want to start hunting.tree stand question

[joe c.]

Boy ain't that the truth DON'T GO CHEAP!! I couldent agree more toddster.
You dont have too go but 10 feet if that,it all depend's on the cover,they make ladder stand,s in many size's.
For me I just love being up in A tree,their's no other feeling than getting strapped in before the sun come's up all cozy in my loggy climber when the wood's come alive.

[longbawl]

If you want to be safe. The best i have found is.
Hunter Safety System Pro Safety Harness
Lone Wolf Sit & Climb Tree Stand 350-pound weight rating. If you pay that kind of money for a tree stand your not going to leave it in the woods. And your tied off to the tree from the time you start to climb. untill your back on the ground.
Dont Go Cheap

[JDice]

In addition to the two problems mentioned in your post - theft and safety - I suggest that there are other problems when hunting from tree stands. Even so, there are times when hunting from trees is the best way to go.

On safety - you appear to realize the danger and others have commented on how to deal with it. On the theft problem and the other problems associated with tree stands - there is another approach you might want to consider - using a Tree Saddle.

[horatio1226]

Thanks for the advice guys. I appreciate it.

Hey Brian FYI I'm 6'0" and 290. I'm a self employed painter so I climb everyday and can put my arms around a big ass tree. You sound like a little feller!  

[Red Boar]

Summit Goliath....wicked comfortable.  Biggest problem you'll have is trying not to take a nap.    

[Brian Krebs]

Brian- nope- I am 6-3 and 240. I am 57; and in a strong wind.. I am an honest to goodness: tree hugger.   :eek:  

 If your used to heights; that is half the battle! Then again I doubt many houses sway in the wind  

 I do not suggest ever sleeping in a treestand. I know somepeople do; I would suspect they are not the stands like I use. If you fall; with a safety harness; your not out of trouble; your just in the process of getting out of it. You still have to either climb back up; or cut the strap; and work yourself down. I am not familiar with many safety systems; but the ones I am familiar with say to get out as soon as you can.

 Tree saddles work; and work real well in a treestand. I have used one without a stand; and I cannot stay still in one; or get comfortable.

 I would suggest the screaming eagle stand. I have some gorilla stands that work fine; but are hard on this guys old boney butt. I have 6 different kinds of stands= all but one are hanging stands..which I prefer.

 I use screw in steps..

[crittergitter]

Brian (Horatio), I'm 5'9" tall and weigh in at 270 so I can understand your concerns about treestands. I hunt both ways and have been successful at both. My preferance is to hunt from the ground but only because I like to experience the thrill of getting as close as I can to whatever I'm hunting. But when it comes right down to it, being in the treestand offers some very unique advantages like sight radius. You can just flat out see more from an elevated position, it eliminates close encounters with creatures of the smelly kind(skunks  :eek:  )of which we seem to have an abundance of in this area. Of course the downfalls are many as well and the danger of falling being the greatest. But if you're comfortable working in high places I wouldn't think you'd have much of a problem. Personally I like to use the lone wolf climbing sticks as they are very versitile and lite weight. As far as tree stands go the lone wolf stands are pretty secure and will hold your weight although I think the seat is uncomfortable as hell. I have a couple of gorilla stands with net seats that are extremely comfortable but don't have the largest platform. One stand that I'm going to take a look at this year is the Family Tradition line of stands  http://www.familytraditiontreestands.com/index.htm  they seem to have both of those qualities plus they are rated for 300lbs. Whatever you decide just remember how you do it whether it be from above or on the ground isn't the important part, it's just having the opportunity and taking advantage of it that counts.  

[ThomastaylorIII]

lone wolf sticks, and a tree saddle...... actually play with and get used to sitting and shooting out of one and you will never go back. you can turn upside down and not fall out. you never feel like you can fall because your weight is constantly supported. the time when you would normally stand up when you hear deer coming you slide around to the other side of the tree and hide from them. you can mover your stand everyday and hunt public land with a total of 10lbs of gear for getting up a tree.

[horatio1226]

Those family tradition stands look pretty good. Any body know the price?

[crittergitter]

Brian, here is one dealer that carries them, but I would keep looking to try and find a better price. You might even try contacting the manufacturer to see if they sell direct.

 https://www.huntingfishingdirect.com/xcart/home.php

[horatio1226]

Thanks "big guy"