I have had a problem with people stealing my screw in steps over the past and have decided to try and just use some kind of spikes or heavy duty nails as permanent steps. Do you guys have any advise on what would be the best thing to use?
Sounds like a good way to ruin a tree. Large spikes/ nails are slippery and unsafe. Stick with steps or climbing sticks. Try talking the first four steps out with you or use one section of sticks before the steps....and that will most likely deter theft .....
I wouldn't recommend taking them out and then placing them back in the same hole. That is just a recipe for disaster. And making new holes each time is pretty hard on the trees. Get you some removable steps. Something similar to EZY Climb - Tree Steps Buy a bunch of bolts and use the removable steps for the first 4 and regular steps there after. This is similar to how I do all my pub land sets.
years ago when i had problems with theft, i'd take a cordless drill and drill holes about 3" in and then take copper plumbing pipe and cut them in 3" pieced and pound them in the holes. take 8" grade 8 bolts and stick them in the holes for climbing. take em out and stash them close by when leaving. worked great.
I used what was called Bridge Nails several years ago but they are really hard to drive into the tree. Not sure if they still make them nowadays. I use strap on climbing sticks and take the bottom section off and hide it nearby and cover it with leaves.
Never seen or used them. I bought 8 Bear Claw Tree steps. I squealed a little bit when I bought them. Hands down a awesome product. Home of Bearclaws Tree Steps
I have these tree steps that mount with a cam buckle and strap. Not sure who made them but they work great for taking the lower access of the tree stand off. I don't take them up too high though.
Big spikes aren't the best from a safety standpoint... but they'd work, and I doubt anyone would steal spikes.
I've been told that by pounding a copper spike/nail into a tree will kill the tree. I'm thinking that inserting copper piping will do the same thing. I've just been told this. Never tried it. Anyone have any experience with this?
I don't use screw in steps but the old ones we take out of old poles that we remove work great. You have to drill a 1/2" hole and drive them in with a small sledge. Not many will want to work that hard to get them out. I agree with the strap on ladders. That is all I use anymore. There are lots of good products out there. My personal favorite for odd trees is the Lone Wolf steps. Most anything aluminum is better than steel.
Carry 1 climbing stick(simple strap on type) in/out and leave the next stick or permanent step just out of reach of the average man. If the thief really wants your stuff they'll get it, but I think those thefts are crimes of opportunity.
Your hunting on your own property, right? If your hunting public land, you might want to check the regulations on what's legal to use.
When i used screw in steps i would always take bottom 4 out and insert a tiny twig in the hole sticking out so i could find holes easy in the dark! Never had prob with holes getting to sloppy! There illegal here in Indiana at WMA's if they penetrate tree more than 1 "
I'd say removing the last few steps is your best bet. Using permanent spikes would only make them climb higher to mess with you, like your treestand. Ameristep used to make great molded strap on treesteps but stopped making them a while back. They still can be found though by searching for sellers on Ebay and other places.
If you guys have questions on the Odin Steps let me know. Unfortunately the BowHunting.com guys were swamped so they just snapped a few pictures of the composite steps and sticks. I can get you any info you need on them. -Tim
