Tree stand advice

[Mike #1]

I would like to buy a portable tree stand for deer hunting, I only gun hunt and on public land, I am looking for advice on either a hang on stand or climber. Can anyone tell me what are the plus and minus of each one?

[Scott K]

Hang on stands you are limited to hieght, or screw in steps, climbers can go as high as the tree allows you, but need a straight tree with no branches. I would recomend a ladder stand, its a little more bulky to transport back and forth, but easier to get in and out of, and you can get double ones that have alot of room, nice if you are a bigger person.

You will get more replies in the hunting forum.

[harvey lee]

I have every kind of stand there is made. Hands down for me, I only use a climber unless there is a spot I want to hunt where I cannot find a tree to place my climber in.

The hang ons work also it just they are somewhat more work to put up and are not as comfortable as a climber.

I can sit twice as long and be 2 times more comforatble in a climber.

Downside to a hang on

1- more work to put up

2- I believe less safe for getting up into

3-Less comfortable to sit on.

Positives-- You can put one in almost any tree.

Now for the climbers

1-Very comfortable

2- safer when climbing up the tree as you wont need to climb up steeping on those tree steps.

3-easy to go up a tree. The only time I have had some issues with going up the tree is I have to trim some branches that I might not have to with a climber.

Negatives

Once a year I will not be able to go exactly where I want to due to a tree that has too many branches. I may have to place my stand a few more yards away in another tree.

The majority of the time if I have a choice I will go with the climbers. You might like to check out this link in the Archery forum.

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB35&Number=1138234&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=all

[irvingdog]

I really respect HarveyLee's opinions. When you read his stuff, you understand the guy knows what he's talking about.

That said, I've gone the complete opposite direction. I use a sub 10 pound hang-on stand (It's small, but you're not exactly walking around up there anyway) and 3-3 pound climbing sticks. I almost never need all 3, and if I need to go higher, I use those Ameristep strap on tree steps with the ratchet straps. The whole dealie weights 20 pounds at most, is quiet, and I'd argue that with a little practice, is just as fast from start to finish as a climber. When dealing with unfamiliar land, this configuration shines. You can go up any tree that will support your weight. This, coupled with a good quality climbing harness (only a fool fails to use one) can hunt anywhere, anytime.

Your mileage may vary.

Hunt safe.

[harvey lee]

Thanks irvingdog. Thats why they make all the different stands they. I love the climber and some like the hang-ons or ladder stands. As long as you get up the tree and do it with safty in mind, that is all that really matters.

[Powerstroke]

The difference in opinions is great because each makes a good point. I think the most important point is to find whatever you're most comfortable with and suits your style.

I personally use a hang-on stand with a set of climbing steps.

My stand is the Lone Wolf Alpha and the sticks are the Summit Bucksteps. My stand is 13lbs and my steps are 10lbs. It is lighter than some climbers but there are lighter ones out there. The biggest thing for me is that I can climb any tree that will hold me. I wish I lived in a land of straight trees, but everywhere I hunt there are crooked trees and trees with large branches. I would like to buy an ultralight climber soon, but until then I've found a great combo.

[Mike #1]

Thanks for the advice everyone, it is still a tough decision. My priorities are safety, weight and comfort. Since I hunt on public land I need something that I carry in and out each day.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I have more than a couple of each... If at all possible I use my climbing stand... as its the most comfortable.. I can sit in it longer than any other stand just because of the comfornt. But like many have stated, they just cant be used any old place, so a hang on is almost needed.

[Bassboy1645]

I think climbers are the way to go but they definetly have regions where the shine! Northern MN, climbers go well with aspens and red pines though the red pines have noisy bark as you climb them. Birch trees are good for climbers too. I have a few hang ons and one climber and the climber is my go to stand. The hangons we use whenever its a long way in and thyre in good spots we want to get to quietly. My climber is kinda old and it bangs and clangs on every branch going in but I usually hunt all day so a little noise isnt bad. But im getting a newer quieter one asap!