First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

This will be my first year bowhunting. Last spring, I bought my bow (Pearson Pride). I just picked up my hanging tree stand, but I haven't decided what method I'm going to use to climb up to my stand and thought I'd ask for your help.

I've seen they sell structures that you can attach to a tree and climb up, but these things seem like they would be bulky and be a pain to bring in and out of the woods. What I was thinking about doing was just buying an 8' 2x4 and cut it into 6-10" pieces. Then drill two holes in each piece so that I could take a binder and go through one hole, out the other, wrap around the tree and bind down. Do you think this would work? Is there a better way to do this without buying those bulky climbing structures?

Thanks,

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

If youre looking for least bulky, look for screw in steps. Basically a slim metal rod that formed as a step that has treads on one side. They work well. Or you can buy large galv. nails and nail them in, but steps are better imo.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

After useing wood for steps, I would not recomend it! Buy climbing sticks, or screwin steps, or a combo. They will get you to your stand safley and quietly. Make sure you use the harness, and I also use a retractor to stop your fall. I fell when wood steps broke under me and will never use them again.
Good luck!

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

Thanks for the tips. I guess I should have mentioned that I'll be hunting on private land and the owner (big lumber company) requested no screws in the trees. So, the screw in steps aren't an option.

Cheers,

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

i would suggest getting some climbing sticks they are not that heavy and go up quick you can find good ones for $30 now and $20 or less after the season

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

Here is what I use. Strap on the tree.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

Sticks! Becarefull with them. They work great and aren't too bad to pack but we had one while we were putting it up get hung up on a brach and seperate, crashing to the ground next to us Could of killedone of us.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

i use screw in steps because they are cheaper than sticks and are allowed where i hunt. make sure you check with your land owner. if the trees are harvested than they may not let you use screw ins

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

I've hunted with lock on stands with screw in steps and I find they are hard to set up. Make sure you use a harness when you are setting up your stand if you go this way. I really like to use a climbing stand. I think they are safer becasue you aren't holding on to a step or ladder while you're trying to lock your stand in place. All you do is stand up, lift your seat sit down lift you feet until you're up. Lock it in place and you done. Lock ons are nice if you hunt the same spot for a long time. Either one works fine as long as you wear a harness.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

I use sticks and will continue to do so. Use caution and wear a harness with whatever method you choose.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

I use the strap on steps when I can. They offer a few benefits where I hunt. First off, they pack small so it's easy to carry a bunch. Second, you can place them staggered so that it's easier than climbing up in a straight line, especially on trees where you need to move around the tree to avoid limbs (which I like to leave for cover when possible). You can also separate them farther from each other if you're taller, or shorter if you're not, so that it's comfortable to climb and you get the most height for your money. Third, when I hunt public land I feel better about leaving a hang-on stand up and just removing the bottom 3 strap steps when I leave so as to help keep people honest. I also only use my GPS to get to stands so I don't leave a trail of fire tacks or reflective tape to lead others to my stand site. There are a couple disadvantages to them, which you'll find with any of the strap on climbing sticks as well. If you leave them hanging for an extended amount of time and climb them often, you'll find that you need to retighten them from time to time...not too big of a deal. The other more significant problem is that the strap is of a limited length. This will restrict what trees you use it on. I don't have screw-in restrictions, so while I use the strap-ons when possible, if the tree is too big around at the base to put that type of step on, I'll put screw-ins on until it narrows enough for the strap-ons.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

You should use a linmans belt when useing strap on steps, or screw in steps. They are cheap and it is not worth hurting your self WHEN not if you fall. The stats do not lie about falling. Hunt safe/ have fun/ enjoy GOD's great outdoors

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

Strap on steps for me also.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

For a permenant lock on,I would reccomend tying a rope from top to bottom and us a prussic knot to slide as you go up and down you are never in danger you are always attaced to the tree,with full body harness.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

That's a good Idea AWI!

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

I agree with chr. My first year I bought a nice hang on stand butI wasn't too crazy about trying to hold onto the top rung of my climbing sticks with one hand while trying too hoist my stand into place with the other. I switched to a climbing stand, only because I feel safer in one and they are so much easier.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

I would go with a climber. I feel real safe in the one I have.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

If you use climbing sticks,you need a straight tree!They come in 4 ft lengths and hook into each other.You would be surprised how many trees you think are straight until you try the tree sticks.

RE: First year bowhunting unsure about climbing...
 

Climbing stands work great if you have trees that are straight and have no branches. The trees in my area have branches so a climbing stand is out of the question.