Looking for some input here. I have had some issues over the years that have affected my sense of balance. It seems to be getting worse these days to a point where I am getting uncomfortable being in a tree stand even while I am tied in. I am considering investing in some new ladder stands equipped with shooting rails so I have something to lean on to help me keep my balance when I stand up to shoot. I don't intent to put a lot of pressure on it but just have some reference to use as an indicator of my stability up there. So my question is, has anyone used stands with shooting rails and did it interfere with shooting? Are there any cons to having a rail? All the stands I have today are open and I haven't ever shot over a rail. Thanks, I'll appreciate any advise. I'd also be interested in any recommendations on stands.
I have several stands with rails. You cannot shoot from sitting down most of the time. I was busted trying to stand in one of those kind of stands on opening day. Still they make a hunter much more comfortable. Whenever I have people new to tree stands that is where I have them sit.
I've hunted out of a ladder stand with a rail and for bowhunting, it sucked. First off, it's in the way to shoot sitting down. Secondly, if you have a long axle-to-axle length, you can still find it in the way of your bow even when standing. Second, rails on ladder stands that stay out all year or half a year have to be taken care of meticulously or they will squeak when you move them out of the way to get in or out.
We have many ladders with rails on them. I personally like them for the very reason you mention.. Stability. Yes, they get in the way, but you can over come the liabilities they present..
I have been using stands with rails for 8 years cause of the same thing . I really like the Big Game stands with Flex Core seats and full platforms . Whatever you choose though , make sure to get stands with full platforms and flip up seats . The flip up seats will allow you to shoot behind the tree and could give you the room needed to shoot past the front corners without having to get the bow over the rail , and the full platform should be a given for anyone that gets light headed . The rail does affect your shots some but spending a little time in one checking what you need to do to get your shots off will help . With proper stand positioning you might still be able to get some shots off while seated but deer don't always follow the game plan The only con for me concerning the shooting rail would be not having one . Good luck !!
I prefer ladder stands with rails so I can lay my bow across them. You can stand to shoot and even get side shots sitting sometimes. Also good for wrapping camo around so I never even raise up the rails I just climb in under them. These are the ones I'm buying now. Guide Gear 17 1/2' Deluxe 2 - Man Ladder Tree Stand - 681073, Ladder Tree Stands at Sportsman's Guide
I have hunted out of my stand for the last years. I would have to agree. I find it difficult to stand in without getting busted. This is what happened to me on Saturday with my doe.
I used to let a guy who sometimes suffered from vertigo hunt on my farm (back when I had a farm). He wanted a safe place where someone always knew where he was and could check on him if he was over-due. Just my personal thought, as I get older, I would not hunt from any elevated stand if I suffered from any vertigo or inner ear type balance problem. A deer just isn't worth the risk. Sure you can use a rail and tie in with a harness but what if it hits half way up the ladder or when you are switching from fall restraint? I bought a Bone Collector Ground Blind this year for hunting and I've used ground blinds for years for nature photography (visit maplesphoto.com for some examples). I am going to try the ground blind for bowhunting this year and see how it goes. Good luck.
