Post by: jackelope on April 22, 2014, 04:04:28 PM
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).
Post by: vandeman17 on April 22, 2014, 04:08:40 PM
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.
Post by: Sumpnneedskillin on April 22, 2014, 04:20:35 PM
Post by: mossback91 on April 22, 2014, 04:32:36 PM
Also I'm about your size :dunno:
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......
Post by: jackelope on April 22, 2014, 04:50:58 PM
Even with the small platform on my hang on stand Im still able to stand up and move my feet.....quit being a sissy!!! :chuckle:
I'll have enough trouble sitting still for long enough to actually shoot something.
Post by: mossback91 on April 22, 2014, 04:52:30 PM
Even with the small platform on my hang on stand Im still able to stand up and move my feet.....quit being a sissy!!! :chuckle:
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.
Post by: Eli346 on April 22, 2014, 04:53:03 PM
Post by: jackelope on April 22, 2014, 04:56:54 PM
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.
Post by: vandeman17 on April 22, 2014, 05:02:21 PM
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.
Post by: jackmaster on April 22, 2014, 05:03:53 PM
Post by: motg9_6 on April 22, 2014, 05:13:01 PM
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.
Post by: jackelope on April 22, 2014, 05:17:15 PM
Post by: h20hunter on April 22, 2014, 05:33:01 PM
Post by: jackelope on April 22, 2014, 05:43:08 PM
Is this private or public?
Why?
It's private.
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 22, 2014, 05:49:13 PM
Post by: h20hunter on April 22, 2014, 05:49:58 PM
Post by: Redbeard on April 22, 2014, 05:52:42 PM
I use my hang on stands with sticks when I'm going far back in. They are lighter than a ladder but not as comfortable.
A harness is a must in my opinion. Spend the few extra $ and get a comfortable one.
Post by: Wilderness Addict on April 22, 2014, 05:56:37 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on April 22, 2014, 06:08:01 PM
Post by: irishevox on April 22, 2014, 06:19:04 PM
Post by: whacker1 on April 22, 2014, 07:01:07 PM
I am also not capable of sitting still. I have only made it for about 3 hours, but hope to make better use of my time in the stand over the next couple of years.
Post by: BigTines on April 22, 2014, 08:09:24 PM
Post by: mossback91 on April 22, 2014, 08:39:52 PM
Post by: huntnnw on April 22, 2014, 09:30:51 PM
How big is this tree? I will not hang hang on stands is giant diameter trees. Most ladder sticks wont go around them and usually large trees have thick bark which u will have to shave down if you using screw in spikes.
i use hang on stands only...I will never use a ladder for whitetails..they dont get high enough and mature bucks are not to keen on them
Post by: jackelope on April 23, 2014, 08:20:40 AM
I could use a ground blind I suppose.
Which is more effective? There's good ground cover around. Just only a couple trees here and there.
Post by: h20hunter on April 23, 2014, 08:32:01 AM
Post by: bobcat on April 23, 2014, 08:57:23 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: irishevox on April 23, 2014, 09:00:56 AM
Post by: bracer40 on April 23, 2014, 09:24:47 AM
Also, the climbers are way more comfortable than my hang-ons. I've had many a fine nap in my climber. I use a harness with both. With the climber it allows me to hang over the edges with confidence.
Post by: h20hunter on April 23, 2014, 09:26:07 AM
Post by: jackmaster on April 23, 2014, 10:55:43 AM
Post by: stromdiddily on April 23, 2014, 11:22:34 AM
Post by: jackmaster on April 23, 2014, 11:25:09 AM
Post by: motg9_6 on April 23, 2014, 02:10:50 PM
Post by: Redbeard on April 23, 2014, 02:55:22 PM
Post by: et1702 on April 23, 2014, 03:11:04 PM
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).
Hey Josh,
I have three tree stands, two different kinds. I think I also have a buddy's stand stored in my barn (third type). If you want to come by and
look at any of them, just give me a shout this week or later this weekend.
But, I'd get as big a platform as you can find. My size 13's don't like the small ones either. I'd also get the ones with the suspension seat, which are more comfortable and less pressure points. Even with my suspension type stands, I still bring a foam pad too. It allows me to sit longer. Don't buy a climber. Climbers are a pain. Much easier to use a ladder and hang on stand, especially if you can drive a four-wheeler to the location (i.e., less packing).
Most of the nicer stands come w/a cheap harness. But, I'd buy a nice harness separately and keep the one that comes w/the stand as a backup. Aluminum stands & ladders are nice and light, but expensive. I have one alimunum and two steel tree stands. So, you can look at both and determine if the weight savings is worth the extra cash. I'd also get a safety line, as most accidents happen getting into or out of the stand, rather than falling while sitting or standing.
Regarding ladders, get the 20'+ version, rather than the 16' length. I like to get my stands up at least 20 to 25 feet (i.e., my feet are at 20', not my butt). So, I also have screw in steps or strap on steps to get above my 20" ladders. But, most of the ladders also have the option of buying and additional 4 or 5' length to add on. FYI, since I'm a big fella too, I usually get extra ratchet straps for both the stands and my ladders. Some of the straps that come w/the ladders are pretty cheap.
I've never had any of my stands or cameras messed with, even on public land. But, you can also buy a cable lock for the stand if you think it might be at risk.
Take care and talk to you soon.
ET
P.S., Heck, if I'm done by early season, you could even use one of mine.
Post by: jackelope on April 23, 2014, 03:22:04 PM
Post by: Greg Mullins on April 28, 2014, 09:44:05 PM
Post by: jackmaster on April 29, 2014, 06:26:02 AM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on April 30, 2014, 09:10:17 PM
Post by: huntnnw on April 30, 2014, 09:20:39 PM
Pop up ground blind with some natural veg brushed in can work extremely well. Look at the turkey hunters. They use them quite a bit and I'd say turkeys have just as good if not better vision than deer. These days you can get a good one for a reasonble price. No climbing, no harness, quiet, keeps your scent in.
they DO NOT keep scent in...wind is worng your busted
Post by: huntnnw on April 30, 2014, 09:26:17 PM
Post by: bracer40 on April 30, 2014, 09:30:53 PM
:yeah: exept i took a milk jug and cut it into a urinal and plumbed a drain from the lid, and ran a chunk of garden hose to the ground and then dug a pretty deep hole and filled it halfway with rocks, you can use whatever chunks of wood or whatever will leave big voids, cover with a garbage bag and fill with dirt, no odor and you dont have to worry about over flowing your urinal, another awesome part about huntin out of a treestand, especially when its pissing down rain or snow is you bring a big thermos with smoking hot soup and another one with coffee or hot coco, its great when you feel that chill starting to get into your bones, i have a blanket from when i was in the service, i doubt it even weighs a pound that i can fit in the side pocket of my bdu's it is super warm, what it all boils down to is how comfortable you want to be, and if i aint still huntn and just sittin in a blind i like comfort it makes you pay way better attention, if your thinkn about how miserable you are you can easily miss a flick of an ear or a twitch of a tail :tup:
I used to pee in a bottle to keep any human scents to a minimum, but I've read too many studies and had experiences support it that deer and elk just don't react to human pee like they do human scent in the wind. I've let it fly from the treestand and an hour later watched deer and or elk come in down wind and not notice it.
Post by: irishevox on May 01, 2014, 07:18:50 AM
May be a stupid question, but do any of you guys use hang on stands on public land? With as much stuff that gets stolen I would worry about it but maybe not :dunno:
I have but when the season is over i take the ladders down. like last year i did even though i was on deployment... but when i leave the area i take the seat cushion and i lock the seat in the up position when i am not there which if anyone did get up there they would have to cut the lock off or if they managed to get up there then they would have to stand up there an not sit... but i do leave it 20 ft up so if someone is looking for it then they might see it... but over all it has been safe just a tad bit of rush on the screws etc...
Post by: motg9_6 on May 01, 2014, 07:41:28 AM
I will never slide a climber up and down a tree every time to hunt!!! nor will I pack it in or out everytime I hunt! holy cow. not to include you have to remove all the cover to hide you in the tree with a climber!! :yike: have fun with a big whitey. All climbers have a rail around them.this makes shooting a deer with a bow even harder...u have to stand! All the deer I have shot from my stand are sitting I bet I woulda got none of them if I were forced to stand
my thought was to scout it hard find several good trees in different locations climb them way before season to clear the brush and depending on wind patterns and game movement then pick your location for that day. i will be packing my climber in once and leaving it stashed in the bushes as to not pack it in and out all the time.
Post by: irishevox on May 01, 2014, 08:30:34 AM
I will never slide a climber up and down a tree every time to hunt!!! nor will I pack it in or out everytime I hunt! holy cow. not to include you have to remove all the cover to hide you in the tree with a climber!! :yike: have fun with a big whitey. All climbers have a rail around them.this makes shooting a deer with a bow even harder...u have to stand! All the deer I have shot from my stand are sitting I bet I woulda got none of them if I were forced to stand
I don't know about stashing one in the bushes.... i think if someone else hunted the area you would end up with out a climber..... i don't care if my hang on gets stolen b/c they are like 89 bucks but for a climber some of them are high dollar
my thought was to scout it hard find several good trees in different locations climb them way before season to clear the brush and depending on wind patterns and game movement then pick your location for that day. i will be packing my climber in once and leaving it stashed in the bushes as to not pack it in and out all the time.
Post by: huntnnw on May 05, 2014, 06:28:56 AM
Post by: irishevox on May 05, 2014, 07:07:15 AM
Post by: jackmaster on May 05, 2014, 12:29:52 PM
Post by: huntnnw on May 05, 2014, 11:00:33 PM
I have been hid in trees with limbs around me and had whitetails see fingers move! I dont look for trees to hang my stands I look for where the game is first and where I SHOULD be sitting and hang there in any tree. Go put your stand in a tamrack 20ft up and tell how that goes with a whitetail deer :chuckle:
Post by: jackmaster on May 06, 2014, 06:36:56 AM