20' ladder$tand$ ideas!!

[Mike Bolin]

Probably been alot of folks think of this before me as I ain't the sharpest arrow in the quiver! In my hunting area, due to terrain and cover, being 18' to 20' up is optimal. I have started to prefer a ladderstand in my "golden" years, but around here you can buy 12'ers for $49-$59 and 15'/16'ers for $59 tp $79. The 20'+ ladders usually run around $175-$250!!!!

Like I said, this may be an old idea but if it saves anyone a few bucks, it's worth posting! Buy 2-15'/16' and one 12' ladderstand and use the two bottom of the 12' stand to make the 15'/16'ers into 20'+/- stands. I place the section with the support (goes from ladder to tree) up one section higher and just take a couple of climbing sticks to access the support to tie it off to the tree.

As far as the safety of this is concerned (structural) I emailed 3 different companies that manufacture laddstands and the 2 that replied stated the the ladder sections on all of their ladderstands are interchangable and are manufactured to the same specifications.

Using the prices in my area, I can end up with two approx. 20' ladderstands for less than $190 w/tax. I use the remaining section as a practice platform. Only a little over 5' tall, but I se it up to shoot down hill so I am getting my 18'-20' height.

Hope this saves some folks some time and money! Have a safe season! Mike

[joekeith]

Sounds like a good idea.  

[LeverActionman]

I did just that 2 years ago until someone stole my ladder stand.They just did not I also hunt the land where they took it.Talk about luck huh found my stand 1 week later.

[RodL]

Some companies offer a 4-5 ft extension section for their ladders. I keep an eye on Dunhams sporting goods store in our area, sometimes they have the big game 15ft ladders for $49-$59 and have the extension section for $20. If you hit it right you can get a 20ft ladder for $69 plus tax. Dicks sporting goods is also another place to look for sales on ladders and extensions.

Rodney

[Mechslasher]

sounds like a plan to me.  i have plenty of thick cover where i hunt so 15' is as high as i want to be.  i think over 15', the angle to take out both lungs gets smaller the higher you go.

[matthewp]

Great idea.

[SteveB]

Extending stands not built for the additional stress may not always be a good idea - especially the cheaper ones.

[Bill Turner]

I do just the opposite. I buy 15 ft., 3 section stands, and leave one section in my truck. I'm far more comfortable in 10 ft stands and they are easier to deal with when your hunting way back in the bush. The section left in the truck makes a great ramp when your trying to get a deer or hog into the bed by yourself. Of course, when my bud "Ric O'Shay" is along, the ramp is not necessary. Together we can still get them loaded without much trouble. Course that was last year. Ha! Ha!  

[Mike Bolin]

Steve B, you are right about the stress. As I mentioned in the post, the manufacturers I contacted stated that all of there ladderstands use the same sections. It is still a good idea to check with the manufacturer. No amount of savings is worth risking injury! Mike

[toppredator]

Sounds good to me.  Can I ask what company makes the stands you are using?

[Gordy]

The cheap units all seem to made in china.   :(  
The wall section of the tubing is very thin and I wouldn't dream about extending one.

On the other hand, we've had a few rivers edge ladder stands that are much more robust and I believe they are made in the good ol USA.  I extended mine to 20' and although it is harder to get the brace strapped to the tree, (had to make an extension for that as well) once tied in, it's rock solid. (I'm 6-2 250)