Tree Stands

Kind off stealing this topic from a previous post, but was inquiring into why some of us prefer different types of tree stands. For example I’m not a big fan of the climbers for the reasons that it seems difficult to find that perfect tree in the perfect area, however as some of you have noted it is almost necessary when hunting public land. So just wondering why most of you choose either fixed position, climbers and or ladders or prefer one over the other?

More and more I am going to ladder stands.

#1 my dad can get in to out easily.

#2 deer could care less.

#3 easy to set up.

#4 safer, even if the strap breaks, more than likely it won’t completely collapse.

#5 many taller options now available for those that like to get up 20′.

just my .02 cents

I should also add it easy for even my fat to get in them as well!

I hate hanging them but I can get a large hang on with armrests and 20′ of climbing sticks from sportmans guide for $85. If I could find a ladder with the height and good sized platform for the same price I would often go in that direction but I haven’t seen one yet. I also like the way you can position a hang on in a knarly oak with less cutting than trying to get a ladder up and the stand facing the correct direction.

The best time to buy tree stands is about Jan or Feb. I bought 2 hanging and 1 ladder + 1 16′ climbing sticks last spring for a $100.00. Now, this stuff is not Lone Wolf quality. But…it fits the budget.

I bought a welder this summer. My goal is to make a few ladder stands this winter after I get a few other projects under my belt. I might not save a ton doing the work myself, but it’s something to do.

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More and more I am going to ladder stands.

#1 my dad can get in to out easily.
#2 deer could care less.
#3 easy to set up.
#4 safer, even if the strap breaks, more than likely it won’t completely collapse.
#5 many taller options now available for those that like to get up 20′.

just my .02 cents

I should also add it easy for even my fat to get in them as well!

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I agree I will be 52 in Oct and I feel the most safe in a ladder stand.

I think it depends on the are your hunting, public land i love my lone wolf climber. hangers are nice cuz you can fit them into dang near any tree, ladder stands are nice and comfy for all day long sits

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I hate hanging them but I can get a large hang on with armrests and 20′ of climbing sticks from sportmans guide for $85. If I could find a ladder with the height and good sized platform for the same price I would often go in that direction but I haven’t seen one yet. I also like the way you can position a hang on in a knarly oak with less cutting than trying to get a ladder up and the stand facing the correct direction.

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Are you saying $85 for both the stand and the sticks or $85 each? Do you have a link to the stand you are talking about?

Like it was said I think it depends on the situation. I use fixed in some areas and climbers in others. When I can leave it and not worry or use it a lot I’ll put up a fixed stand and take the sticks(most times it’s this method). If I’m out searching or know the area gets traffic I’m more apt to use a climber. I’m pretty fast going up with both without much noise or hassle.

I like the ease and comfort of ladder stands but I like to be high and haven’t found a ladder stand that goes 25′ up.

Are you saying $85 for both the stand and the sticks or $85 each? Do you have a link to the stand you are talking about?

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I am no good on computers and was off by 5 bucks. It is called the guide gear deluxe fixed tree stand for $54 and the guide gear 20′ climbing sticks for $36. This is their club price but that membership has always paid for itself on the first order of the year. Hope this is enough info.

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Are you saying $85 for both the stand and the sticks or $85 each? Do you have a link to the stand you are talking about?

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I am no good on computers and was off by 5 bucks. It is called the guide gear deluxe fixed tree stand for $54 and the guide gear 20′ climbing sticks for $36. This is their club price but that membership has always paid for itself on the first order of the year. Hope this is enough info.

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For the past few years I have purchased all my stands from the Sportsman’s Guide. IMO, you can’t beat the price or quality. Here’s the link: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/browse/tree-stands.aspx?c=120

The poll IMO should be 1) hang ons
2) climbers
3) ladder stands

Why? All my stands are fixed 24/7/365. I dont buy a stand and try to find a tree to hang it on, I find a tree and see what type of stand is needed to best suit that location. I feel too many guys let the trees tell them where to hang stands rather than M.R.I or info gatheed from late last season. My farms in western part of the state are mostly ladders due to poor quality of the trees in the best hunting locations. Where as the Metro farm they are all hang ons, as well as the Randall farm due to better trees in the best hunting locations.

Trees are our biggest challenge in SD also. Not many to be found and a good one in the area we want to hunt is almost impossible.

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The poll IMO should be 1) hang ons
2) climbers
3) ladder stands

Why? All my stands are fixed 24/7/365. I dont buy a stand and try to find a tree to hang it on, I find a tree and see what type of stand is needed to best suit that location. I feel too many guys let the trees tell them where to hang stands rather than M.R.I or info gatheed from late last season. My farms in western part of the state are mostly ladders due to poor quality of the trees in the best hunting locations. Where as the Metro farm they are all hang ons, as well as the Randall farm due to better trees in the best hunting locations.

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Excellent post, there are places where a ground blind is the only option also. Being adaptable is the major key IMHO. In one spot I have to dig a hole to sit in to lower my profile, a regular blind would stick out to much and I can’t leave it with out thieves taking it.

Do what it takes to be in the best location. Even it that includes being 8′ off the ground . Didn’t like it but adapted.

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More and more I am going to ladder stands.

#1 my dad can get in to out easily.
#2 deer could care less.
#3 easy to set up.
#4 safer, even if the strap breaks, more than likely it won’t completely collapse.
#5 many taller options now available for those that like to get up 20′.

just my .02 cents

I should also add it easy for even my fat to get in them as well!

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I couldnt agree more on the dad situation, in fact I wont even tell my dad where I have placed my fixed position stands so hes not tempted.

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I think it depends on the are your hunting, public land i love my lone wolf climber. hangers are nice cuz you can fit them into dang near any tree, ladder stands are nice and comfy for all day long sits

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Maybe its the cheapos I buy but the ladder stands seem to have a small platform for my likes. I realize they come with decent platform sizes but for the $49-$59 for 15′ ladder stands it’s hard to sway me away and thus I end up with a small plat.

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Are you saying $85 for both the stand and the sticks or $85 each? Do you have a link to the stand you are talking about?

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I am no good on computers and was off by 5 bucks. It is called the guide gear deluxe fixed tree stand for $54 and the guide gear 20′ climbing sticks for $36. This is their club price but that membership has always paid for itself on the first order of the year. Hope this is enough info.

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Pretty similar to what I have found, I know its not the top of line but this is what fits my budget as of now, the Bull Dog 2 by Big Dog fixed position stand from fleet farm for $49 with a 23″ x 29″ platform and 16′ sticks for $34

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The poll IMO should be 1) hang ons
2) climbers
3) ladder stands

Why? All my stands are fixed 24/7/365. I dont buy a stand and try to find a tree to hang it on, I find a tree and see what type of stand is needed to best suit that location. I feel too many guys let the trees tell them where to hang stands rather than M.R.I or info gatheed from late last season.

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I agree! Personally, I have over 40 hang ons (with climbing sticks) and ladderstands all in the woods right now and they are out there year round. Each stand has it’s place and benefits. I check them a couple of times a year and reposition them if needed so that they remain safe. I most likely will only hunt in 10 of those stands but my scouting and cameras will dictate which ones. The reason I hang so many is just in case I find good sign or get a trail cam pic of a good buck in that area, I can sneak into that stand without disturbing the area.

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Personally, I have over 40 hang ons (with climbing sticks) and ladderstands all in the woods right now and they are out there year round.

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I need to kick my kids out of the house early so I can afford to buy these toys!

I am a member of the Sportsmans Guide also…. I join for like $5.00 a year and save that on my first order over $30 If you ever have any issues, they are easy to work with to return.