Alternatives to tree steps.
02-02-2002, 09:37 PM
#11
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: egypt
Posts: 1,994
RE: Alternatives to tree steps.
I agree to the tree spikes that attach to your boots! My partner used them last fall and its pretty simple looking. It did take some prep time for him to get up and down tree but heck, if they cant see the stand, they aint gonna steal it! Not to mention there is no steps to steal! I prefer the strap on tree steps and take them down leaving my stand when on private land knowing I am going to hunt on a daily bases otherwise the stand comes down regardless...to many stands stolen in the past!
02-03-2002, 04:57 AM
#14
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SW PA USA
Posts: 7,220
RE: Alternatives to tree steps.
Maybe you need to build a ground blind, sit in it patiently till the thief climbs your tree, and offer to demonstrate the efficiency of your broadheads! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
02-03-2002, 05:47 AM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Glen MT USA
Posts: 72
RE: Alternatives to tree steps.
I make my own climbing stix`s and they work great there fast light and with two stix`s i can get up 15ft and set a stand in minutes and you only have to take one section down when you leave.
02-03-2002, 08:48 AM
#17
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: St Anthony MN USA
Posts: 9
RE: Alternatives to tree steps.
tree rat - I guess I am glad I hunt a different area of MN than you do because I haven't had anything stolen yet. I did say "yet." If I was getting things stolen that frequently I would put up one of my homemade deercams and get a picture of the slobs.
As for tree steps my buddies and I use two types. One is a grade 8 hex bolt that is inserted into a hole drilled with an 18V DeWalt. Kind of a pain dragging the drill around but it is only once a season. The holes need to be re-drilled each season. I forget the name of the company that sells the bolts/drill bit but they are always at the MN Deer Classic in March. Price is a good as I could find anywhere for the grade 8 bolts.
We also use the API steps which use a separate lag bolt into the tree. As mentioned above, it is very easy to take the step with you and leave the lag bolt for next time.
The advantage the grade 8 bolt has is that it can't pivot like a hanging step so it is extremely stable.
As for tree steps my buddies and I use two types. One is a grade 8 hex bolt that is inserted into a hole drilled with an 18V DeWalt. Kind of a pain dragging the drill around but it is only once a season. The holes need to be re-drilled each season. I forget the name of the company that sells the bolts/drill bit but they are always at the MN Deer Classic in March. Price is a good as I could find anywhere for the grade 8 bolts.
We also use the API steps which use a separate lag bolt into the tree. As mentioned above, it is very easy to take the step with you and leave the lag bolt for next time.
The advantage the grade 8 bolt has is that it can't pivot like a hanging step so it is extremely stable.
02-04-2002, 10:27 AM
#18
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: East Yapank NY USA
Posts: 3,457
RE: Alternatives to tree steps.
To help conceal bolts use your cordless and drill holes in the base of some branches and slip them over the bolts.
If you have cut any branches off your stand tree or cut any limbs for shooting lanes rub the cut with dirt. Those fresh cuts really stand out and can give up your stand to other hunters.
If they really want the stand they will get it. Your best bet is always a climber or portable you bring in and take out.
If you have cut any branches off your stand tree or cut any limbs for shooting lanes rub the cut with dirt. Those fresh cuts really stand out and can give up your stand to other hunters.
If they really want the stand they will get it. Your best bet is always a climber or portable you bring in and take out.
02-04-2002, 05:48 PM
#20
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 116
RE: Alternatives to tree steps.
Tree rat,
I have been using 8" lag bolts with a 3/4" head for >15 years. I probably have over a 100 of them in the woods permanent. I do exactly what you are wanting to do with these things. I carry 4 screw in steps to get me to them. I paint them black with flat Rust Oleum paint before putting them in. They are almost invisible!
I have been using 8" lag bolts with a 3/4" head for >15 years. I probably have over a 100 of them in the woods permanent. I do exactly what you are wanting to do with these things. I carry 4 screw in steps to get me to them. I paint them black with flat Rust Oleum paint before putting them in. They are almost invisible!