I just wonder who prefers what and what are the reasons why? I realize many people are probably like me and use both but if you had to pick either steps or climbing sticks, which would it be.

Thanks.

I like the steps. I may only need a couple in order to reach climbable branches or use them to fill in a blank spot half way up. I usually carry 7 steps. That's the max. number that will usually get me as high as I need andcan pack them in my fanny pack. In some places, though, you can't use them on public land.

I use screw ins the most , but around the house I use 12" spikes except on the bottom 4 I use screw ins and take them with me. I have 4 sets of 20' sticks I use for weekly or seasonal stands as in ill. were you cann't use screw ins.sportsmens guide has them for $35 the best deal that I found on them.

I always use strap on ladders. I have had too many of those screw in steps pull out and cause me to fall. I'm very lucky to still have my manhood after one such fall. Plus I find it a lot quicker and with practus quiter to use the sticks. I strap mine to my treestand and then back pack the whole package in at once, this works great.

The sticks can be a pain to tote around very much. My 16' sticks weigh 21 lbs. plus I use a 4' extension some. That weight isn't alot but if you have to pack it in along with a stand and a bow or gun, plus my day pack, it gets real heavy, real quick. However, I prefer to use the sticks if its some where close where I can get in and set up without toting them a long ways. I use them in stands I plan on leaving in one spot mostly like on food plots or areas or trails that produce year after year.

I prefer the steps if Im packing in a ways or somewhere where I worry about theft. Just unscrew the last steps and it'll be harder for someone wandering by to steal my stand.

I use climbing a climbing stick because our state game laws prohibit the use of screw on steps. I was reluctant to use the stick, but after the first year I wouldn't go back to the steps. They make that early morning climb much safer and faster.

I prefer the screw-in steps for two reasons: cost and weight. 10 steps cost about $20 and put me about 15 feet off the ground. The cost of sticks would be a lot more to get that distance off the ground. 10 steps are a lot more compact and weigh a whole lot less than sticks.

Hillbilly, The screw in pull out, especially in a dead tree. A friend of mine had one pull out 15 foot up in a tree, he luckly caught his shoe lace in the next step down and hung upside down, till he was able to right himself and keep from falling. Climbing sticks are expensive. See this for how to make steps that are cheap and safe:

http://www.the-gleasons.com/How%20to%20make%20steps%20into%20a%20Y-board.pdf

Chap Gleason

Wow! Why would anyone climb a dead tree regardless of using steps or sticks? You're taking your life into your own hands when you do this. I've been using screw in steps for over 20 years. I've had the old, blunt tiped, hard to use single piece steps break when frozen, but when using the more expensive two piece screw in steps, I've never had a problem. You get what you pay for. You must also remember to not use the same hole for your steps. They wear out and the step will pull out. They will also pull out if you don't screw them into the tree properly. They should always lay nice and flat against the tree after being screwed fully in. It is also possible to screw them too far into the tree which can cause them to try and lever themselves out of the tree. I have over 50 steps. I always check them and maintain them. Throw away the bad ones. Bent, rusty or loose pins should be discarded. Your life is not worth the risk. I always carry 15 with me when setting a stand. I can go from 3 to 30 feet with that amount. The extras are used for hanging bows, calls, rattling antlers, binos, cameras etc. The climbing sticks are nice also, a bit cumbersome, but easier to use as you get older. Eventually I'll just be using a ladder stand and then a ground blind until I retire from hunting.

I've tried them all, the L.W. sticks are easier, quieter, less work, and FASTEST.....