Winter 2006

Expand Your Treestand Options

By JOHN KASUN

If you turned to this article to learn about the latest in climbing treestands I am afraid that you won't find it here. But, if you are looking for ways to use a variety of trees stand options to increase you hunting opportunities and success keep reading.
While the climbing treestand remains a basic staple in every bowhunters gear it does not always allow the hunter to place his stand in the best location as it depends on a tree that works well with a climber. In recent years the popularity of hang-on stands soared as hunters learned of the advantages of placing stands above low hanging cover and the fact that these stands could be hung in trees with a multiple of limbs. Hunters soon owned one climbing stand and several hang-on stands that they often left hanging during the season. The tree stand market is now in the mist of another equipment expansion that again offers increased options for the hunter.
As the average age of hunters increases, safety and comfort are becoming major considerations when selecting equipment. As a result the interest in ladder stands, ladders and climbing sticks is dramatically on the rise across the industry. This mix of available equipment gives the hunter a wide variety of choices and allows him to pick the right piece of gear to put him in the best place to get the shot.

Two man treestands such as the one shown here are gaining in popularity. They are well suited for introducing the new hunter to the outdoors while keeping them under close personal supervision

Personally I hunt a variety of ground including mountains with mature growth, farm land and low lying timbered off swamps that are crisscrossed with twisted timber, open areas and thick hedge rows. To effectively hunt all of this territory I need equipment that allows me to be in the right place and not simply hunt a spot that has a straight tree. To accomplish this I own a variety of climbing-stands, hang-on stands, tripods, quadpods, ladder stands, ground blinds, screw-in steps, ladders and climbing sticks. I match the right equipment to the right set of conditions to get the job done.
Taking the time to learn how different equipment can give you more stand options in different hunting situations will definitely increase your opportunities for success. Let's look at some of the available treestand options, their features and the applications for which they are best suited.

LADDER STANDS
With the growing trend of private or leased land ladder stands are growing in popularity. They are easy to erect and provide a solid and secure stand. If you are uncomfortable in a conventional treestand a ladder stand might just be the answer for you. Today's ladder stands offer a wide variety of comfort from bare bones basic to your easy chair at home minus the remote. Padded seats, padded armrest and padded back supports are becoming the norm. Most ladder stands also offer gun rests for the two season hunter. These rests can be easily removed to accommodate the bowhunter. The latest rage in ladder stands is the two-man stand which allows two hunters to occupy the same stand. This is a great feature when introducing that new hunter to the field or when videoing hunts.
Features to look for are ease of assembly with sections that lock together and stabilizer bars that provide mid-point support between the stand and tree. Also important are easy to use security straps with positive locking latches that are used to secure the stand to the tree.

CLIMBING STICKS AND CLIMBING LADDERS
Sticks and ladders provide an alternative to screw-in or strap on steps when using hang-on stands. Most climbing sticks consist of a straight center rod with steps mounted to either one or both sides of the rod. The sticks come in short sections that join together on the ground and are leaned against the tree and then secured in place with tie down straps as the user ascends the tree. Climbing ladders are basically the same except they consist of two side rods with cross steps in between. Some customers prefer this design as it has the ''secure feel'' of a regular ladder.
Several manufacturers also offer climbing sticks or ladders that come in short sections that mount independent of each other. This gives the user great versatility as these sections do not have to be mounted in a straight line but can be offset to go around limbs or twisted tree trunks. The first section is secured from the ground and then the subsequent sections are individually secured as the user climbs the tree.
Good features to look for are slip resistant surfaces for sure footing and mounting brackets that securely grip the tree. The straps that secure the sticks or ladders to the tree should be easily adjustable and have positive locking mechanisms for safety. From a safety standpoint it is always advisable to use a stick or ladder height that will be on a level with or slightly higher than the stand with which it is to be used. This allows the user to step onto the stand as opposed to trying to step up into it. Not only is this safer it is much easier.

TRIPODS
Mention tripods and most hunters think of the open ranges of Texas but tripods are one of the best kept secrets of a growing number of whitetail hunters across the country. They are perfect for hunting tangled thickets, swamps, overgrown fence-lines and field edges. Short tripods in the seven to twelve foot range are perfect for gaining a slight elevation advantage in thickets that do not offer options for the use of conventional treestands or ladder stands.
Nice to have tripod features are adjustable legs for uneven ground, a quick assembly design that requires a minimum of hand tools and a comfortable swivel seat.

SUMMARY
As you head out to the winter sports shows and to your local sporting goods shop keep your eyes peeled for the new and expanding line of hunting stands and related equipment. Expanding your tree stand options may just allow you to get your stand in the right place to harvest that big buck. I know because that is exactly what happened to me this past season.

SAFETY
Remember any time your feet are off of the ground make sure you are using a safety belt climbing system.