Travis Pulley Report post Posted June 8, 2013 I'm looking at purchasing a treestand prior to the August archery hunting season. I know like a lot of other hunting equipment there's always personal preference,but I'm wondering what a good purchase would be. I'm completely new to treestands only hunting out of ground blinds previously. Should I look at a climber or hang on ? Any brands ? I've looked at the Summit Viper Sd stand. Are all stands pretty easy to learn how to use? Is there anything that I need to consider when it comes to a harness ? Will the harness I see that comes with some of the tree stands be sufficient ? I appreciate any insight people who have used treestands can provide. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
couesmagnet Report post Posted June 8, 2013 Buy the cheapest one you can find. Lol. I had 3 stolen this last year alone, and 1 the previous year. There are a lot of very dishonest hunters out there, so be careful how much you spend. the gorilla tree stands are very good, and very lightweight to carry and hang if you want to gamble with your money though.Good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Travis Pulley Report post Posted June 8, 2013 Oneshot thanks for the advice. I'm leaning more towards a climber. I will definitely have a second person with me the first few times I use the stand to avoid getting stuck and hanging for hours waiting for someone to find me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Travis Pulley Report post Posted June 8, 2013 Couesmagnet sorry to hear about the stands. Sucks that those type of people exist. Unfortunately you just cannot get away from them even way back in the woods. In your situation have you found a way that makes it more difficult to have your stand stolen. I was thinking about using a cablelock or multiple like oneshot suggested. I'm assuming after you've had three stolen you've probably developed a system. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
couesmagnet Report post Posted June 8, 2013 No travis i haven't developed a system yet, cause i keep thinking i can trust my fellow hunters. I don't lock mine, but will be doing so this year. Sorry i can't be of any help here, but i would buy the strongest cable(maybe use 2 cables for one stand) to ensure this doesn't happen to you. You would think there's only a few dishonest guys out there, but there are actually hundreds. This goes for your cameras also. I wish you luck with your adventures in the field. Post some pics of your buck when you nail him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IA Born Report post Posted June 18, 2013 I used to have a Gorilla Silverback and loved it until I actually used it back in Iowa where its predominantly treestand hunting. After practicing a few times in my back yard, I had to ditch the seat-belt style cinch strap it came with because it was almost impossible to get it loosened when trying to climb back down. I got the ratchet strap that Gorilla sells for it and that made life much easier. And only having one strap made me nervous, so I had to carry a second 6' ratchet strap to secure the bottom near the platform. After hanging it once 20' up in a tree in Iowa, using a set of Lone Wolf climbing sticks, I realized how much better the Lone Wolf strap system is. I sold my Gorilla and bought a Lone Wolf Alpha hang on. With practice, a set of 3 or 4 climbing sticks and a hang on stand are, IMO, the best way to go. You can be very mobile and set up ready to hunt in less than 15 minutes. I've got buddies back in Iowa that have been doing it so long, that they are ready to hunt in under 10 minutes. I'm not that good, but I absolutely have no regrets with the cost of my Lone Wolf Alpha. Very durable; very light weight; and very portable. You can always hang it and use good Python cable locks to secure it and then use your sticks to get up and down every time if you aren't going to be mobile. Climbers are great, too, but they work best on straight trees (Lone Wolf hang ons adjust to angles) and, technically, you're not supposed to limb trees to be able to get your tree stand up (Forest specific rules?). Ladder stands are great, but not at all portable. As for the harnesses, I used the harness my Gorilla came with once or twice to practice with and quickly upgraded to a better after market one. HUGE difference. I got the HSS Ultra Lite and love it. Any of the HSS, Gorilla (after market), or Muddy harnesses are worth their weight in gold and worth every penny you spend on them. I know of too many people who have fallen and will never walk again or who have died because they didn't wear a harness. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper Report post Posted June 18, 2013 We have used the Gorilla stands, as well as home made (much heavier). We would hang them with a heavy chain, binder, and pad lock. We used the ladder sections that you slide together on location. Used the factory straps, and a heavy chain/pad lock. Never had one stolen. I also have a climber. It is very comfortable. You have to be careful if you stand to shoot, as the foot base can twist on the tree with uneven weight on one side. If you hunt in the pines, it's not too hard to find a good tree, but may not be ideal....right diameter and no lower limbs. For extended hunts, like a 2 week elk hunt, we would hang stands/ladders the weekend before the hunt. We camped in the area and visited them every day, so less chance of getting stolen. The USFS is the big issue these days. They are cracking down on leaving stands and "damaging" trees. I am moving more towards the ground blind method....why are you moving from ground blind to tree stand? Curious. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Travis Pulley Report post Posted June 19, 2013 IA born thank you for your reply definitely will look at upgrading the harness and you make a good point about how to effectively use a hang on stand quickly that I hadn't ever considered. Viper thanks for your advice as well. Few reasons I'm considering a tree stand include improved visibility, I think it will be a cooler temp option during a hot Aug hunt, and I'm getting married next year so I'm trying to purchase one hunting item I have yet to purchase before I take on more important financial respbilities. The UsFs reg on treestands and tree damage is definitely a con when I look into the treestand option. Unfortunately govt is too dang controlling these days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IA Born Report post Posted June 19, 2013 Always glad to help. After spending some time 20' up in a treestand in Iowa, it is definitely a cool perspective and great way to hunt. If you're ever up in Flagstaff, I can show you my set up and how quickly you can move. The stand and ladder add a bit of weight for the hike in/out, but if you're in shape, its really no big deal. The FS regs on treestands and tree damage is part of why I use my Iowa set up out here. You can get up a tree and set up with no limbing if you pick the right tree. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
