Shooting from ladder-stands

[fnshtr]

I purchased a ladder stand this year and now I find out I cannot take close shots as my lower limb tip contacts the stand when at full draw.

The problem is that the harness attaches directly to a strap that goes around the tree above the stand. There is insufficient room to "lean out" far enough to make a close shot (when standing OR sitting).

Anyone else experience this and find a remedy?

BTW: my bow is only 56".

Thanks!

I hate ladder stands! There is just too much stand to get in the way of my shooting.

Bisch

[CoachBGriff]

Lone Wolf makes a ladder that functions just like a normal hang-on.

I've noticed the same issue with my ladders though.

[Crittergetter]

I make most of my ladder stands but not all of them. I make em big and comfortable, but not to tall. 10-12 feet.  A big platform with plenty of foot space ( I prefer to stand when I shoot) and room to put a comfy stool. No hand rails or anything to get in the way. Hardest thing is to find that perfect tree!

[Sam McMichael]

I tend to sit a little sideways with my right butt cheek on the seat and my left side facing out. I am right handed, so this keeps the bow a little farther from the stand's foot platform. On closed shots, it is some times necessary to cant the bow considerably to clear.

The best elevated stand I ever had was one I made with pressure treated lumber. It was massive and had a four foot square platform with a seat on it. We called it the tower. I don't know how long it would have lasted, because bad weather blew down the tree it was attached to. On private land, I like permanent stands.

[KSshrewman]

The older we get we have transitioned almost exclusively to ladders and replaced our hang ons.  Typical is 8-10'.  Just feel safer climbing in and out now.  Limbs typically not a prob but we both shoot hybrid LB's 56".

[kevsuperg]

I stand as much as possible in a stand, but Ive never had trouble hitting the stand when sitting either.
 What are you considering a close shot, straight down, if that's the case i wiuld have to wait till they were a few yds away.
 I think you should look for a longer tether to hook to the tree,

[fnshtr]

Originally posted by kevsuperg:
I stand as much as possible in a stand, but Ive never had trouble hitting the stand when sitting either.
 What are you considering a close shot, straight down, if that's the case i wiuld have to wait till they were a few yds away.
 I think you should look for a longer tether to hook to the tree,

I purchased a large carabiner and have a strap that is about 12" long with loops on each end. I plan to try that today. That should effectively lengthen my tether.

Thanks for the comments/suggestions.

[Fritz]

The cheaper non deluxe stands are usually easier to shoot a longbow out of. Just got to stay away from the stands with all the crazy arm rests and such. I love hunting out of ladder stands.

[Bill Turner]

Never had a problem shooting out of my ladder stands with my 66" long bows. I do not use the side rails or the 3rd ladder section, preferring 10 ft for ease of set-up and mobility. I always shoot from a seated position. Bend from the waist ad you should be AOK.  

[Anointed Archer]

I have been using ladder stands for 10/15 years and honestly I don't have any problems unless the deer is directly underneath me then I just wait until it moves to where I can get a shot.

Although I don't use the harness type safety belts, I still use the older style and wear them up under my arms. So with the harness you might not have the same range of motion??

Like Fritz said I use Rivers Edge Bow hunting stands somewhere between $49 and $69 dollars.

[Stump73]

Im right handed and found if I set my left knee on the seat and stand on my right, it me stand closer tothe outside of the stand and it does better at not hitting lower limb.

[johnnyk71]

Originally posted by Sam McMichael:
I tend to sit a little sideways with my right butt cheek on the seat and my left side facing out. I am right handed, so this keeps the bow a little farther from the stand's foot platform. On closed shots, it is some times necessary to cant the bow considerably to clear.

.

same here, except lefty.

[TradBrewSC]

I would try to figure out that harness first as the "leaning" aspect is critical for close shots, and have also found that exaggerated canting helps in clearance and shot placement as well.

With that being said I think a ladder stand is wonderful on the correct tree. I primarily use millennium m150 lock-ons because they are so dang comfortable, but also really like an Ameristep warrior 15' ladder stand.

The warrior is very easy to assemble and set up with one person. It is very simple, but with a strap seat still fairly comfortable.

I think the the key to ladder stands and longbows is using one without all the bells and whistles (armrests and such) and placing them on a tree with adequate back drop. To many people place them on barren pine or oak trees where they stand out like a sore thumb. I like a tree with lots of limbs and ground cover and cut out just enough room for the platform and head room.

And hey... Thats what the Wensel Bros sit in!

[reddogge]

Sam mentioned it above. You need to cant the bow nearly sideways to do the really close shots.

[fnshtr]

[fnshtr]

sorry for the triple post. Stupid smart phone!

[fnshtr]

Canting the bow is no help with my particular set up. I finally got the right tether length but will just wait on a bit longer shot.

I didn't say in the original post, but I shot over a nice 8 point last Saturday morning because my lower limb hit the stand.

I'm good to go now.

Thanks!

[redshedbowhunter]

Practice a revers cant for the super close shots.  Knowing all the options you migh encounter and which to pass on is very important.

[PA stickbow boy]

I have always hunted from cheap basic ladder stands.  I have never had one issue whatsoever.