Climbing Treestand vs Hang On Treestand w/ Sticks

I've hunted Wis state land for the last 25 years. The no cutting rules apply only to "State" public land, not county or National forest land. Screw in steps are also not allowed on "state" land. But who has not trimmed out shooting lanes? That is a necessity in the Northern Forests. That rule is meant to prevent cutting down or topping trees, not trimming a few branches.

My 2cents on the tree stand question is as follows. Also posted on another thread.

Over my 40 years huntin I've sat on limbs, climbers, strap on's and have now settled on ladders. IMO they go up easier, quieter, need less trimming and are safer. And they go up in any tree any size more or less. I have 2 with removable bike tires so I wheel em in, pop off the tires and it's up in 5 minutes. But for me the main advantage is it doubles as a cart. Allows me to hunt deep in public lands using old abandoned logging roads solo. If/when I score, I load up the animal and wheel him out. Probably saved me a heart attach or 2 Was made by Rivers Edge but they don't do the wheeled version anymore. I think they are great and glad I bought 2. Can't believe no other Company has done this. Killer setup. I may try to replicate it with a folding ladder instead of sections which would rock.

 

There is an article in this month's bowhunter magazine and he talks about hunting on public land and different things he does to have more success. He talks about he like hang on and sticks better because he can do those quicker and quiteter and also he said he does not like the obvious marks it puts on the trees with the climbers. He said when he scouts on public land, he looks as much for or more than for signs of others hunters than signs of deer. Being that most mature bucks will learn patterns and places hunters frequent and avoid those areas. Makes sense, I guess.

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But #1 answer is gonna be, there is none. Just your own personal preference and application

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i have both. the more i practice with the portable hang on and sticks. the more I like it. it weighs less, it goes up easier and i dont sweat as much. And i get more tree options instead of just straight perfect non tapering trucks lol

 

You can hang a hang-on in just about any tree and once you practice and get a good process down it takes little time at all.

Keep in mind you will spend a good bit of money on a hang on and sticks if you want the weight to be comparable to an aluminum climber. I found I could get an aluminum Viper climber for about $250. My Muddy hang on was $180 for the stand and $150 for the sticks. That setup weighs 20.5 lbs.

I previously had a steel hang on and steel sticks that weighed about 35lbs on my back. Hunted all last year with that. Bruised my shoulders all up. This year I spent the money and got the Muddy hang on and sticks. You'll also need a good harness and linesman rope/strap to make hanging the sticks / stand easier and safer.

 

Slider, what is your opinion of your Muddy? I've been bidding on Lone Wolf stands for awhile but I keep seeing Muddy hang on stands, as well. Never heard of them but they look like decent quality for the price.

 

I love it. I have the Hunter Pro - the smallest one. Lightweight, easy to hang and quiet. The seat is great - no need for an extra cushion.

Here's my thread on the set http://forums.bowhunting.com/showth...tdoors-Hunter-Pro-Hang-On-amp-Climbing-Sticks

 

Awesome. Nice review on the equipment and thanks for the input.