Any one use gaff hooks to climb up the thier tree stand? I think it would be good for hunting state land where you cant screw anything into the tree. Here is a link of what they are if you dont know.

http://www.usrigging.com/bootspec.html

I use them to hang stands and trim lanes. I have a set of Buckinghams.

In all honesty, climbing gaffs will really scar up the treetrunk badlyif you make a habit of climbing the same tree over and over again.

IMO - it's just not worth lugging all that gear in/out everytime just to climb into your stand. You need a climbing belt, 2 bulky gaffs, and (ideally) a safety rope. Too much to carry on a daily basis.

I used to, but after blowing my ankle out, I don't anymore. Look for a set of Klein's, they are probably the best out there. They takes some getting used to, and can be QUITE dangerous. "Gaff out," and not only do you have to worry about falling, but sticking one of those gaff's in your leg!!!!

Better check your regs....they will chew up a tree thus the reason you cannot screw anything into the trees. I'm betting it's illegal on state land.

I climb poles for a living and trust me, you won't like it for hunting.

What Rob said is very true. They will chew up a tree, hence not legal onpublic land in most states. Another point to be aware of is, there are two kinds of hooks/spikes/gaffs. Tree spikes and lineman spikes.The lineman spikes have a shorter spike because they are onlygoing into poles that have no bark on them. Tree spikes are longer to go through the bark and into the cambium layer of a tree to grab hold. Lineman spikes can come out of a tree very easily, so be warned!
This piece of equipment shouldn't even be sold to hunters. They are really only for professional use, and notfor hunters.