Leaving a climber at your tree

Since I'm getting older (68) and having much less stamina, I was thinking about leaving my climber locked at the base of my tree to avoid having to carry it in and out every time I hunt, which is quite often. I've never done this in the past, but was wondering if the local deer would consider it invasive and avoid the area?

I'm wondering if others do this, and have you noticed a decrease in deer activity because of it?

 

won't hurt a thing! though, I would leave it up a little higher, so to deter bears from chewing on your seat!.

Sent from my SM-S918U1 using Tapatalk

 

I commonly do this. I find that you can put some pine or branches around it and help cover it up. Not hard to remove in the am. I do try to hide it a bit from animals' and people's eyes.

- In season, often I lock it onto the actual tree I am using. Saves me some time and energy each time climbing and also helps have the stand perfectly level each time without resetting.

- Just prior to the season when legal, I take my stand in and lock it to a tree in deep cover. That is for my general protection vs animal viewing it.

 

I appreciate the responces, some real good thoughts. I was thinking if deer get used to a ladder stand, which is almost always semi permanent, they'd have no issues with my climber. It is on public, so I'll probably take LC's advice and get something thicker than a cable lock.

Can anyone suggest a 6'-7' looped cable lock that can't be cut with bolt cutters or a hacksaw? I'd like to avoid a heavy/noisy chain.

 

I meant to share. If you are locking it. Best to have one key in your bag at all times and a spare key on your vehicle key ring if you walk in with one....ask me how I know

 

Thank you, that's exactly what I'll be doing. I learned that lesson the hard way a long time ago.

 

Locks are for honest people- Dad.

 

I like the combination locks. No keys to loose or retrieve - hard way lesson taker here also!

 

I have done so until an old hunter told me. Why would you leave your scent in the area, so now I take it out when I use it.

Does it help? I have no idea, but why chance it

 

Because, I'm 68 and don't have the energy to frequently lug a stand in and out like I had at 50.

 

I agree, never leave anything in there with your scent. Plus being on public, just be prepared for it to be stolen. If you budget for 2 or 3 climbers every year, just buy a ultralight climber and take it with you. There are a couple companies that make 11-12 lbs climbers. Just be prepared for a very expensive first purchase. Buy once, cry once.

It will make you sick the first time you find your stand stolen, i wouldnt even give someone the chance.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

I had a LW sit and climb stolen long ago, on private land I had permission to hunt. It was cable locked too. It was a sick feeling! If they have the time and determination, I guess they'll get it no matter what. That was the first and last time I'd done that until now.

I considered the scent aspect too. It's state park land I'm hunting, and these deer smell humans (hikers/dog walkers ect.) on a daily basis. Might that make it less of an issue?

 

Yeah i agree, they are use to the smells. What I have found is they are fine with it around the trail systems, but once you get off the trail and into the woods, they get spooked.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

Close friend had three ladder stands stolen off private land.

 

People seem more brazen these days, when things aren't even safe on private land. I hate a thief!

 

I would use a cable and lock my climber (when I used one) to the tree base on state land where legal, as a few spots "stands/blinds can not be left unattended"(carry it in/out every sit) .. I would only leave it over night for a morning hunt after an evening hunt (if winds stayed the same) ...

 

I have left my climber attached to a tree before, and the scent thing had me some what worried but I sprayed it down with scent killer. I know it’s not full proof but every little bit helps. I was on private property. For years no one took it then one yr I had my climber stolen. now I have a locking cord with a key. I lost the keys or left them in my old truck that I trade in on and had to get a grinding wheel for my cordless power wrench/ drill to grind through the wire cord. I was quite surprised how easy to cut through the cord. Deters a few ppl but not all.

good luck. I wouldn’t hesitate to leave it there

 

Understood