Tree Steps

[Kevin Hansen]

Looking to buy some additional tree steps and it seems Ameristep has discontinued making their Grizzly tree step (at least they no longer show them on their website). I've used these steps for a long time and like their strength and size. Cabela's has some left, but only in 8 packs, I would prefer a 20 pack and the savings quantity offers. The Sportsman's Guide has Grizzly tree steps, but they are not the Ameristep brand. Can anyone point me to a source for these? Or, does anyone have experience with a similar replacement?
Thanks.

[Charlie Lamb]

I hate screw in steps. First of all they scare me... I imagine being gutted by them in the event of a fall. Secondly I always got "sweated up" putting them in... not good on a hang then hangout day.

Much prefer the Rapid Rails. Easy to climb, solid and last a long time... and I don't worry about being eviscerated.

Sorry I'm not much help with your actual question but this will help give your thread another ride down the page.

[Whip]

Charlie X2.  And I'll add another reason - I don't think they are good for the trees to open a wound like that.  Certainly not good for the veneer if you ever plan to harvest the tree for lumber.  

I sold all of my screw in steps a few years ago and have replaced them with Lone Wolf steps and Rapid Rails.

[SELFBOW19953]

A lot of landowners and state/federal agencies prohibit screw in steps for the very reason you said Whip, also if they are not removed and the trees are timbered-there goes a very expensive saw blade.

[J-dog]

Cant really help? google search - someone still has em I am sure ---

The rope ones while expensive are really easy and hold really well. Even for a "hang and hangout" day.

Cant help for the gutted part if you fall? :-)

J

[tracker12]

Only steps I will use are Cranford.  If you have your heart set on steps that's the way I would go.  Amazo* sometime sells them in bulk.  I drill hole with my tree hopper bit and use bolts that I can easily remove when I leave.

[awbowman]

I don't trust a step AND like Charlie said, they scare me just thinking of a fall.

The couple of times I have used them at a buddy's setup they never gave way nor did I slip.  It's just one of those things that even though you don't have evidence to distrust them I do.

[SELFBOW19953]

20 or 30 years ago, a hunter did an article about getting his wedding ring caught on a step when he slipped.  The photos were nasty-he nearly lost his finger!!!  I have seen pictures of rings getting caught when a person fell that did remove a finger.

[YORNOC]

I feel like an outlaw.
 I love screw in steps. I buy them at Dicks Sporting Goods.

[Clint B.]

I use Cranford EZY steps. Made of USA steel and sharper screws than the others. Their bow hanger is also better than others.

[Jerry Russell]

I run 20 plus lock on stands on for my deer hunts and the economy of steps and amazing speed of set-up make them important.  For safety, close spacing and three points of contact while climbing will minimize the hazard as much as possible. I understand the concern that some might have.

The steps I use come from Wal-Mart.  Not only are they affordable at $2 per step, they have the best starting points of any step I have used. They also have a specific angle that makes them the safest I have used.

[bisket]

I know it has already been mentioned by others but be carefull.  I would have completely disregarded and laughed this topic off 2 years ago.

I used tree steps for over 20 years.  They worked really well for a guy on a BUDGET...HOWEVER, that budget got taken back and way more than then some in medical bills from the fall they contributed to.

Not worth the chances.  I fell 2 years ago and badly broke my leg due to the small footprint they give you.  I now have 3 plates and bunch of screws in my leg bones.

It's your decision, just think about it and Be carefull using these!

[J-dog]

Originally posted by tracker12:
Only steps I will use are Cranford.  If you have your heart set on steps that's the way I would go.  Amazo* sometime sells them in bulk.  I drill hole with my tree hopper bit and use bolts that I can easily remove when I leave.

Saw a Warren Womack youtube video where he demonstrated this. Seems like the way to go, but if I am on game lands I can't here in NC.

[J-dog]

Originally posted by SELFBOW19953:
20 or 30 years ago, a hunter did an article about getting his wedding ring caught on a step when he slipped.  The photos were nasty-he nearly lost his finger!!!  I have seen pictures of rings getting caught when a person fell that did remove a finger.

Called a "degloving" and it is NASTY - cringe when I think of it. Guy was yelling "it hurts " holding his hand. While I had to stay orgpfessional about it I was thinking it should!!

We need be careful anytime we are out there, just saw a pic floating around the internet of an arrow run through a mans outer thigh. It was a trad head though I am not sure the circumstances of how it got there, I am assuming he fell on it.

Should be easy to find them on the net,

J

[randy grider]

i hate screw in steps. they ruin good potential timber trees, and just open a wound that disease and insects can enter. Get straps ons or climbing sticks, or a climber.

[Kevin Hansen]

Thanks for all the replies. I agree with you, Charlie. I have the same thoughts every time I descend and so use the Jerry Russell 3 points of contact method.
I have Lone Wolf sticks and while I like their concept I dislike the short length of step for my foot to stand on. When my boots are full of mud it's even worse.
I will be checking out the Cranford steps and the Walmart source.
Again, thanks for all the input.

[huntnmuleys]

those things terrify me..

[Jake Scott]

I agree with most of the other guys.  We used steps for a long time at my lease, then my best friend very nearly DID gut himself.  He was very fortunate to only come out of the deal with 35 stitches.  Still beats your guts hitting the ground.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is if left in a tree for several years they rust right at the end of the threads where the tree wood ends, making them weak and VERY DANGEROUS.  

The newer climbing sticks are so dang easy, man.  Safer and easier to put up.  That is my recommendation.

Jake

[jax]

I had a friend almost bleed to death when one broke and gutted him.

[Kevin Hansen]

As I stated earlier I have a set of the Lone Wolf sticks. Someone else mentioned Rapid Rails. What other brands of climbing sticks do you all prefer?
One time an insurance adjuster came to my place and in the trunk of his compact car he had an extremely light weight telescoping ladder that would reach up to sixteen feet. Ever since I've wished I could find something similar to use when hunting from a tree stand....just extend, lean against the tree, climb, and begin hunting.
Thoughts?