Lone wolf stick and stand users

I used my sticks and stand for the first time tonight and it took me roughly 30 mins to get setup and 15 mins to bring everything back down. Do you guys have any tips other than just practicing the routine to make it faster? Also not too sure if I'm fond of the bow holder that come swith the stand, How many of you actually use this?

 

This is my first year them as well. I still use my climber most of the time because I haven't gotten fast enough with them yet. But what I do is this. I put the first two sticks on the tree from the ground, then make a loop with the straps on the second two sticks and sling them over my shoulders. With the stand on my back and my haul line tied to my harness I climb up and attach the other two sticks as I go. Then I hang my stand, sit down and pull up my bow. Only one trip up the tree. I haven't mastered this system yet so if you come up with a better method let me know.

And no I don't use the bow holder.

 

I think 30 minutes is impressive. The first time I tried it took me just under one hour from the base of the tree to sitting still hunting. I had three ropes. One for stand, pack, and bow. It got a little hairy when I climbed onto the stand and my ropes were tangled in my feet. Next time I will try wearing my pack. I don't think there is any real secrets. Just keep tweaking your own system.

As for the bow holder I don't use it. I bring a bow hanger to screw into the tree.

 

Less trips is a good start. I made some loops out of 550 cord. I attach these to my harness. One for each side on my hips. I slide the leg of one stick through each loop. This way they are with me as I go up the tree. I make one trip up. Practice practice practice. The better the system you have the faster you will be.

 

I have used them for close to 10 years now. You will get much faster. I can get 4 sticks high in probably 5-7 minutes? I have never timed it but I get up fast and quiet.

I do not use the bow holder in the cast platform.

 

Practice makes perfect with these. The more you use them the better you'll get. I practiced with mine in a non hunting situation there is less pressure.

 

As stated, practice is your friend. I can get set up completely in about 20 minutes in a decent tree. I don't use the bow holder either.

 

Do you guys use the easy hang hook or the offset bracket?

 

I have a lone wolf set up without the sticks because the sticks cost way too much. I have yet to hunt out of it so I cant answer the question about the bow holder, I plan to try it out at least.

 

Can't live without the offset bracket. However I made a mod with 550 cord. I have a stiff loop at the top of the main post. It allows me to use the EZ hang hook for the purpose of holding the stand in place so I can work with both hands. I did this after busting myself in the mouth with the stand.....

 

I'm in the same boat as the OP!! Good to hear the positive feedback and motivation guys!!

Heckler: the same thing almost happened to me this past Sunday!! Lol


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I have never used the offset bracket. How is the setup different with the offset brackets as opposed to the ez hang?

 

I'm at 20 minutes right now.

-Get a strap for your sticks so you can have them on your back while climbing up.
-Have the bow rope connected to you and to the tree stand so you can pull it up once you're at the desired height.

I only have to go down once after the set up. Hook my bow to the rope and carry my pack up.

 

Not my video but seems to be a decent technique.

 

I only use the offset bracket. By using the EZ hang you are now limiting yourself in what trees you can hang in. Why buy a setup versatile enough to hang in dang near any tree and then loose that function by using the EZ hang?

 

-I don't use the built in hanger
-I do use the offset bracket, not the EZ hang.
-I can get set-up atop 4-5 sticks in about 11-12 min. (and that's climbing up & down each time)

It may seem clumsy at first, but you'll get quicker in no time.

 

Don't be fooled by Fitz. Fitz has it easy in the big woods. All the trees are straight as an arrow with little to none lower branches. It makes it a lot easier.

 

This is why you use an offset bracket. Not to mention you get a better bite on the tree.

 

Exactly what I do but I have a muddy set. Cant be all set up in less then 10min

 

The EZ hang is a strap with a hook that you attach prior to bringing your stand up and IMO it looks like it makes it easier to secure the tree stand to the tree. You can just place the the stand on the hook and the secure it with the other straps. The offset bracket let's you set up in trees that aren't straight.