RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

I think some good camo { headnet, gloves} and a little forethought is good for ground hunting. Be aware of the wind direction.

Maybe consider just getting one lock on type stand instead on two. That would save a little money until you can afford the Summit.

RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

I found these stand plans.http://www.huntingplans.com/st-stand.html I am not really impressed but thought I would bring it up. Also I have to talk to t the land owner about this but I think he would let meuse screw in steps. If I could I would be able to get a couple of hang ons or if I wind up having enough money maybe a climber.I havenot ruled out in any way a ground blind or building my own stands.but I want to explore all my options.

RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

Nailing 2x4's to trees scares me. It is illegal on public land in most states. And as the wind blows and trees grow, they become unstable and unsafe. If you build your own, check them frequently for safety.

Ground blinds are okay. I prefer natural ground blinds. But there are some really decent, safe cheap treestands for sale. I'd rather be up high any day. For 200bucks you could get a good hang on and some climbing sticks and be all set.

RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

If I were you, I'd consider setting up some natural ground blinds and trying them out before rushing out and getting a pop-up. IMO pop ups are great for turkeys, but deer seem to pick them out a little better. A natural ground blind is stationary and the deer will get used to them. - Just a thought.

RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

A set of stix and a hang on is your most versitile. A climber next. Deer ain't going to know or care if a stand is there one day and gone the next provided you are careful with scent. If you get a climber take it in and out with you.

RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

If you do make homemade stands from lumber, for safetys sake, use treated lumber and screws, NOT nails. Wooden stands should be inspected often to maintain safety. I used them too, when I was young, inexperianced, and low on cash. I had a couple incidences where boards that loosened caused me to take a tumble, one of the tumbles could of easly cost my life.

RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

From this I assume you'll be hunting private land. A relatively inexpensive way to go is with the home made ladder stand. I've used them for many years, and they work very well; not as easily moveable as a hang on type, but I persoanlly like the idea that I'm standing on a platform that's connected to the ground, not just the tree (but then, I'm not a youngster any more);)
I make mine from TREATED 2x4's and TREATED 5/4" x 6" deck boards.
The platform is made of the deck boards screwed to two 2x4's that connect to the front "legs" with the rungs.The platform has ashallow "V"-notch in the back to rest against the tree.
The two 2x4's can be from 10 to 16 feet long. The rungs are made from decking material ripped in half (gives a rung about 2 1/2" thick).
Diagonal braces go from theback edgeof the platformforward to the 2x4 legs.
Everything is screwed together with 3 1/2" galvanized deck screws except where the platform connects to the legs -there I use1/2" bolts.
The whole thing is attached to the tree with a chain (not real heavy)that is fastenedon one side of the deck brace by a 3/8" bolt and then connected to a turnbuckle that is fastened to the other side of the platform brace. After connecting to chain to the turnbuckle, I tighten it up real good with a small crescent wrench.
When setting it up, a length of rope from a step about head high around the tree will hold it there while you climb up to attach the chain.
No steps screwed into the trees, no nails in the trees - no landowner will object to that.
Have a buddy help you - it's a lot easier with two, although one can do it.
If I had access to private land, I'd build two. Do a lot of scouting, then choose the two best locations so you can hunt it from the one that is best depending on wind direction.

Good Luck

RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

If you do make homemade stands from lumber, for safetys sake, use treated lumber and screws, NOT nails.

I had no problem with mine using 14 penny nails. I used 2 on each end of the ladder part and they were tight as a drum.Of course I only weighed 165 pounds in those days. I was very limited on cash and on yourown property 20.00 will do the trick.Three 2x4s. Now , bercause of my weight I use 3 " deck screws when building ladder stands. These ae more expensive and I only use these for guns and not bow. The hammer and nail stands are excellent for bow as they are very stable. My Summit was a little over 300.00 Great stand but a big price as well. I bought mine when the model { Bullet Backpacker } first came out.
C7

PS When I was on leave in the military I did a quick scout , carried the three 2x4s and put up a quick platform. Next day, harvested a buck. ;)

RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

I have 5 lock on tree stands(love them) butfind myself using them less every year. Deer can be taken from the ground with a bow. My last three nice bucks came from on the ground natural blinds.I take advantage of stumps,logs, sticks and large trees. Simple and easy and no cost to you. The best time to set up these blinds would be in early spring. Even though I set up these blinds early I make sure I disturb the area very little and make sure I don't over do it. Once you start using natural ground blinds they will always be a part of your hunting strategy.

RE: Thinking of scrapping the idea of treestands altogether.
 

"Simple and easy and no cost to you. The best time to set up these blinds would be in early spring. Even though I set up these blinds early I make sure I disturb the area very little and make sure I don't over do it. Once you start using natural ground blinds they will always be a part of your hunting strategy. "

Cheapest one yet.Even beats 20.00 .;)
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