Lets talk treestands

[jackelope]

Most likely I'll end up hunting in a treestand with my bow in the late archery season for whitetails and mule deer. It'll be something different for me and I'm looking forward to it. I'm curious to know preferences when it comes to hang on stands or ladder stands. A climber won't be an option so I'm personally not too interested in the in's and out's of them, but they can be included in the discussion for the sake of other folks who might be interested.

So....who likes what and why?

I'm a big guy, 6'4" and 225# so that's a consideration I guess, and being high in a tree is not exactly my favorite place to be. I'll power through it but I'm not going to be able to handle not being able to move my feet at all because of a tiny little platform.

Also we should include safety harness talk in this thread also.
The last time I hunted out of a tree stand, we built it out of 2x4's and plywood and safety harnesses weren't even invented yet(I don't think).

[vandeman17]

How far are you planning on being away from the road or can you at least take a quad or something to bring your stand in? The main downfall of the ladder stand is they are big and bulky and can take many loads to get in to your spot. I used one for the first time last year and liked it but my spot wasn't too far of a pack in so that helped. This year I plan on using a hang on stand because the spot I want to go is much farther back in.

I also would recommend getting the nice upgraded fall restraint vests. Most stands include a basic fall restraint set up but they aren't the best or most comfortable. I will be upgrading that this year as well.

[Sumpnneedskillin]

I too am a large guy.  I used a Gorilla King Kong hang on stand (if I remember correctly, it may have been an XL).  I added the arms to my seat.  Good thing, don't know how many times I dozed off.  Only once did I start to fall forward but my harness stopped me.  I always wore a harness.  I used the Hunter Safety System vest type so I could put range finder, granola bar etc in the pockets.  I had my strap anchored above my head when I sat down.  It was shortened up to I could barely touch my toes when seated.  But if I stood I had room to move to make a shot.  The stand I have has a slightly larger platform.  If you move slow and deliberate there's no problem.

[mossback91]

Even with the small platform on my hang on stand  Im still able to stand up and move my feet.....quit being a sissy!!!

Also I'm about your size

Ladder stands do provided a little more foot room and a lot more seat room though..... I find my ladder stand to be more comfortable. Probably a little more comfortable for a guy who doesn't like heights to climb also.

I only own the cheap stands I find on sale for under $50......

[jackelope]

Even with the small platform on my hang on stand  Im still able to stand up and move my feet.....quit being a sissy!!!

I'll have enough trouble sitting still for long enough to actually shoot something.

[mossback91]

Even with the small platform on my hang on stand  Im still able to stand up and move my feet.....quit being a sissy!!!

I'll have enough trouble sitting still for long enough to actually shoot something.

That's the main reason I hate hunting out of a stand.

[Eli346]

 I've got a Tree Lounge that is a climber with the bolt on foot platform. I fall asleep in that quite regularly and it's also very comfortable. I've got a couple of other stands also but this is the most reliable and most comfortable along with the safety of it.

[jackelope]

I've got a Tree Lounge that is a climber with the bolt on foot platform. I fall asleep in that quite regularly and it's also very comfortable. I've got a couple of other stands also but this is the most reliable and most comfortable along with the safety of it.

I think I won't be able to use a climber. I've got 1 specific tree I'm going to put it onto and it's a big tree.

[vandeman17]

I've got a Tree Lounge that is a climber with the bolt on foot platform. I fall asleep in that quite regularly and it's also very comfortable. I've got a couple of other stands also but this is the most reliable and most comfortable along with the safety of it.

I think I won't be able to use a climber. I've got 1 specific tree I'm going to put it onto and it's a big tree.

Climbers are nice but tough if you want to get in quietly before daylight. If you want to stay mobile and hunt different locations then they are solid but sounds like a hang on is your best bet.

[jackmaster]

I have a big two person ladder stand you can use to see if you like it, I have good climber but from the sounds of it you wouldn't be to comfortable in it... the ladder stand is awesome and you want to get it in place sooner the better, good thing is also you can put a top above it and wrap the rails to keep wind and rain out, with a small heater they can be really warm

[motg9_6]

Haven't hunted out of a climber yet but I bought one this year due to the long hike in to a new area 28lbs. I have a 2 person ladder stand. Big game brand from sportsmans guide. Really like it big and bulky but sturdy only goess where ATV can get to at most 100 yds away. So far my favorite is a tripod tree stand. Works great to get above the brush in places where are no trees to hang a stand on.
Just keep in mind falling into a harness can very easily be fatal. Fall prevention is key when adjusting harness to tree and ur self. 6' of fall can give thousands of ft lbs of force to your body. At very least ,you will be extremely sore. Maybe look into a shock absorber.

[jackelope]

I can get right to the tree on a 4 wheeler.

[h20hunter]

Is this private or public?

[jackelope]

Is this private or public?

Why?

It's private.

[D-Rock425]

I've never shot a deer from a stand but I shot a handful of elk from stands.  I really like hang on stands for the fact that you can sneak in and out without make a bunch of noise.  I highly recommend a tree stand harness like the hunter safety system.