Thoughts on permanent tree stands?

[slickmannick]

Over the years I've spotted a few permanent (semi permanent) tree stands while out hunting... and I've probably walked past more than I can count since I never look up. I personally use a climbing tree stand because of how easy it is to relocate. I was just curious how most hunters feel about the idea of putting up a permanent tree stand on public land. Now I am referring to basically a wood platform secured to a few trees with rope, nothing too damaging to the trees and mostly just wood materials. At first I was against the idea, but after talking with a few hunting buddies I kind of look at it like those poles everyone has in their camp to hang deer/elk from... it's not really hurting anything and anyone has a right to use it. I'd love to hear everyone's opinions.

[bracer40]

I know someone who fell out of one and could have died if he'd been alone. Many months of recovery.

Weather and age take their toll on stands like that.

[Sandberm]

Can I sit in it even though some one else put it up?

[CP]

Can I sit in it even though some one else put it up?

Yes.

[CP]

I know someone who fell out of one and could have died if he'd been alone. Many months of recovery.

Weather and age take their toll on stands like that.

Lawsuit ?  If someone falls out of a stand that you built are you liable?

[skeeter 20i]

Playing devils advocate here:

Prove it was mine and I built the death trap in question.  Further more "why was said person climbing into a structure presumably left abandoned in the woods?" 

Just a couple of thoughts off the top of my head.

[headshot5]

Can I sit in it even though some one else put it up?

If it is on public property you can.  This situation is seen often with permanent duck blinds.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Personally, I don't like them.  Mainly because my experience has been that too many of the people who build them - or any other semi-permanent structures on public land - feel entitled to that location and don't honor "first come, first served" on public land and instead instigate confrontations.  I get they put in the scouting time and work, but that's just it - they are trying to claim that trail crossing, saddle, wallow, etc that caused them to choose that spot.  I feel the same way about any claim of "right" to a spot.

[dscubame]

I am good with them. 

[trophyhunt]

I am good with them.

me too, it's a lot of work.  I use lag bots and pressure treated wood back when I made them.  I like seeing old ones, reminds me of the old days when every thing you did wasn't against the law.  I now use self climbers.

[vandeman17]

Personally, I don't like them.  Mainly because my experience has been that too many of the people who build them - or any other semi-permanent structures on public land - feel entitled to that location and don't honor "first come, first served" on public land and instead instigate confrontations.  I get they put in the scouting time and work, but that's just it - they are trying to claim that trail crossing, saddle, wallow, etc that caused them to choose that spot.  I feel the same way about any claim of "right" to a spot.

I am fine with them IF and on IF they understand that if a person is there first and either using the actual stand or even just hunting that spot that they can't tell them to buzz off. I never really run into this in the woods but it happens a lot duck hunting where people feel like they have "saved" a spot because they built a blind on it.

[bowtechian]

Seen one before that was a couple pallets held up between two trees w/ a cargo strap

[trophyhunt]

Personally, I don't like them.  Mainly because my experience has been that too many of the people who build them - or any other semi-permanent structures on public land - feel entitled to that location and don't honor "first come, first served" on public land and instead instigate confrontations.  I get they put in the scouting time and work, but that's just it - they are trying to claim that trail crossing, saddle, wallow, etc that caused them to choose that spot.  I feel the same way about any claim of "right" to a spot.

I am fine with them IF and on IF they understand that if a person is there first and either using the actual stand or even just hunting that spot that they can't tell them to buzz off. I never really run into this in the woods but it happens a lot duck hunting where people feel like they have "saved" a spot because they built a blind on it.

yup, I had about 3 around in different areas and I never felt like it was mine.  If someone was sitting in it when I showed up I would just move on and just get up earlier next time.  I wouldn't expect the people to get out of the stand, BUT on the other hand, if I found a nice stand in an area I was hunting and got in it.  And the guy who built it came by, I would have no problem getting out of it for him.  Just how I roll.

[boneaddict]

Agree with Doublelung.    That and they never get taken down or cleaned up after they go to crap. 

[MountainWalk]

When I see on far from the road, all rotted and scary looking, it makes me grin, kinda like some dude 20yrs ago was thinking the same thing I am, "what a dandy spot!"