I've never hunted out of a tree stand before, but since seeing 85% of the successful hunting industry hunts from a stand, I think I'll invest. I've been looking on youtube at instructional videos. Here's what my opinion is so far. I'm here to learn though, so correct me if I'm wrong. 1- Ladder stands are inconvenient. They are way harder to move. They are heavier and require more unique forms of trees. They are possibly easier stolen. They look like they could spook deer much easier. Since you cannot move them as easy, you better pray you pick the right tree. However, they are more convenient, sturdier, and if you're afraid to climb, you'll feel more confident in them. Right or wrong? 2- Climber stands are better, but you should have someone with experience guiding you when you're first learning how to use them. They are a pest to work with in the early mornings. They are portable and much less likely to be stolen and are easier to move. Most would probably argue that they are better. My question is, what would be a good tree stand for someone who has never used one before, and which of the two would probably be more recommended?
Ladder stands are cumbersome, and are not a stand I'm fond of. We primarily use climbing stands. We actually leave 5 stands out, on the trees. We move them when we want to move to a new location. They're not difficult to climb with, even the first time you use them. A hang on stand with climbing sticks is also an option. Though some say the sticks are hard to work with. I find the climbing stand to be the easiest stand for the way we hunt, and the way we use them.
The one that best suits the way you hunt is the one to pick. If you have one hunting spot on private property put up a permanent stand there or a hang on stand, if you hunt public land and move around alot buy a climber.
I don't think there is anything better than walking to your ladder stand and walking up a ladder and sitting your azz down. Now you have to have them in the right place and that's where the climber comes in. When you find the right spot with your climber you put in the ladder stand in when your are sure this is where you want it. If someone is going to steal your stand they will weather it's a ladder or one of the others. You didn't mention the lock on with sticks? You can make thieves work harder by taking the sticks when you leave the stand but if they want it they will figure a way. If you are just starting out I would get the best climber you can afford. It won't be your only stand, you will end up with at least one of each. I have a climber, a loc on, and two ladders and want more. LOL
I have all 3 kinds and if I had to sell them all but 1 my climber would remain mine. Its nice to have the options to move quickly and effortless. I do like lock ons because they will go in any tree. But you have to go kind of expensive to go with one that will be portable, such as lone wolf, muddy or some of the new gorillas.
I'm sorry, I'm new to all of this. I'll try to Google an example. I think I saw something about gorilla steps or something leading to some kind of tree stand. I wish there was a place you could go to try a climber out to see how well you would do. I think after the info. in this thread, I'm going to eventually end up getting both. A climber stand first, then getting a ladder tree stand. I've only been bow hunting for a few years now. I need to get different types of scents, those antler rattles, a 2nd range finder (wife has one, I don't), a couple more trail cams, a couple of tree stands or more, etc. etc. Not to mention this is my wife's first year of hunting, and she has to buy all that camo, boots, etc. Her dad just bought her that rem reaper camo from under armour. A jacket, pants, and socks were like $400. Anyway thanks for the tips. It'll probably take me until next season to get the swing of how a lot of this works, but I will definitely get there. Every post in this thread was helpful.
Just ordered this This seems to be a pretty good deal, Maleko has one I tired it and like it. Very comfy, my ladder stand sux big time but I did get a deer from it so. If you get a ladder get the 2 man, its a beast but the room is nice. You just need two people to put it up easier. Make sure it has a big platform. http://www.summitstands.com/climbing-treestands/viper-ss/viper-sd-climbing-treestand
Just a word of advice from someone who has already made the mistakes. Don't buy something based only on price. At the time it may be cheaper but then you will find there is something you don't like about it or there is something better. Then you will end up spending even more money, thereby nullifying any savings you made on the first purchase. Do alot of research and ask alot of questions of other guys before making decisions. As far as treestands go, all have their advantages/disadvantages. You have to fiqure out what will work best for your situation. Good luck and welcome to the obsession. Blessings.......Pastorjim
ive always been a fan of ladder stands. Dont like hang on stands because i dont like climbing the screw-in steps in the dark. I dont have enough experence with climbers to give you advise on them.. Climbers are nice if you get the opertunity to hunt public land or get invited to hunt on friends property.
Thanks GABowhunter for the link. I was on lone wolf last night. I remember a lot of mention on that from this forum, but I don't belieeve I checked that other site out. I'll do so now. Thanks.
I bought a ole man 10 or better yrs ago.I love it.Buy a good quality harness,u'r life is worth it!!!!!! Learn it inside and out!Be able to hang it in u'r sleep! What I love most about the ole man is u can use it toward the tree or with u'r back to the tree.U can reverse the seat part(top)as a foot rest in archery and a rifle rest in gun season.American made,lasts for many yrs.thats my 2 cents...
