Stand climbing sticks already connected.....secure....while I'm up tie a small pulley at the proper level I want the stand with a short piece of rope... go down hoist to the top to the pulley, tie off...go up secure stand... remove pulley/rope.......hunt
A lot of it depends on your hang on. Personally, I have a muddy. I got it years ago and just haven't ever found a reason to get a new on. The key is to find a system that has a bracket that attaches to the tree, and you can just place the stand on or in. Muddy has this tree claw system that I really like. So, the process: Step 1: The night before, make sure everything is organized. You don't want to go fumbling in the dark looking for things or trying to figure out a big tangled knot in the snow or crisp leaves. I use go through a lot of rubber bands, but it's all worth it. Step 2: At the tree. Get in a routine of putting things in certain spots, so you're never looking for it. The first thing I do at the tree is put my linesman rope on. Step 3: Attach the bottom 2 steps. These are low enough you don't' really have to climb. Just get them out of the way to have less things to deal with. Step 4: Attach the pull ropes to my harness. Make sure they are plenty long so you don't have them pulling against you as you're trying to climb. Also, always put them in the same place every time. I use 2 ropes, 1 for my bow / bag, 1 for the stand. The bow / bag is always on the left rear, the stand is always on the right rear. Step 5: Put the steps on the harness, in my case, muddy has clips on their harness to attach the other steps so you can take them with you when you climb. Also, I wear the tree cleat for the stand like an ammo belt across my chest / back. Also, put your gear hangers in your pocket as well as your harness tie off. Step 6: Start climbing and putting on the steps as you go. The height is whatever you're comfortable with, but be safe. It's only a deer hunt. Step 7: Attach the tree cleat for the stand to the tree. Step 8: Hoist up the stand and attach to the cleat. Then ratchet in the bottom of the stand to the tree to get good and secure. Step 9: Tie off your harness to the tree. Step 10: Attach the gear hangers to the tree. Do this before you hoist your gear up. Step 11: Hoist your gear up, hang your bow and your bag. Step 12: Take off the pull ropes from your harness, neatly, so that when it's time to get down, you don't have to deal with knots. The biggest keys are to be safe and organized. NEVER become disconnected with the tree. Under no circumstance. NONE. It's not worth it. The more organized you are, the smoother the process will go. The smoother the process, the less the stress. The less the stress, the less the noise, sweat, and scent you leave. Coming in all stealth in the morning and setting up on a spot with a mobile stand is no good if you are crazy noisy and flopping around all over the place looking for stuff. This takes tons of practice and patience. The more you do it, the better you will get, but it will be a total game changer, and much more fun and adventure.
I prefer to not bring enough screw-in tree steps and have to climb higher than expected to find a spot that allows the treestand to be level, then be 20 feet in the air without a harness trying to hang a 35 pound homemade wood hang-on. I particularly enjoy when it starts raining and getting dark during this process, so my stubborn pride will not allow me to go home without finishing the job. kinda scary, and stupid now looking back.
i have an XOP hang on and also have their ez hang bracket. I dont plan on using because i cant get the stand to essentially cam lock to the tree like when using just the straps. I have now have a small paracord loop tied behind my seat. I can climb up and take my stand off my back and then just use a small screw in hook and hang my stand by the loop if i'm struggling.
