree in order to climb for years and thought I was taking really good care of it.  Climbed up a tree one morning, paused and looked to see if I was high enough and decided to go two feet higher.  On the next step up one of the pins broke and I slid about 18 feet to the ground. Luckely, I kept my bear hug on the tree while I slide and all that really happened was a bruised and scrapped up chest.  The pin that had broken was nice and shinny on the outside, but had rusted on the inside.  I'll never be in a tree stand again w/o a safety harness.

[Button Nubbs]

Gorilla king kong hang on stand. Very comfy, although I only had to sit in it for 3 hours last year. my buddies thought it was awesome.

[Griz231]

Thanks for the info guys.  I have hunted out of them in the past, but all were either permanents or hang on.  Not familiar with the self climbers at all.

And of course SAFETY is #1 on my list.  I have a 4 year old and new born and I need to be around to pass down the hunting bug. 

any particular harness yall like better?

[Fireant11]

Here's a pretty good 4 part you tube video reviewing and showing how to use the Summit Viper climbing treestand.  He includes discussion on safety harness.

Part 1: 

Part 2: 

Part 3: 

Part 4: 

feature=relmfu

[aer212]

I just watched all the reviews and was wondering how long it takes to setup? Looks to me like it takes quite a while.

[Skyvalhunter]

Love my backpack Summit tree stand. Doesn't take me that long to set up.

[trophyhunt]

I also have a summit. I love the self climbers, you can scout around with it on your back and if you find an area you like and want to hunt it for a while up high- your ready to go.  I had a hell of a time cutting limbs on this fir one time, probably took me an hour to get to a height I liked. Made all kinds of noise with my hand saw, finally sat down and a nice 2x3 blacktail came out of the reprod within 10 minutes of sitting. He was about 20 yards at the most away from me. With out the tree stand, I would have never had seen him. I did let him walk though, I'm still looking for a trophy blackie!

[MAVsled]

I use a Lone Wolf Alpha fixed stand and 4 climbing sticks. Also have 6 additional strap hang on brackets that get set up pre-season. Makes the stand easily moveable and easy re-hang on those pre-selected trees.

Also use a LW alpha climber. It's ok but finding that perfect straight tree in the right area/zone can be a challenge. I also pre-select trees for using this stand prior to the season. That's when I do my limb trimming, prior to the season start.

pro: tough to beat Lone Wolf stands; lightweight, incredibly strong, easy function design and QUIET when standing or shuffling your feet on the platforms.
con: pricey.

Note; if archery hunting, be sure to practice your shooting yardages from a treestand, I do. And employ safety measures too!
I never go up higher than 18-20'. My ideal is 16-18' up off the ground below.
I think of it this way. If you are 30' off the ground, that's 10 yards straight down below your stand. Now say that buck is also 30 yards out. You'll need to adjust your aim point slighty to various yardages compared to standing flat on level ground and shooting at say a level block archery target.

[Griz231]

All very good info.  I'm leaning toward a climber so I can pack it around and move easily. I've got a old tripod stand too that I'm going to dust off.
I think I'll go with a more pricey one. I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for and my safety is priceless.