falcon, this makes a lot of sense too, if that hook was in there very securely!the main problem is that these stands are so top heavy that they're just awkward and dangerous to move. i was even thinking if I could get one section of the ladder underneath the top part and tip it up against the tree, then I could use a similar pully system to slowly pull it up and slip the other two sections under as she goes. I may even be able to pull the top part up with some rope myself if I secure an extenstion ladder to the other side of the tree.

Easier to get people to help you if you have a plan that doesn't involve a 50/50 chance of the stand crashing down on them.