spikes?? what the heck are they? Are you talking about spikes out of the bottom of boots like lineman wear?

you guys/gals are awesome!! I never thought of using a hoist/pulley!! What a great idea!! I am going to wally world to get me one!!

Steve

I highly recommend the Lone Wolf hang-on treestand.

http://www.lonewolfstands.com/hang_on.asp

The strap is separate from the stand. You climb up, put the strap around the tree (without the burden of the stand attached to it) at the desired height. Then raise the stand up by whatever means you choose, and simply drop in onto the hook that is integrated into the strap. Add a ratchet strap to the bottom (if you wish) and hunt like a madman. They're a bit pricey, but the hassle you save is worth the price. For what it's worth.

I found the Rutherford link also didnt work.... but ...... I see Schraders also sells a Treestand Versa Hoist for $25.00 on their website... the versa hoist is the small black square item on the tree above the stand, its really easy to use and very light weight.... I use pulley's for attaching to the base of tree's at the top of a hill or ravine to aid in pulling a downed deer up from the bottom. I also carry a old army bag with a shoulder strap that holds all the rachet straps, cables, locks, screw in steps, gloves etc that I will need and carry it up the tree with me.

When I put up lock ons I start with a cordless drill. For the steps I drill a pilot hole first. It makes the steps go in a lot easier. Then I only use the kind with the anchor bolt in the bottom, or the lone wolf style mentioned above. I then throw my rope over a limb above me and pull it up. I then set it on my bolt in the tree. Then strap it. This is the easiest I have found. After doing this about 300 times you get good at it. BTW make sure to use a saftey belt of some kind. It is safer and easier.

Maybe I;m getting old, or just have to many stands to fool around but we've learned the best method is to load up the ATV and trailer with a ladder, cordless drills, saw, markers, and stand locks and head out for the afternoon. Instead of moving stands around mid-season we decided to pool our money and buy more stands to have multiple stand sights eliminating mid-season disturbances as much as possible. We pitch the ladder to the tree and mark 18ft, hang the stand off the ladder, then drill holes using the corless drill for the tree pegs. Done as many as 6 in a day that way if location is already picked out during winter scouting. Sounds lazy, but makes this a much more enjoyable expierence!

1st question I have is what brand of stand do you have? If it's a cheap steel chain on stand then yes they are a pain to hang. I quickly figured out that if you will spend some money and get a decent lightweight aluminum stand, thay are 10 times easier to handle when your strapped to a tree. By far the easiest stand I have found to hang is the Summit Headhunter Lite (now called the X4). You can literally have it hung and standing on the platform in less than 2 minutes once you get to your desired hunting height.

As far as a pulley/hoist is concerned look HERE for a good deal on one.

yeah, I'm not much on tree steps either. That's why I shimmy up the side with summit.

Yea, The best way to hang a stand is to hunt on the GROUND

I have av old tree lounge. It's pretty comfy, but noisy to carry and climb with. So I bought a few chain on stands the other day at dick's; nice and cheap too!!!-less that 30 beans a piece if you bought more than one. I didn't hang both yet because I'm still cutting trails through the briars(I know it's late but I just got access to the place). But it seems to me hanging the stand is easy compared to srewin in them steps. I thought about using my cordless drill, and I think I will now. Good advice guys!