I just seen this,

http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet...rTarget=browse

and it seems like a good deal, but I was wondering if anyone has used these types of tree stands before. Actually I don't have the money right now to buy it, but, I could probably come up with it, because it's on sale, and I would do something that my g/f will probably hate me for, if it's worth this price, hehe. I have never used a climbing stand before, and I'm having problems understanding how you would get back down. Probably sounds funny, but hey, gotta ask to learn.

Oz

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Hunter's View stands are a little heavy. If you do a lot of trekking like myself(hunting public land), save a little more and get an API or SUMMIT. My API Grand Slam Shooting Star is the best stand I've ever owned.

BPS had a sale earlier this fall on API Grand Slam tree stands for $200. I bought one of them and find it excellent. We've got a lot of straight tall trees here in FL to work with. The API comes with a video that shows you how to put it together, how to climb up and down and all sorts of safety things you need to know.

I don't know anything about the Hawk that you saw advertised except I noted that it is HEAVY--35lbs, whereas mine is 21 lbs. That weight makes a lot of difference when you have to hike a distance to get to the area you want to hunt. For the price savings, it might be worth it to have a stand, even if it is heavy, but I think I would hold out for an API a Summit or some other lighter stand.

Blackjack, welcome to the board. I see you're in Orlando. I'm just west of you in Clermont. Not too many central Floridians on here. E-mail me @ [email protected]

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I have that stand your looking at.. I really like it, It's about 31LBS witch is heavy for long trips in the field!! (needs better shoulder straps..) It's easy to climb with & the seat is very comfortable, plus the padded arm rest & front rail make it even better Feels safe too.. I took two ratchet straps & snugged it down to the tree & now it's very stable & NO SQUEAKS! I replaced an old lock/hang on stand with the new one, I use the latter from the old one to climb up to the new one.. Much Better!!! I stayed out for 5 hours today in the "HAWK"(for the first time) & could have stayed several more.. In the old one I was ready to leave after about an hour or two tops!!

I have a treestand just like this (or very similar) I got from Wal-Mart. It is heavy and awkward to carry, but I love being up in the tree. It has made all the difference in my hunting success.

One thing that started yesterday: It has been quite cold for 2 days, around 10 degrees F. The criss-cross metal on the standing platform crackles very noisily now (when it's that cold). It's warm today so I'm anxious to see if it goes away.

Do you guys take the seat with you when you leave for the day (assuming you leave the stand)? I hate sitting in a wet seat.

I use a Summit and love it. My brother in law used mine once and is likely going to pick it up after this season. For the weight, stability, ease of use they are tough to beat. Priced around $200. I don't own one, but if I bought another non-Summit stand, it would likely be an API.

Brian

I SPENT MANY YEARS HUNTING ON THE GROUND,MAKING DEER DRIVES AND HUNTING FROM PERMANET TREE STANDS AT 10-12 OFF OF THE GROUND. I HAD SOME SUCCESS WITH ALL THREE METHODS. I PURCHASED A TREE LOUNGE AND NOW HUNT A MIN. OF 20' FROM THE GROUND. I THE LAST FIVE YEARS I HAVE SEEN MORE DEERTHAN I HAVE IN THE PREVIOUS 15 YEARS AND HAVE KILLED MY BAG LIMIT EACH YEAR. MANY YEARS IN THE PAST I WENT A MANY SEASON WITHOUT A KILL, BUT NOT SINCE USING THE TREE LOUNGE. I FEEL SAFE IN THIS STAND SO I HUNT HIGHER AND ALSO I AM MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE AND USUALLY WILL STAY ALL DAY. MOST OF MY KILLS COME DURING THE DAY. THIS TIME USE TO BE SPENT SITTING IN CAMP. I ALSO RECORDED MY FIRST DEER INTO THE INDIANA HOOSIER RECORD BOOK WITH A 14 POINT BUCK THAT SCORED TYPICAL 150 7/8.I DO BELIEVE IN CLIMBING STANDS,BUT ONLY SAFE ONES SO CHOOSE CAREFULLY. MINE IS HEAVY AND I MUST PRACTICE WITH CARRYING BEFORE THE SEASON ARRIVES.I LIKE THE TREE-LOUNGE BUT I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER GREAT CLIMBING STANDS. CHECK THEM OUT CAREFULLY AND PLEASE DONT BUY A CHEAP ONE. MY FIRST ONE WAS A BAKER HAND CLIMBER AND I WASN'T VERY COMFORTABLE AND WHEN IT SLIPPED DOWN A TREE ABOUT EIGHT FEET BEFORE I COULD HUG THE TREE TIGHT ENOUGH TO STOP MY SELF. THAT WAS THE LAST TIME THAT STAND WAS EVER USED AND CAN'T HARM ANYONE ELSE.BE CAREFUL, CHECK OUT MANY STANDS,INCLUDE THE TREE-LOUNGE IN YOUR SEARCH AND GREAT HUNTING.GOOD LUCK!!!!