I am looking to buy a tree stand for deer season which opens in less than a month. I have multiple trees picked out in areas I know deer traffic frequently. Which stands do y'all prefer that I should look into buying?
i feel a 2 man laddar stand is about as good as it gets only second to elivated enclosed tripod stands. if your willing to tackle the challenge of transporting it into the woods and setting it up that is....
What's your budget? In my opinion a Lone Wolf stand will be the most versital for most hunters. I can hang it in any tree that will support my weight.
Most of them work well these days. The safety standards on stands have come a long way, so its hard to go wrong in that sense, ya know? I use an API Grand Slam Bowhunter that I've had forever as a climber stand, and I've recently found Leverage Lock-ons and love the two I got. Their climbing sticks are the best I've used, and that lead me to buying heir stands. I used to use really cheap lock-ons, like $40-$50 ones, and they served me pretty well, but these days I'm more inclined to pay a higher price for something lighter, quieter and stronger. Fitz made a good suggestion for Lone Wolf. A little expensive but very nice stands. Leverage are a little less money, but a little different. The plain jane Gorilla Kong is a good lock-on for around $100. Probably the best in that price range. Good luck. The next step is to get that thing hanging in a really good spot. Thats the fun part
I don't really have a budget. I will be hunting on private land and I would plan on leaving it out. It will be hidden pretty well in the trees I put it in
If you don't plan to move it often, then a lock-on is a good way to go about it. I like the versatility of the climber, that said, we leave ours out anyway. I have a nice one at my house for if I go hunting outside of my normal areas. Craigslist is a great place to find these if you're looking to save some money. If you want to best, lone wolf as fitz said. Probably won't find one of those on craigslist.
I bought a LW alpha hang on and a sit N climb. ill probably be using the climber more due to public land btu back home i hunt on private land. i haven't hunted out of either but im expecting nothing but great things out of them. i used a cheap hang on last year that would make noise and that wont happen with the LW.
For hang on stands that I plan to leave I pick these: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/guide-gear-deluxe-fixed-tree-stand.aspx?a=674535 Sturdy, pretty comfortable, and super affordable. Look online for free shipping coupon codes and you are golden. They are heavy so when you go to install it you will probably want to use a linemans belt in addition to whatever you are climing the tree with(stick ladder, screw in steps, etc.) and install a screw in tree step a couple feet above where you want to attach the stand. Tie a good piece of rope to the stand on the ground then climb up and route the rope over the step and send it back to the ground by the stand(40 foot rope will get the stand about 20 feet up). Climb down and hoist the stand up to the desired position and tie the rope off to the tree or your climbing stick/steps. Climb back up and attach the stand with the included ratchet straps, remove the screw in step and rope and you are good to go. Of course if you have a buddy you can just drop the rope down to him and have him hoist the stand into place for you which will eliminate most of the climbing. A little oil on the pivot points and ratchet straps in the off season is about all I do to them. 20 foot climbing stick: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/guide-gear-20-climbing-stick.aspx?a=546743 There are definitely lots of great stands on the market but this set up, stand + stick is about $93 + tax(use shipping coupon code). $10 more if you are not a member of their Buyers Club. Super sturdy and if it gets stolen you're not out $500 dollars.
I would like to make the suggestion of obtaining one with arm rest. I can't begin to explain the added comfort of this option. I also suggest a large platform. If you have to turn around in a hurry the extra room is well received. I prefer hang on's to climbers but in my area the trees start out way too thick and narrow up the top. When this happens your limited to the height unless you can figure out how to safely adjust your stands chains or whatever. as far as climbing sticks go I'd suggestion any that have parallel step's as opposed to staggered step. The staggered kind can leave you at the mercy of you ability to stretch. To me the ladder stands are the best as long as you have plenty of platform to stand on.
Lone wolf or Muddy depending on your preference. If money isn't an option then I say get a set of climbing sticks by one of those 2 companies as well. Otherwise Leverage is good but also pricy. You can get a good gorilla or Rivers Edge hang on stand at a descent price.
Millenium M100. You can move it from tree to tree if needed by just adding a Cam Lok Receiver to each tree you want to hunt.
