Beginner Bowhunter - Stand Selection

[MNhunterr]

Hi There,

I have been doing a lot of research the last few weeks on pretty much every bow hunting topic there is (I am just starting this year.) I have learned so much but I am having a hard time choosing what kind of stand to buy.

I will start with the basic information... I am a smaller guy and I am kind of worried about setting up a hang on stand by myself. I have never put a stand like that up before and after watching tutorials it seems like it would be a hassle for me. What suggestions do you more experienced bow hunters have for me to overcome some challenges I might face with a hang on stand.

I have ruled out climbers as there aren't many trees I could use one on.

I have looked into ladder stands but know that these generally aren't preferred for bowhunting as you can only get around 15' up. Does anyone bowhunt from a ladder stand? Would there be any way to buy ladder extentions to get an additional 5'?

Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Thanks in advance for the help.

[dbHunterNY]

for bowhunting and hang-on stands I typically like ones that are lightweight with no rails. they only have a platform and a seat. I think they're lighter to carry in and setup plus they give you lots of freedom to move around with your bow at full draw. depends on your budget what you would get. I've got these type of stands that are $35-40 (ComfortZone from Dick's Sporting Goods) and others of the same type that are $250 (Lonewolf Alpha). I've bowhunted from ladders before but generally don't like them. there's not a lot of room unless you get a higher end one. makes it tougher to rotate around to get in position for a shot and then be nice and solid with your feet under your shoulders when making that shot. you can buy extensions for most ladder stands like you asked.

[Rhino]

The older I get...the more I'm inclined to use ladders. Now don't get me wrong...I still prefer hang on stands for bowhunting but there is a learning curve to setting them up safely.

1st there are 18' and 20' ladder stands out there. Some are a bit expensive though. I have 6 of these 20'...well they call them 21' but they're really 20'. L110 21ft Single Ladder | Millennium Tree Stands If you check around I'm sure you can find others that are either 18' or 20' and probably cheaper. These are easily the most comfortable I've ever used but they are heavy. Best to have 3 people to set them.

Hang on type stands are more versatile. Why? You can take better advantage of cover and you can set them at any height you need. You'll also need a stick ladder or some means to get into the stand, which adds cost to each set up. I always use a climbing belt when setting hang on stands. Both for safety and it allows me to have both hands free to set the stand. In addition to that, I use a screw in step (a solid hook works OK too) and screw it into the tree above where I want to hang the stand. Then I tie a loop in the pull up rope attached to the middle of the back of the stand so I can hang the stand on the hook. Then, with the stand hanging there, I can attach it to the tree using both hands without having to hold it in place. When I get it just snug enough to keep it there, I'll slide the stand up a bit so I can get the loop off the hook or screw in step. Then remove the hook/screw in step. Then finish tightening the stand to the tree. I also like to step down into hang on stands so I use screw it steps for hand holds above the stick when needed. Some strap on style sticks like Lone Wolf makes works fine for that too.

There are also hang on stands that use a separate mount that attaches to the tree. Then you set the stand on the mount. I have a 5 of the ones like these. This one m100-hangon | Millennium Tree Stands and this one M-50 Steel Hang ON | Millennium Tree Stands There are other stand companies that make stands that use a similar means of setting hang on stands. I just prefer these because they are very comfortable.

[whitetailfreak55]

I prefer the hang on stands because like what was said above. They are very easy to tuck away and get as high as you want. If your worried about safety I would suggest getting the lifeline from hunters safety system. Its very secure and gives you the safety you need for hanging stands and for climbing in and out of your stand

[SouthGaHuntingandOutdoors]

I've used all types of stands for bow hunting, I personally prefer climbers. That's my own preference, my hunting buddies actually only use either climbers our lock on stands. Ladder stands are nice when taking the kids, but not really suitable for bore hunting in my opinion. It really comes down to personal preference I guess. It's like asking who makes the best camo. It's all about what you are comfortable with.

[redkneck]

Nothing wrong with a tall ladder stand for reasons mentioned above. I also prefer a lock-on for bowhunting but I still hunt and kill deer with a bow using ladder stands.

No matter what you do, I highly recommend taking a buddy with you to hang your stands, and get yourself a harness to use while doing it and also when hunting. I've only recently started using a harness and feel much more comfortable when I have one on. Only takes a second to go from being a family provider to being paralyzed for life.

[WStreblo]

Beginner Bowhunter - Stand Selection

I mostly use hang on stands for bow hunting. I have about 20 of them and I have a few climbers I will throw in if I notice a heavily used area I didn't see during scouting. I have bow hunted out of ladder stands but when given the choice I don't hunt out of them to much. As said above by redneck take a hunting partner with you until you get the experience hanging a hang on, and don't be afraid to throw an extra strap around a hang on once you get it in the tree. Last piece of advice... If you hang one today always take a few seconds to check how snug you got them straps once it gets colder. Might find you need to give em an extra tug late in October or so.

[MNhunterr]

For a guy on a budget... what hang on stands do you recommend? Having 20 hang on stands? That's a lot of $$, I assume you get them somewhere cheap?

Been looking into the Bone Collector Deluxe Hang-On Treestand at Wally World for roughly $90 but I am concerned about the rail and reviews show it is rather hard to get in and out of.

Also been looking at the Ameristep Bone Collector Deluxe Hang On Tree Stand. The picture shows no rail on the front.

Anyone ever try these?

[WStreblo]

Beginner Bowhunter - Stand Selection

I haven't used any of those. I usually get mine at the "end of season" sales where I can usually pick up 2 for the price of one. I only have one real expensive hang on the others in my equipment arsenal are good stands but are low end stands. Small seats but large platforms no rails etc... I hardly ever sit down in the tree, I stand for hours especially durin the rut.

[MNhunterr]

Looking at the Guide Gear® 30x36 inch XL Hang-on Tree Stand as well. The platform is incredibly big with a 1" seat cushion. Great price as well.

[Rhino]

I highly doubt any of us got all our stands at once. I sure didn't. All total right now I've got 14 hang on stands of different types including the 5 I like the most mentioned in my other post. I also have 13 ladders, including the 6 mentioned above. The other 7 ladders are designed more for firearms hunting. Those 7 have smaller platforms & fixed seats so you can't stand and get up against the tree like the other 6 ladders with the folding seats & full platforms. I trashed my older hang on stands for one reason or another. Some were just too old to risk injury from failure. The ones I mentioned above are my favorites for bowhunting. I'll add another 2 or 3 of those this year too along with 2 sets of Lone Wolf sticks for each stand. Like WStreblo, when bowhunting I stand a lot. Especially during the 1st 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the morning, and the last 1 1/2 hours before dark.

I personally prefer large platforms on hang on stands. If price is your main concern over comfort, ease of set up, or the ability to adjust the stand for crooked trees, then I suggest you try to choose one with a large platform for safety reasons. They are better IMO if you like to stand up most of the time too.

[whitetailfreak55]

Definitly check out the guide gear treestands. They're very good for the lower end price

[redkneck]

And don't get the $50 wally world special lock-on. Very flimsy. I welded more supports to mine to salvage it. Sometimes you get a great deal, sometimes you get what you pay for.

It's pretty hard to beat this for bowhunting"

Guide Gear 20' Climbing Stick - 546743, Ladder Tree Stands at Sportsman's Guide

Guide Gear Deluxe Fixed Tree Stand - 674535, Hang On Tree Stands at Sportsman's Guide

Or go the ladder route:

Guide Gear 21' Double - Rail Ladder Tree Stand - 650788, Ladder Tree Stands at Sportsman's Guide

Just make sure if you get a ladder like that you ditch the rail or it will make you pay lol (I can tell you from experience).

[wtnhunt]

When hanging your stand I would suggest using a harness and climbing belt to go up with your stick or ladder section. Once you get where you want to hang your stand you can tie off a lifeline or a rope rated safe for work loads more than you weigh. Also helps to use a rope to pull up your stand and makes you feel more secure if your are safely tied off while working. Usually take my oldest daughter with me when I go to hang stands just in case something were to happen, good idea to have someone with you.

Ladder stands can be used, placed right a 12 ft ladder can work. Wal mart does sell some 18 and 20 ft ladders. No experience with any of them, all my ladder stands are home made steel stands.

I bought one of the ameristep bone collector deluxe hangon's on clearance last year after season, not sure which one it is, but pretty sure the one I have can be used with or without the rail.

[RangerClay]

Hey there, a lot of great info been said already and I'll add my 2 cents.

When I bowhunt from a stand, 90% is from a ladder stand and 10% from a climber. I have NEVER, I repeat, NEVER been busted in a 15-16 foot ladder stand. Unless your deer are conditioned to look up, 15-16 ft. ladder stands are just fine.

I own several brands and I have to agree that Guide Gear are really nice for the money. Make sure of two things. One, make sure you have a large platform to stand on for mobility and proper stance. I have a ladder stand I got from Dick's and I cannot spread my feet apart properly. Number two and the MOST important! Invest in a good harness and be hooked up all the way and all the way down.