I new to hunting this year and have been struggling with the purchase of a climber or hang on stand... What do u guys in northern Wisconsin use? I have to hunt public land so I know I can't leave the stand overnight and can't cut trees... I do plan on getting out and scouting but just thought I'd ask opinion of hunters in my area. Thanks
My preference is a Hang-on with Sticks. You'll be able to hunt out of a wider range of trees. Well over half of the time I hang in trees that you couldn't use a climber on.
I would use a hang-on stand with climbing sticks. Very safe and versitile... plus you will save about 200 dollars. I had a lone wolf climber and sold it. I have around 10 hang on stands, and I am constantly moving them.
I dont use Lone wolf hang ons... I usually purchase most of my gear in the winter or spring to save. I spend only 50-80 dollars on a stand, and usually put my own hardware in. The climbing sticks I use run about the same. If I remember correctly, the climber I had was around 400plus dollars.
I would say Hang on I have always hunted private land and used a Climber and now buying a Lone Wolf hang on and Sticks to be more versatile in the woods since im going to be on public land.
Also if you plan on sitting long hunts dont buy a cheap hang on I have one that has been in the same tree for 3 years Ive maybe sat in it 5 times because it is extremely uncomfortable.
Yes, the cheaper the hang-on... the more you lack in features. Weight, seat, strap..ect. If I could afford LW hang ons I would. But I am on a strict budget paying for college and all, so I use brands such as Ameristep and Guide Gear. But if you are going to just going to be purchasing one and using it often, I would suggest something higher quality.
I was using a pack n stack ladderstand by rivers edge couldn't get in to a lot of trees and its heavy.fund lonewolf stand on sale this yr and got the sticks to go with it.havn't tried mine yet but used a buddys up north last season on an all day sit.it real nice only thing seat may hurt a little after a while.
What public land? County, State or Federal? I use hang on stands and have about eight good ones and a few bad ones that I rarely set up. If I had it to do all over I would buy a couple of LW or Muddy sticks instead of having a ladder on each stand. I had a LW climber that was nice and mobile but very uncomfortable. I had a Summit that was great but sold it since it did not break down for carrying. No longer do I use climbers. I also am using ground blinds much more these days. I go out and build them usually in the spring but sometimes in early fall. I use native vegetation for the ground blinds. On National Forest lands and some County lands the stands can be left up during season. I lock some of mine and some I don't. I mostly hunt USFS lands so most of my stands are there and the two county forest lands I hunt are open to leaving stands up. Just check with those counties to be sure. If you let me know I may be able to tell you each County policy as well.
I hunt NW Wisconsin and have a climber and hang-on's. Your have the same issue with both on public land. Cutting branches/shoot lanes. You have to pick your spots carefully. I have cheaper hang-on's and cheap climbing sticks so they don't pack that well over distance. If I was starting from scratch with what I know right now I would pony up the money for that new Lone Wolf Alpha Tech ($199) and a set of Lone Wolf climbing sticks... Not sure on the price of those. But as far as light weight and packable I doubt you can beat them. I should say I have never used either myself but have had my eye on them for some time now.
Hang on. Once you practice a little you can get up and down most any tree somewhat quickly, safely, and efficiently.
