safety of a tree for tree stand

[dougbutt]

The property i have been hunting is about 80-85% hedge and locust so i don't have too many good options for trees to be in.  There is a tree with about 2 ft of dirt behind it before it drops off about 10 ft straight down into a bend of a creek. There is some of the roots exposed but not any large ones. The tree is leaning the opposite direction of the creek. I use guido's web as my tree stand apparatus. I have two questions, is this too unsafe of a tree to use. If it isn't should i hang the steps on the side of the tree facing away from the creek, under 90 degree angle, or on the side of the tree next to the drop off, over a 90 degree angle?  The tree in question is a pinch point on the edge of a pasture, due to the bend of the creek, with a well use deer trail going by it.    :confused:

[team fudd]

sounds to me like you better build a ground blind if you are unsure,  Not worth your life.  No way of knowing if it is safe unless you climb it then it may be too late.  JMO.  Good luck whatever you decide to do.

[joe ashton]

I think that if you question the safety of the tree... your gut is saying stay out of it....

[Guru]

I agree with Joe somewhat, ya gotta listen to your "gut"....

 But, I also think that if the tree is still standing with the winds you have in KS, I doubt that you hanging up there will have bearing on the integrity of the tree for setting up in it.

[lpcjon2]

You have to think whats more important, possible meat in the freezer or you in a freezer.

No animal is worth taking a chance with your safety.

[dougbutt]

I was thinking if i had to ask i probably shouldn't use it, im less worried about the tree falling than i am about me tripping in the dark and taking a nose drive into six inches of water. Its probably one of the best trees on the property though due to visibility, easy of slipping into, wind direction, and use of the deer trail

[Huntingnut]

I have hunted trees similar to what you describe, and would do so again.But I haven't seen the tree that you are speaking of.Only you can really decide if you feel safe, and like others said, if your gut is saying something ain't quite right you're better off not trying it.There's nothing wrong with a good ground blind.I doubt I'll ever give up treestands, but the more I hunt from a blind, the more I like it.

If you do decide to hunt it, I would climb leaning towards the tree, over 90 deg., if I understood that part of you question correctly.Climbing leaning away from a tree is unsafe and uncomfortable.

[old_goat2]

If it falls, then just step off the platform right before it hits the ground, I saw it in a movie.

[dougbutt]

Climbing away from the tree is uncomfortable, but its not on the side of the tree right next to the drop off. I didn't mention the tree splits into three sections about 8 ft up, with the center section being the straightest.  I'll be wearing a Guido's web, kinda like a tree saddle, so no jumping off.

[KSdan]

I hunt the same type of ground.  I love the gnarly trees as you can get in a hide well at low heights. Lots of limbs keep things safe.  Can't hardly fall.  As far as your specific situation- I would have to see it.  But, if it is a hedge- it will be hard as a rock and highly unlikely to break off. Sometimes when I climb trees on the edge of cliffs and creek banks the height issue is more psychological than anything.  Sounds like a cool spot.  What about swirling winds on the creek though?

[dougbutt]

The creek is about 10 ft lower on the other side, south of the tree in question. I haven't checked the wind in this exact location more than a couple times, wind speed at or over 10mph, and i didn't see any swirling. I don't know too muck about wind swirl, is it more prevalent in lower wind speeds?  the tree is an elm, the guido's web doesn't work very well on big fat hedge as you are facing the tree, maybe i need to try a different tree stan d style

[KSdan]

Swirl and thermals are all an issue. Low ground (creek beds etc) and slopes are typically where you find it.  I actually think mature deer like the swirls/thermals though- the wind is always in their favor if they stand long enough!  I have really seen this on low ground down below crop fields; the mature deer will wait until the sun sets and the thermals shift down the slope.

I am not sure anyone can tell you quite what to do with the tree.  Sounds like a judgement call by you on safety.  Though I sure like funnels and pinch points if you can get the wind in your favor. Amongst a few other things, I hunt portable for this reason.  There are some stand sites that are only perfect when a number of factors come together.  I wait all season some years for that perfect day and time for a particular set.    

Good hunting
Dan

i'd say if its a good healthy tree,lots of leaves and all. go for it, it wont fall that fast.but its your call , be safe and good luck.

[dougbutt]

i think i will put it on the maybe list for now and clear some other possible locations
 
thanks to all that replied

[3Feathers]

I would play it safe and hunt on the ground.

[Hopewell Tom]

Lots of good points made.
How big is the tree? Diameter at breast height, how tall. Splitting into 3 can be a problem if the splits are open. Being there on a windy day might help assess the stability of the 3 stems. Not that you'd be there in the wind but see how the tree is moving. Check for any fungus growing on the stem - that's a sign of interior rot.
Or the ground blind idea.
You said pinch point and that's gold to me.

[Wickles]

I'm with Tom...What's the diameter?

Might be a good spot to hang a low loc on or ladder.

[Hot Hap]

Tri-pod stand?

[KOOK68]

ladder stand