busybeaver
Offline
sockeye
Profile Status:
Reged: 03/31/01
Posts: 91
Loc: Western Washington
|
|
What makes a good tree stand? Are there stands specifically designed to grip our Northwest tree bark better than another? I would think a climber stand would be best around here.Falling from a stand would not be a good thing... Experiences? Opinions?
--------------------
Marty
Welcome to my home ...
|
greg
Offline
Chromer
Profile Status:
Reged: 11/04/00
Posts: 840
Loc: Fort Lewis, WA USA
|
|
Marty, you have to be careful when you get a climber, or you'll really restrict yourself as to where you can use it. Most will only fit around trees with a max diameter of 20-22 inches. I prefer the flexibility and light weight of hang on stands/tree steps. I have a climber, but don't use it out here because of the size of the trees where we hunt. As for brands, I like Summit climbers. They're made of welded steel tubing, and very strong and quiet. I think my hang ons are Amacker, and likewise they're made of steel tubing. There are some incredibly light aluminum jobs on the market, and those would be nice if you're going to hump back deep into God's country.
Greg
--------------------
Steelhead are where you find them!
|
busybeaver
Offline
sockeye
Profile Status:
Reged: 03/31/01
Posts: 91
Loc: Western Washington
|
|
20-22 inches would really restrict the stand placement for sure. If you use a hang on....does it damage the tree?
--------------------
Marty
Welcome to my home ...
|
greg
Offline
Chromer
Profile Status:
Reged: 11/04/00
Posts: 840
Loc: Fort Lewis, WA USA
|
|
No. Most of them either use a chain or web strap to lock to the tree. The tree steps screw in, and cause minimal damage...less than woodpeckers, probably! If tree damage is an issue, then try rope-on steps. Only problem is getting them big enough to fit around some of these trees! Another option is a collapsable ladder, or "climbing stick"... no tree damage there, either (but the height that you can set you stand is restricted by how many ladder sections you're willing to carry. There isn't really a single ideal treestand...that's why I have several  . Flexibility is crucial when after heavily hunted whitetails back east.
Greg
--------------------
Steelhead are where you find them!
|
busybeaver
Offline
sockeye
Profile Status:
Reged: 03/31/01
Posts: 91
Loc: Western Washington
|
|
Who has the best deals on stands? The cabelas closeouts?
How the heck to you get a strapon stand onto a tree that high up? Put the strap on first, then hook stand onto strap? Or strap it on and shimmey it up as you put in the steps?[ 08-07-2001: Message edited by: Marty ]
--------------------
Marty
Welcome to my home ...
|
greg
Offline
Chromer
Profile Status:
Reged: 11/04/00
Posts: 840
Loc: Fort Lewis, WA USA
|
|
Here's how I usually do it: first, decide how high you're comfortable hunting, then cut a cord or small rope (I use parachute cord) to length, and attach it to your stand. Then tie the loose end to a belt loop, and start installing treesteps. when you get to the spot you want to hang the stand (or the end of your rope), use your safety belt to tie off to the tree (kinda like a lineman's belt). Then use the cord to pull up your treestand, and fasten it around the tree. It helps to add an extra treestep above the platform to act as a hand-hold to help climb safely onto the stand. The rope is then dropped, and can be used to pull up your gun (muzzle down!) or bow. Reverse process to pull stand out when moving. It takes a little practice to be comfortable with your particular stand type. ALWAYS USE A SAFETY BELT!
Greg
--------------------
Steelhead are where you find them!
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
