Big Game brand two-person stands are about as reasonable a priced, sturdy 2-person stand as there is out there. The group I hunt with has probably 10-12 of these up across the lease. If you watch pricing these can be found in the $150 - $200 range. We also have a couple of Summit brand 2-person ladders. These are a good deal pricier, but darn good stands. If you have never had one of these 2-man stands before, regardless of brand, takes a while to put together and unless you are a stud, you'll need a buddy to help put it up.

As far as range finder. There are several very good, accurate models out there in the $250 range. I have a pocket sized Leupold that does fine for the typiocal hunting I do. Unless you are planning on some really long range shooting, one that is rated to 400 yards is plenty good. I use mine more for archery ranging rather that when I am gun hunting.


Binos .... here's where I'll probably go nuts on you. I am a firm believer in high quality optics. I have wasted thousands over the past 50 years working my way up from low end stuff and Lord knows I have regretted doing so. No, it is not necessary to buy something like a top end $2000 Swarovski or Ziess to end up with very good performance, but I'd bet a ton of $$$ that if you go cheap, you'll regret having done so. My advice is simple .... do your research on reviews, buy only from a well established brand name and buy the very best that you can possibly afford. You will not regret doing so. Something like 8x40 should do fine.