I mainly hunt public land. We can only use equipment that penetrates the tree no more than 1/2". I seen some of these rope on "Deer Me" tree steps but can't find any for sale. Does anyone know where or if I can find some of these steps or something similar. I don't like the design of the cranford steps. Thanks!
Have you considered climbing sticks? The Lone wolfs are great , light and strap on so no harm to tree. Quicker than single steps as only 1 strap per stick. 3 will get you 15 ft up
I used the Cranford tree steps for a time and liked them. Might work for your setup. What don't you like about them?
I have been using climbing stands for most of my whitetail hunts for 37 years. I currently have a lone wolf alpa II climber. Very versitile
https://www.climbpaws.com/productcart/pc/climbpaws-default.asp?
Is this what you're looking for?
I've never used the cranford steps. I just liked the wider step the deer me step offered. I usually walk in quite a ways to hunt and use a trophyline tree saddle. I use sticks in some places, but some of my better spots are walked right past but a lot of people and I don't like advertising where I hunt. I've looked at the climb paws but they seem too bulky to pack in and out everytime
The "deer me" steps went out of business, I think.
https://www.wildedgeinc.com/#/
I'd highly recommend "Rails" over steps or step sticks.
I have Lone Wolf sticks and another brand as well. I fear the danger in them if per chance I fell and my harness and life-lines didn't keep me off the steps. Too many stories of people being gored by their steps. There's also a new "Buck Step" my son just bought. The look much safer than step sticks as well.
I'll probably use these step sticks but probably for the last set going above my stand to set down.
the thing about ladders and then tree steps is no matter what tree step you buy you can pack them into a large back pack which also will hold your stand, make sure you have some room for a spare jacket and some other things and you have a pretty nice urban assault pack!!
sticks I like too but they are long and yes they can stick out the tops of my packs but instead I cover the entire stick with hockey tape and then bungee it to the stand which is also covered in hockey tape.
here is a pic of the Jim stepps with a loc-on stand and how I packed it in and out, the hockey tape makes everything non metallic sounding, don't have to worry about dinging something at first light.
http://imgur.com/a/p8MlP
also with ladders remember when you get to the top and hanging your stand how do you prefer the rungs or steps,,,, Lone wolf is every other step so your legs will always be in the 1/2 step position,,,,,, other steps like muddy, summit or infinity (?) I think they are called your feet are side by side like on a step ladder which I prefer especially if i'm having a hard time getting the stand hung where I want it.
perry
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