So I found a stand location last weekend that is prefect, however the tree is very wide at the base. So wide, in fact, that my straps for my sticks will not go around it, and the tree is also a little "bendy". I think my best option is to go with screw in tree steps since it is legal and on private land. I think I am going to go with the Ameristep Grizzlys. My questions is how slick do these get in the rain and ice? I know my sticks can get pretty slick but there is a little more surface area to stand on than the screw in steps. Is there something you can spray or wrap around the steps to give you more traction? Also, I have already read several threads on several websites about whether or not these steps hurt the tree. To tell you the truth I am not too worried about it. I realize the potential risk and do not need a lecture, just advice. Thanks!
Ive never used the treehopper system, but know guys that do. It might be something for you to look into. If its just a one a done deal, I've used the cheap Walmart steps. We are selling gorilla ones this year also that look nice, they have a grippy rubber coating on them.
if the tree is too wide and you feel more comfortable on climbing sticks, just get some rachet straps in the correct length you need....pretty cheap investment... these are the ones I use for 1 location....only because the tree is too wide for the original straps... http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...ck-10-camoflauge-ratchet-straps/p-1452416.htm
there a great thing to use, since you are gonna get the grizzlys they have i big surface to stand on, if your cautious climbing up weather shouldnt be a problem.
I used the grizzlys last year and never had a problem with them being too slick. Just be careful and take your time when getting into the stand.
I almost only rely on screw-in tree steps; besides for my LW set-up and a few ladders. I use the ameristep ones too. I love how solid they are when you are climbing and like you mentioned you can get into literally any tree with them. For my fixed stand locations they are my go to device for climbing. They are extremely quiet when climbing. Weather never seems to be a problem when I'm using them either. Just have a pull up rope for your bow so you have both hands free. Be careful and take your time and I think you'll be fine. I also take my steps out after each hunting season. Even if I know I'm going to use the same tree next year I still take them out just so the tree doesn't grow around them. I think it also helps protect the tree a little bit. Good luck and enjoy them
Great steps... just remember... always have your weight divided on three steps at a time while climbing. One in each hand, and one foot on a step before stepping up or two feet on a step and one in your hand before reaching up. The chances of slipping are greatly reduced when you have a firm grip in such a manner. Don't try to space them too far apart... buy more steps, especially on larger trees.
X2!!! More are better, at the end of the season I have over a five gallon bucket filled with those things. Also great advice on how to climb with them and the spacing.
The older kind that slip over a lag bolt are amazing. Wish I could find a set of them left over somewhere. You just bring a cordless drill and screw lag bolts into the tree. The steps you bring in and out with you, just slipping them onto the lag bolt as you climb up.
I love these, click on Rope Step: http://www.ezyclimb.com/treesteps.shtml#Rope Tree Step Super light and super easy to install with the aid of a hands free belt. 1,000,000 x easier than screwing in steps. The standard ones fit pretty large trees and if you need some for an unusually large tree they will make them for you. Great customer service. A little pricey but well worth it. I found some clearanced for $7 a pop.
See attached. These are awesome as well and I can never find the older kinds that were on the market. http://www.shopatron.com/products/p...part_number=01108/9003.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.0?pp=25& http://www.shopatron.com/products/c...able+Tree+Step/9003.0.1.1.107125.107055.0.0.0
I use them in quiteva few set ups for the same reasons you have mentioned. I don't find them anymore or less slippery than sticks. I never take them out. I have some been in tree for over 10 years without sny problem to tree or them becoming unsafe although I check them carefully each year. If there is a downside to them, it is if you ever fall or slip while climbing. Even if you using a lineman's rope, if you fall 2or 3 feet, they can impale or gut you. I try and take this into account in placement selection as best I can.
watch it with the ice beacuse there really slippery so i just take a stick and scrape it off but they are easy to use and im 13 and i can do it
Be carefully using screw steps on a tree bigger than your arm grasp with also no limbs. Going up and down you have to relie on the tree steps not swinging out. If they do swing out( which happend to me) your butt is on the ground because the tree is to big and round to hold onto. If you must use tree pegs try to keep your body and weight vertical on the steps to avoid swinging. Pull straight down on the pegs and not out when climbing. Be safe good luck.......get some comealongs to add to your climbing sticks.
Any screwin step is great some are wider some aren't but that's all I've used my whole life...only thing is with the cheaper steps you will find them harder to screw in the tree is all but you can never go wrong with screw ins
I have a few permanent stands that I use screw-in steps still. I personally don't like them, but sometimes you have no other choice. A few years ago I started using the Gorilla screw-in steps and found that to be a lot sturdier and sharper/easier to screw in than the Ameristeps. The Ameristeps always seemed to have a little "give" to them, which always made me nervous even though I never actually had an issue. When it's wet and your boots are slick with mud, I think you need to be careful whether you're on sticks or screw-ins. I've had some close calls with both methods of climbing, which is part of the reason I switched to using Linelines on all my sets this year. The biggest thing I don't like about screw-ins is just climbing down from the tree after or near dark. I can never see my steps and feel like I'm always guessing where the next one is going to be. Unless I strap my headlamp on and look down, it's pretty slow going. At least with my sticks I know exactly where the next step is going to be and I can use the tube as a sort of guide. In any case, with screw-ins make sure you remove and reinstall them each year. If you don't the tree will grow around them and make them nearly impossible to move. Also, leaving them in for years as they freeze & thaw can actually cause stress fractures and weaken the steps. Any time I use screw-ins I try to remove them each fall or early winter when I'm done hunting just for my own peace of mind. If given the choice between screw-in steps and climbing sticks, I will take the sticks 10 out of 10 times.
I will be 50 this fall and maybe I'm smarter that I use to be. I will never use screw in steps again. I almost fell 2 years ago. It could have been the last tree I climbed. It very well may have been if not for my Lifeline. It was a large diameter white pine with a stand at 22'. I slipped off a step about 15' up, hooked my hip on one before the lifeline caught me. There is still a mark on my hip. I bought some strap on ladders on clearance after season for all my stands now. The only thing I use steps for now is a hand hold above my stand if I need one. I must have 50 steps I will never use. And please, don't PM me to buy them. I will not take the chance of your family having to take care of you for the rest of your life. Someone loves you, don't put them through that. Since you hunt private land, get some ladders. If you are afraid of losing them, cable lock them on. And for anyone that never uses a harness smarten up. Someone loves you too. I know 2 people who fell from stands. They both don't climb anymore. One fell off a 6 foot tall platform, only 6'. He is now in a wheel chair. I thanked him a few times for his “advise”. I will again when I see him this weekend, he is the one that convinced me to use a lifeline. Thanks for the chance to preach.
I used screw in steps the first year I hunted & the second time out I slipped on one of them. I had a good grip with my hands so I didn't fall but I did need to change my shorts when I got home. Needless to say I have all sticks & ladders now & a 5 gallon bucket full of screw in steps in my garage.
