Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

I've hunted rifle out of a ground blind for many years but last year was my first year for bow. My cousin set me up in a hanging tree stand - I guess that's what it was, and he placed metal screw in steps in the trunk of the tree itself for access. Now I'm not afraid of heights as long as I feel secure, but climbing up that thing (especially in the dark before sunrise) and then trying to get into the seat was a little nerve racking for me. Then while I was up I never did feel that comfortable - like it was too small and the platform felt too small as well, I was worried about how I would actually take a shot at a deer if I had to. After the first day I hunted out of a ground blind.

I was looking at a stand for myself - I like the ladder stands since they seem a little bigger. I also like the ones that have some sort of a surround around the seat - even a little bar out front that I think would be to rest your rifle on if that's what you were using, but for me I guess it would be a little security, but do those get in the way if you're bow hunting? I'd also like a seat with a back to it.

Whatdo you all recommend? How much of a pain is it setting those ladders stands up? How big a platform / seat do you recommend? I;ve seen some that seem like a real nice size- not quite a 2 person, but close. Are those too big and difficult to erect?

Thanks for any recommendations.

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

look at the loggy bayou transformer climber or API or summit climbers they all make great stands with large platforms and very comfortable seats

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

I like hang on stands.....with a 20 ft climbing stick......you can buy this set up for about150$....or if you can weld you can build a setup for$60-$75

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

Gorilla Big Man treestand is what I use. Local sporting goods store is selling them for $49 or 2/$90. They have a huge platform which will help you feel more comfortable. You may even host a dance up there if you like..har har. One tip you might try if possible, find a tree that has branches projecting out along side of you, it may help you feel more secure while you're up there. I know it does for me.I hate a naked tree!

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

a 30 dollar stand and 30 dollar climbing sticks at dicks sporting goods down the rd

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

Gorilla Big Horn Ram Hang On Stand!! that what i would get if i was u!! but im gonna get my dad to weld me one like it, cheaper, as for a ladder... use a aluminum or wooden latter!!

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

I bought a 2 man ladder stand at Menards a few weeks ago and I just put it up tonite. I have never been a fan of ladder stands, but this one is quite nice. It has a fold up shooting rail, so you can archery or rifle hunt from it, 2 ppl fit nicely, its 12 foot tall, and it was only $88.

I build all of my hang on stands, I open up Cabela's and look at all the new designs, then go out to my shop an copy the one I like the most. I've never figured out how much it costs to build a stand but I bet its not more than 20-30 dollars.

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

Why not a climber? They are generally larger in overall size than most hang-ons and many of them have the bar in front to not only aid you in climbing the tree but also provide a bit more of a feeling of security when you are up there.

....Summit Viper should fit the bill nicely.

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

Rammer - Are those 2-person stands fairly easy to set up? Probably a little heavy I bet.

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

Never even considered a climber - not familiar with them. How do those work?

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

I own a climber.....hate it. It is a older one, but ya climb a tree and then you cant even sit in it without your feet pointing at the ground. The tree gets smaller towards the top and then you have to readjust, pain in the arse. Under certain conditions yes they work great, for a all around stand i would take a hang on.

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

The 2 man took about 20 minutes to put together with air tools. My dad and I put the legs on it in the field, then we lifted it up an put it against the tree. It wasn't bad at all to put up, as long as you have a buddy help ya we had it up and ready in 5 minutes.

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

i have a older climber to, unless u hunt in a area with good strait trees, do not get a climber cuz u wont be able to use it very well, id get a big hang on stand if i was u!

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

Climbers have their benefits. Their mobility is the greatest aspect to them. The downside is you have to have a straight tree.

As far as stability and downward angle of the platform, etc... You have to set it up at the trunk so the top section and bottom/platform section are both at an angle so the ends are higher then the teeth section that bites into the tree. As you climb, and the tree gets narrower, the stand will equal out and balance out and be perfectly stable and squarely aligned to the tree.

I love my Summit Viper X4 and won't leave home without it! :D

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

I have tried all that butch, the problem is where i hunt up here in MN all the trees taper to much or they have to many limbs. I have found a few big Norwaus up north they work good in but around home a oak, a 30 ft pine or a maple just dont cut it. I stick with my hang ons. Under 50 lbs. for the stand and 20 ft of climbing stick. Yes i will set it up about as quick as most poeple will get a tree with a climber, and definetly get down quicker.

RE: Can you recommend a tree stand for bow hunting?
 

I have 3 treestands, a ladder stand, strap-on stand and a climber.

Since I moved, I don't have a place to hunt with the ladder stand, since it is a 2-3 person job to put this one up, therefore it stays in the garage collecting dust.

I reallllly do not like climbing trees or using the screw-in steps. However the strap-on stand is very light and is useful in a few places where I hunt. It has a small platform which is great for carrying threw the woods, but isn't so nice once you are up in the tree. Therefore it also collects a lot of dust.

The climber that Ihave is a Summit Viper.At 21lbs, it really isn't bad to carry into the woods (Idid replace the carry straps with good quality padded straps). If youare not familier withthis stand, it does havethe bar in front of you.You sit on this bar asyou ascend/descend the tree. The bar also serves as a rifle/bow rest.

Now as for it being in the wayfor bowhunting....It hasn't been sofar, you just have to plan ahead a little bit and set the seat a little lower, so when you stand up the bar is below your bow. Two weeks ago, I didn'teven stand up to shoot the doe, so the bar wasn't and issue then either.

I also like the bar in front of me to add a little security while in the tree.

I hope this helps..