Well, I've been using hang-on stands for over 25 years. As I get older (I'll be 50 tomorrow), I'm starting to look for easier ways to accomplish this task. I'm not saying that what I do is the right way, but it is the easiest way I know for the equiptment that I use. Currently, I'm using Lone Wolf Alpha hang on stands, two piece, folding tree steps and a three piece safety belt. I imagine it won't be too long before I'll just be using ladder stands or my double bull ground blind. For right now, I believe that the alpha hang-on is the quietest, sturdiest and safest hang-on stand that I've ever used. Here is how I set them up.

Once I pick the tree that I want to use, I move to the side of the tree where the stand will be sticking out to my left when I'm facing the tree.

I'll start installing the screw in steps on the right hand side first. Stand left, bottom step right. I install the steps at 90 degrees to each other. No more than shoulder width apart. Make sure that you don't space them too far apart or else when it gets colder out, you'll have trouble reaching them when you have more clothes on. For me personally, once I get the first two in, I stand on the first step and start spacing them even with a button on my jacket that is located just above my navel. I repeat this process until I'm at the desired height. The last step that you install will be on your right, within 12" of the stand platform. This way it will be a easy step into the stand. I also install a step about 3-4 feet above the last step for a hand hold to ease entry and exit of the stand. Once you are in the stand you can use this step to hold a fanny pack or other piece of equiptment.

Once the steps are in, I'll climb up carring the stand by a strap. Never carry the stand up on your back. A good friend of mine did this and slipped and fell, landing on his butt. His head snapped backwards into the V of the stand that goes against the tree and broke his neck, killing him.

Once up there, I fasten the stand in place. Then I step onto the platform and immediately remove the safety belt from my pocket and fasten it to the tree, then around myself. Now you are ready to hunt.

The reason for me starting my steps on the right comes from using the loc-on brand standsof whichI still have three. The rope was fixed on one side and hooked on the other. It was always easier for me to hook the rope in front of the tree rather than behind it. The way the alpha hang-ons work, you could hook them from either side.

When you install a hang-on stand this way you will use an odd number of steps for climbing. I usually use 11-13 steps. This gets me 23-25 feet in the air. I have used as many as 17 steps for climbing.

This may not be the safest or best way to do this, but it works for me. I am probably going to a safety vest in the near future.

I hope this helps. Any questions.... just ask.