Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
09-09-2005, 03:37 PM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location:
Posts: 99
Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
This is my second year bow-hunting: last year was spent entirely on the ground, usually with a ground blind. The season ended with a good shot opportunity (which I missed), but I am excited about this year.
Since it seems that the experienced and successful bowhunters that I know (and most who post here) use a tree stand, I purchased a Summit Cobra XLS climbing tree-stand. There is nothing wrong with the treestand: I am sure that it is a comfortable and safe platform for hunting from the trees.
However, I cannot imagine so many bowhunters using a contraption like this.
First, the thing is bulky and uncomfortable to carry: if you are hunting close to your vehicle, I guess this is not a problem. Surely hunters don't carry these things a mile (or even a 1/2 mile) into the woods: what a pain.
Second, it is a whole process to correctly and safely get up into the tree: there are cables and strings and straps and ropes.
Third, the whole safety harness thing is a nuisance that adds to the nuisance of getting into the tree. It also looks like it gets in the way when you are up there.
Fourth, you have to repeat the entire process to get down out of the tree: there is no other way to get down.
Fifth, it seems uncomfortably risky if you are hunting alone. You better have some method of extracting yourself if you fall or you will be hanging there until someone starts looking for you.
Finally, after schlepping the stand all the way in, you have to schlep it all the way out after a long (sometimes cold, sometimes rainy) day of hunting. Or you schlep it multiple times to go back for lunch, change location, whatever.
I can see the value of a chain-on that stays in place all season, but is a climbing stand really worth it? I can't see that it is for the places that I hunt: I am going to return mine.
Just curious about your thoughts.
Since it seems that the experienced and successful bowhunters that I know (and most who post here) use a tree stand, I purchased a Summit Cobra XLS climbing tree-stand. There is nothing wrong with the treestand: I am sure that it is a comfortable and safe platform for hunting from the trees.
However, I cannot imagine so many bowhunters using a contraption like this.
First, the thing is bulky and uncomfortable to carry: if you are hunting close to your vehicle, I guess this is not a problem. Surely hunters don't carry these things a mile (or even a 1/2 mile) into the woods: what a pain.
Second, it is a whole process to correctly and safely get up into the tree: there are cables and strings and straps and ropes.
Third, the whole safety harness thing is a nuisance that adds to the nuisance of getting into the tree. It also looks like it gets in the way when you are up there.
Fourth, you have to repeat the entire process to get down out of the tree: there is no other way to get down.
Fifth, it seems uncomfortably risky if you are hunting alone. You better have some method of extracting yourself if you fall or you will be hanging there until someone starts looking for you.
Finally, after schlepping the stand all the way in, you have to schlep it all the way out after a long (sometimes cold, sometimes rainy) day of hunting. Or you schlep it multiple times to go back for lunch, change location, whatever.
I can see the value of a chain-on that stays in place all season, but is a climbing stand really worth it? I can't see that it is for the places that I hunt: I am going to return mine.
Just curious about your thoughts.
09-09-2005, 03:44 PM
#2
Typical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Mifflin Co. Pa
Posts: 829
RE: Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
Its whatever floats your boat. For me personally I hunt alot of Different spots and most are on game lands. Its very convenient for me to pick any tree I like and hunt out of it for the night. And also permanent stands aren't allowed on Game lands. Although bulky and cumbersome you get used to it. If I was in a different situation like yours, I might not want one either.
Zach
Zach
09-09-2005, 03:45 PM
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 681
RE: Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
LOL...I'm sorry, but I guess I had to chuckle a bit. That right there...everything you explained...is HUNTING. Sometimes things are easy, but most times they aren't.
My only suggestion for you is to keep at it and you'll figure out ways to make things easier andquicker getting to your desination. But most of all....wear that safety belt. Sure it's a little pain in the arse, but you'd rather be alive to talk about how much you don't like it rather than not.
Good Luck!
My only suggestion for you is to keep at it and you'll figure out ways to make things easier andquicker getting to your desination. But most of all....wear that safety belt. Sure it's a little pain in the arse, but you'd rather be alive to talk about how much you don't like it rather than not.
Good Luck!
09-09-2005, 03:50 PM
#4
Site Bouncer
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Illinois
Posts: 4,099
RE: Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
First,
Welcome!!
My opinion is that if you have a spot to hang a stand and keep it there, then I would do that. I too have a climber but rarely use it for the reasons you listed above. They do come in handy if you are hunting multiple spots and don't have that many chain on stands, or if you are hunting public land that does not allowstands tobe left overnight.
Ladderstands and or chain on stands are a whole lotbetter in my opinion. So if you have a spot where you can put up a standand leave itbut you can only buy one kind now, I wouldpick the chain on stand and a good set of climing sticks (many types)Thenif you want a climber in the future get one.
If you don't have a place to leave a stand you are pretty much left with a climber or stay on the ground.
Good luck hunting this year.
Welcome!!
My opinion is that if you have a spot to hang a stand and keep it there, then I would do that. I too have a climber but rarely use it for the reasons you listed above. They do come in handy if you are hunting multiple spots and don't have that many chain on stands, or if you are hunting public land that does not allowstands tobe left overnight.
Ladderstands and or chain on stands are a whole lotbetter in my opinion. So if you have a spot where you can put up a standand leave itbut you can only buy one kind now, I wouldpick the chain on stand and a good set of climing sticks (many types)Thenif you want a climber in the future get one.
If you don't have a place to leave a stand you are pretty much left with a climber or stay on the ground.
Good luck hunting this year.
09-09-2005, 03:54 PM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas and Arkansas
Posts: 1,496
RE: Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
Sorry BowHntrRick; I read your post and while you bring up some good points to someone who doesn't use a climber, those of us who use climbers don't see any negatives. I've hunted with climbers for close to 20 years and never had any of those problems, except lugging my old climber for a 1/2 mile. With the new lighter weight climbers, I am able to go a mile or more with it without a problem. Plus, having the ability to relocate on short notice and hunt 20-30ft up a tree, where the deer can't smell me is a real plus.
09-09-2005, 03:57 PM
#6
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location:
Posts: 11,472
RE: Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
I think I'm in the minority of bowhunters these days too. I really don't like climbers. I love the versatility they provide, you can't beat that. But, I'd rather take an hour to move a ladder stand during the middle of the day than I would use a climber.
Like someone said whatever floats your boat. For the guys that use them and have no problem with them, more power to ya, you're probably ahead of the game.There's no doubt they have their advantages. I could just NEVER get used to the things.
I hate lugging the thing a mile back in the woods. By the time I have carried the contraption out to my destination, hooked it to a tree, climbed up, and got situated I was sweating like I just played 5 basketball games. The whole process bothers me too. I will give up some of the advantages of a climber to be able to quietly and comfortably walk in and out of the woods and climb up my ladder stand in about 14 seconds without a peep.
I'm not saying I'd rather just take the easy way. I'd do whatever it takes to harvest a deer. For me I just choose to notdeal withthe added noise, sweat, and time involved with a climber.
Like someone said whatever floats your boat. For the guys that use them and have no problem with them, more power to ya, you're probably ahead of the game.There's no doubt they have their advantages. I could just NEVER get used to the things.
I hate lugging the thing a mile back in the woods. By the time I have carried the contraption out to my destination, hooked it to a tree, climbed up, and got situated I was sweating like I just played 5 basketball games. The whole process bothers me too. I will give up some of the advantages of a climber to be able to quietly and comfortably walk in and out of the woods and climb up my ladder stand in about 14 seconds without a peep.
I'm not saying I'd rather just take the easy way. I'd do whatever it takes to harvest a deer. For me I just choose to notdeal withthe added noise, sweat, and time involved with a climber.
09-09-2005, 03:59 PM
#7
Typical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 774
RE: Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
I love climbing stands.They offer you stealth,and manuverability.What if you kept seeing a big buck 100 yds out of range.You would have to go make all that noise,and bring down the lock on.Lord help you if you have to use screw in steps..instead of a climbing stick.I just like it better.I have permanent stands,ladders,and lock ons in my honey holes,but when hunting public land it is not advisable to leave a stand in the woods.Even from the morning hunt to the evening hunt.Because you might come back to hunt that afternoon,and it may be gone.It seems to me if you get into a routine,it gets easy to do,and after a few hunts becomes second nature.I do routinely walk 400-500yds with my climbers.They average about 23lbs each.A good set of padded straps are well worth the money.They distribute the weight evenly,and cushin your shoulders.Like others have said...whatever floats your boat.
09-09-2005, 04:04 PM
#9
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,716
RE: Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
Rick
Man, I must say, I laughed my butt off when I read that post. I just pictured you all hot, sweaty and beaten, "schlepping" the miserable "contraption" out of the wilderness.
If I may, let me offer you some words of advice. It's all downhill from here. It really does take about 10 setups before you find a comfortable way to carry your stand, and strap your other gear to it. You'll develop a "routine" that you'll duplicate time and time again, and your setup time will go from 25 minutes to 5.
In the meantime, think of things you can do to save time.
1.) Buy one of those head-lamp flashlights - Energizer makesa $12 cheapie that works fine. 2 hands make a much faster setup.
2.) Think of an efficient hoisting mechanism. I use a gear strapper retriever - you never have to untangle ropes and the like.
3.) Find a way to buckle your daypack onto your stand.
4.) Practice climbing - soon enough, you'll be going up that tree like a squirrel.
Just use your head, and the whole process will get easier and easier.
Man, I must say, I laughed my butt off when I read that post. I just pictured you all hot, sweaty and beaten, "schlepping" the miserable "contraption" out of the wilderness.
If I may, let me offer you some words of advice. It's all downhill from here. It really does take about 10 setups before you find a comfortable way to carry your stand, and strap your other gear to it. You'll develop a "routine" that you'll duplicate time and time again, and your setup time will go from 25 minutes to 5.
In the meantime, think of things you can do to save time.
1.) Buy one of those head-lamp flashlights - Energizer makesa $12 cheapie that works fine. 2 hands make a much faster setup.
2.) Think of an efficient hoisting mechanism. I use a gear strapper retriever - you never have to untangle ropes and the like.
3.) Find a way to buckle your daypack onto your stand.
4.) Practice climbing - soon enough, you'll be going up that tree like a squirrel.
Just use your head, and the whole process will get easier and easier.
09-09-2005, 04:13 PM
#10
RE: Bought a tree-stand: you must be kidding?
BowhuntrRick,
The Summit Viper XLS is all STEEL. Obviously it's going be heavy, bulky, and bang ang clang when you walk with it.
The Summit X4 (and now this year X5 series) stands are all high strength aircraft aluminum and extremely rugged, strong, and the most important factor - LIGHTWEIGHT! Heck, my Summit Viper X4 probably weights at most 22 pounds. Unlike the steel model climbers that would weigh about 47 pounds. [:'(]
Climbers have their place and are a must on high traveled public land areas, so you can get far in and deep off the trails.
The Summit Viper XLS is all STEEL. Obviously it's going be heavy, bulky, and bang ang clang when you walk with it.
The Summit X4 (and now this year X5 series) stands are all high strength aircraft aluminum and extremely rugged, strong, and the most important factor - LIGHTWEIGHT! Heck, my Summit Viper X4 probably weights at most 22 pounds. Unlike the steel model climbers that would weigh about 47 pounds. [:'(]
Climbers have their place and are a must on high traveled public land areas, so you can get far in and deep off the trails.
