Well the controlled hunt is upon us. I'm looking for some tree stand options, new or used. I need to know the difference between climbing and non climbing(just a seat?), accessories etc? I don't know much about them. Price, shooting for around 100 bucks? Any deals at Bass Pro?
Controlled hunt, tree stand options
- Thread starter mildot
- Start date
Walmart sells a good one for $100..its very strong and stable, but you'll have to climb yourself, the screw in climbing steps are $5 ea. and you'll need 10 or so...it starts to add up, but is the best for thick brush(underbrush) as you can see alot further!
I know it isn't exactly what you asked, but I just bought a ladder type - 15', very nice, very stable, lots of room to move around, has the shooting bar rest, the foot rest and a nice big padded seat. 
BUT it is stinkin' heavy and requires two to get it up against the tree. And once you take it down after season, you better have a place you can store it or be prepared to disassemble it.
BUT it is stinkin' heavy and requires two to get it up against the tree. And once you take it down after season, you better have a place you can store it or be prepared to disassemble it.
- Location
- Near Coldwater, Ont
The stand that Ben described is the non-climbing style, also called a hang on stand. The climbing stands require a fairly straight tree with no branches. With the climbing style you don't need the steps though, you use the stand to climb the tree. The non-climbing are usually less expensive and you have more options as to where to set up with them. I was out to hang one a couple of weeks ago and just happened to have a ladder in the truck (and a buddy along to carry it in while I carried the stand, pruning shears etc). It took under 10 mins to hang it and clear shooting lanes. I still use the tree steps to get in and out of the stand though. I think I will be using this method to hang them from now on, even if I need to make a second trip.
- Location
- Near Coldwater, Ont
I was just checking out the Canadian tire flyer and they have 3 different ladder stands on sale and two different hang ons. No climbers though.
Kev, what kind of trees are most common where you hunt? I could see a climber being handy if you have a lot of mature pines, which tend to be pretty straight with few branches low to the ground. Where I hunt its mostly maple, poplar and apple trees. They tend to have multiple forked trunks and lots of low branches, not climber friendly at all. It can be a bit of a chore finding one that will work for a ladder stand as well.
Kev, what kind of trees are most common where you hunt? I could see a climber being handy if you have a lot of mature pines, which tend to be pretty straight with few branches low to the ground. Where I hunt its mostly maple, poplar and apple trees. They tend to have multiple forked trunks and lots of low branches, not climber friendly at all. It can be a bit of a chore finding one that will work for a ladder stand as well.
Well, that might have to impact your decision. I hunt a lot from aspen, poplar & lodgepole pines. Certainly, not every tree is suitable, but I have never had to leave an area I wanted to hunt for lack of a suitable tree.
If you do go with a climber, check out the summit brand though.
If you do go with a climber, check out the summit brand though.
Gorilla makes a good hang on stand. I use the Baby Gorilla, their smallest stand available. They also have larger hang on units, but they will also weigh more. The Baby Gorilla is about 14 pounds, if I remember correctly.
I bought mine at SIR for about $80, and it came with a full bosy harness. I prefer wearing a harness, as opposed to nothing. First and most importantly, it will keep you safe from falling. I've come close to losing my balance while 20' up in the stand, and trust me, it feels good having something to help hold your balance.
I bought mine at SIR for about $80, and it came with a full bosy harness. I prefer wearing a harness, as opposed to nothing. First and most importantly, it will keep you safe from falling. I've come close to losing my balance while 20' up in the stand, and trust me, it feels good having something to help hold your balance.
