Thanks Antler.
Wow - cool stand - but EXPENSIVE!
I ended up mounting the stand about 5' lower than I wanted on the opposite side of the tree. I'll have to cut more shooting lanes now that I'm below the top of the windbreak/hedge.
The stand that I put up though I'll never buy again. It's a "Hoot Owl". I don't remember the manufacturer, but it really seems "flimsy" as compared to some of my Baby Gorilla stands. It feels like it flexes a bit and does not seem to want to "Lock" into the tree as well as other stands that I've put up.
Safety wise i used 2 ratchet straps & even use some climbing gear to make the whole up & down journey safe. I'm locked in even if the stand goes.
Anyway, I'll let you all know how it goes this weekend. I'm going to finish cutting the lanes this evening and wait to hunt it 'till the weekend. Let the deer "feel" safe again. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
"It's not the kill, it's the adventure and challenge! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>"