Tree Stands? Ladder? Climber?

[seth30]

HOw do you like the tripod stand?  I have never even seen one in real life.

[sebek556]

climbers have come along way, had a summit viper but it was "not delivered" when we moved, so the trucker or one of the packers is now enjoying it. For public land you couldn't beat it, find a area you liked, climb up and watch. Also as long as you were not breaking limbs its pretty quite to go up. Make sure you tie off your bottom to your top though, had a army friend that didn't. He called me hanging on only the top part with no way down, so had to hike in and save his butt. Also I had a bungee cord across mine to help hold my feet in the stirups when climbing. 

[Mudman]

Keep in mind the Bushmaster Summit climber has no bar in front of you.  I like this as nothing is in my way when shooting bow.  You dont sit down when climbing but use your arms instead.  very easy if your in decent shape.  Very easy to use climbers but takes a little practice first. I found the harness the most complicated part of it.  Always tie bottom to top and use harness especially with open front bushmaster.   Oh and being able to turn stand or go up or down while in tree is a great thing!

[Griz231]

HOw do you like the tripod stand?  I have never even seen one in real life.

Good. I haven't used it since I was 14, twenty years ago, but my dad used it quite a bit in the willows down in the Missouri river breaks back when he guided. It was perfect for that.  Only got stolen once and dad happened to be five minutes behind them and ran em down right before they loaded it up in their boat. Threatened their lives and they gave it up. Good old' Montana.

[Griz231]

climbers have come along way, had a summit viper but it was "not delivered" when we moved, so the trucker or one of the packers is now enjoying it. For public land you couldn't beat it, find a area you liked, climb up and watch. Also as long as you were not breaking limbs its pretty quite to go up. Make sure you tie off your bottom to your top though, had a army friend that didn't. He called me hanging on only the top part with no way down, so had to hike in and save his butt. Also I had a bungee cord across mine to help hold my feet in the stirups when climbing. 

Did you snap a pic of him stuck up there? 

[sebek556]

of course, then posted it up at work

[KimberRich]

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

Well said.  I agree that most ladder stands aren't tall enough and I don't want to be making a bunch of noise in the dark in the morning, using a climber to get into position.  I'm sure they both have good applications but I prefer a hang on and climbing sticks at a minimum of 20'. 25' is better. 

You can just remove the climbing sticks and it gets very hard to steal or even detect in the woods.  Maybe some people walk around looking into the trees while in the woods, but I sure dont.  If I didn't see a ladder or climbing sticks I would most likely walk right under a stand and not see it.

Sportsman's Guide is a great source for stands.  It's basically the only thing I buy from them, but you can not beat the prices.  Safety and Comfort are key.

[Griz231]

I'm looking at buying the summit viper Ss from sportsman guide.  Does it come with everything or do I need to buy the tree safety strap?
Any accessories y'all recommend I buy?  Want to order it all at once.

[D-Rock425]

I like hang ons myself.   Set them up a month early and sneak into them when the season starts wont spook game setting up on opening day.

[Special T]

Buy a nice tree safety harness. I got one of the Hunter safty systems in mesh,that has a couple of pockets. They make them more like climbing harness now. The cheep ones that come with the stand suck and you won't use them. I almost fell out of a tree stand 25ft in the air. I fell asleep and almost went over. I didn't have it on because it was too hard to hunt out of the 2 days prior. (the one included with the stand) I love may vest adn use it all the time. 

[Griz231]

I like hang ons myself.   Set them up a month early and sneak into them when the season starts wont spook game setting up on opening day.

Yea that's a good point. My issue right now is I haven't made the time to get over scouting. Just started hunting the area last year so I'm not quite sure where to put my stands yet. Still trying to find a good spot. Last year we did ok but no kills.
Tuff when you have little ones, it always easy to get over in early season.  Plan on going once in July and once in August.

[PolarBear]

Climber only for me!  I have too many friends who have been seriously hurt in hang on stands and ladder stands are too cumbersome for whre I hunt.

[D-Rock425]

I have the hunter safety system vest also wouldn't hunt without it now.  It also comes in very handy when setting up stands.  And as far as hang on stands not being safe i disagree i own 3 of them and have never once had any problems with any of them.  Im always strapped into my safety harness and hook into the tree before my feet ever leave the ground.

[NWBREW]

I actually have two ladder stands and one climber. The ladder stands are up all year but you never know when you have to change plans or tactics.

And yes....the HSS is a must.

[Mudman]

My summit came with everything you need, dvd, harness, even screw in bow hanger for the tree.  The harness isnt the best but will do the job.  Afanny pack attached to climber with harness in it then put on before you climb.  Easy enuff and you can wear it over clothes instead of walking around in it.  Easy to put on I think.  Ten minutes and i am up the tree and ready.  Summit bushmaster.  Lighter then viper I think and no bar in front to get in way.  I like it alot.