I need a tree stand. I am about 290# so I need something sturdy. I am self employed with 3 kids, so getting hurt is out of the question. I would prefer something with a ladder, but they seem to get stolen a lot. What are the recommendations of the "gang", besides going on a diet? Thanks
Brian
I would recommend lone wolf Alpha, and lone wolf climbing sticks, but, they are rated at 350 lbs.
Now I have heard that most tree stand company's tests there stands, and I was told this by a lone wolf representative, that they use double the weight to test them. He told me that unofficially.
I'm sure they do test it beyond the limits. The reason I say the Alpha lone wolf, is because of the bite on the tree that it takes, if you look at the assault, there's less teeth on it, and less area that grabs the tree, I have the Alpha, and 4 Lone Wolf climbing sticks.
The other thing you want to watch for, is, when you go to retrieve your deer, pack you tree stand up along with your sticks, put it on your back and then go and track your deer, otherwise someone's liable to steal your stand in sticks. Especially if you're hunting on public land, last year I was able to acquire 130 acres a private land, I'm really fortunate, God is great.
Good luck in your search
Carl
PS
I have never fallen out of my Double Bull blind !
Screaming Eagle (not sure if they are still in business). The supposedly were "unlimited" in capacity - whatever that really means. Hunting partner had a few of them. Seemed quite rugged.
good luck in your search.
are you hunting public or private land? If private A ladder would be a good bet. With your size just make sure it's a healthy tree and stay away from tree step's. Remeber you dont have too go super high,you can use terrain feature's to your advantage. Use the wind and find good cover,leaf's,limb's,mutiple trunk's are my favorite,good luck.
Horatio,
In our local vernacular, I too am "a big 'ole boy". I use ladder stands only.
I am sure there will be plenty of folks who are themselves "big 'ole boys" who use hang on stands, and I have seen hang ons with weight limits up to 300lbs. For me they just don't cut it. I feel safer in a ladder stand. They don't shift as much or feel as tippy. Now, granted, a lot of this may be in my head, but what isn't? Ladder stands are not easy to move if you want to hunt in another spot, I have more than one. I am lucky enough to hunt on private land now. Our state laws are such that stands can not be left over night on state property, so when I hunted public land, I was strictly a ground hunter. I enjoy ground hunting still, but I like the option of stand hunting when I want.
I am not sure about where you hunt (public or private) or how your regs are, but I have buddies who hunted an area where some stands were going missing. They also used ladder stands and built them from treated lumber. The dang things were so big and heavy that it took 4 people to put them up, but sneaks had a pretty hard time walking off with them.
I usually make a point of looking at the sporting goods stores in Jan. and Feb. for good bargins on stands. I was able to pick up 2 very good 18ft. ladder stands for half price at the local farm and ranch store. They are already in the woods. I like to look for stands with arm rests and good padded seats (the arm rests, for me, are added safty since I sometimes like an afternoon nap in the stand, they keep me from falling out sideways while snoozing). Before you buy one of those "double" stands, take a look at the seat. I bought one thinking they would have more room. A mistake for me. The seats are very wide side to side, but very narrow front to back. It just wasn't comfortable for me. I gave it to a small size buddy to hunt out of with his daughter.
Here is the word on safety: Get a safety harness and use it! Most of the ones that come with the stands are too whimpy for us bigger dudes. I have one of the vest type with a 350 or 400lbs weight limit. It is comfortable and reliable. I can wear it over clothes in the warmer season, and under my outer most layer in cold weather. It packs up realativly small, and is always in my hunting pack. Since I always have it in the bottom of my pack, even though I may only be planning to ground hunt, it is there when inevitably I decide to stand hunt when the ground thing isn't working out. This saves a trip back to the truck, or worse a trip back to the house.
Hope this helps. I have several brands, but can't remember any of them right now. I can check if you want to know. If you go to build yourself one, holler at me. I have some plans around here in the office somewhere.
OkKeith
Why not simply build a few ground blinds? wrap the seat part of a climbing stand around the base of the tree to sit on, or buy a folding stool
I'm only about 190 pounds and I stay out of tree stands. I want to see my grandson hunt when he's old enough 8^). Please be careful with whatever you choose, my friend.
Safety harness.
Two words- Saftey Harness.
If your hunting a spot were you feel your stand very likely to be stolen you might noe have walked far enough. :D Get as far away from the crowd as you can, use them to your advantage, use a good cable and lock, and above all else use what you know to be HIGH quality and safe. Lack of confidence while climbing or getting settled is as likely to cause you a fall as treestand failure.
Are my chances as good on the ground as they are in a tree?
Brian
YES!!!!!!!!!! :bigsmyl:
Horatio,
I have hunted both ways and I prefer ground hunting for a few reasons, normally the shot angle is better, it's more exciting to me to get really close on the ground, I'm scared of heights, and I have the freedom to move around with little fuss. I don't use a blind per say but rely on full camo and natural cover. Last year I was able to draw and shoot an old doe at 18 yards with three other deer inside of 10 yards, the only cover I had was a large tree behind and a couple of dead limbs a few feet in front of me. What a thrill to be able to draw undetected with 4 set of eyes and ears so close!
Just my humble opinion!
Bob
Horatio,
Like a lot of these guys, I have and still do, hunt from the ground. Like any other hunting strategy some things work better than others at certian times.
I tend to hunt my tree stands early in the season when the weather is warm and I might have trouble with concealing my scent. I just think getting up a little higher helps with that. Also, early in the season we have quite a lot of underbrush (pawpaws, dogwood, redbuds, etc...) that make it difficult to see at any distance, and can make good killing shots through the thick foliage problematic. Again, a little heighth helps out there, allowing me to see a little farther out and survey more area. The foliage can still be a problem from a treestand but not as much as on the ground.
I like to hunt on the ground later in the season as the weather cools off and the leaves start to fall. It's warmer that way, and I can move around easier to other places. In my area, early season patterns are easy to nail down making travel paths simple to set up on with stands. As the season progresses and food sources spread out a little (not to mention the wild card rut can through on the table) I prefer to move around.
Towards the end of the season when almost all the leaves are down, I will sit in my stand in the mornings, then get down and still hunt to my various ground hunting locations. Or, I may see a deer a ways away from the stand and get down to try and put a sneak on it.
There are things I enjoy about both ground hunting and stand hunting. Tools in the tool box, that's how I look at it. No more, no less.
OkKeith
I would hunt from the ground. JMO
Screaming Eagle Archery sells a stand that is rated at 4000. Yes they hang a car from them. Very solid and quiet. You could use ladder stiks instead of steps if you wish.
Just checked the site and they are still kicking. Haven't needed to buy one in a while. Check our www.e-screamingeagle.com (http://www.e-screamingeagle.com) # 406-793-5599
I modify the cushion on my seats cause they are not the most cozy seats. But you won't find a more solid stand.
i like the old Gorrila stands ( $50 new at the time ) and climbing sticks from sportsman guide catalog, ( around $40 ), both stand and sticks are very sturdy and will last a long while. i like to ground hunt to but watching the morning unfold and come alive while sitting in a tree that is older then you is a great time!
Your 290 pounds- but how tall are you? If your 7 foot tall; that's one issue; but if your 5'10" that is another.
You should buy a safety harness. For putting up stands and taking them down; they really are nessesary for safety.
If your short and heavy- then I would rethink using a treestand.
You need to be able to climb; and you need to be able to put your arms around a tree. If you cannot do that; then consider a ground blind.
Nature does not forgive. If you start to fall; your going to either need to be real strong and agile; or you are going to meet Mr Ground real fast.
Safety belts work; but there are moments; like getting in and out of the stand; and getting up certain trees; when you have to 'free climb'.
I have been treestanding for a long time; and I still pucker up at times.
I had a friend that was getting out of his stand; and woke up the next morning...20 feet up and hanging by his chin on a tree step. He has a scar there; and fortuntely didn't break his neck-- but had to lift himself off the treestep: to get out of the tree.
think about it.
I'm a bit larger than I should be and have used treestands without any problems until last year. For some reason I've developed a slight case of vertigo. So Iv'e been spending a lot more time in ground blinds made from natural material found in the woods. I have several 6 gallon spackle buckets that have been spray painted my own camo design. I leave them in the woods in my blinds so I don't have to carry them around with me every time I go hunting. I hunt on public land and have not had one stolen so far...in NJ you never know. Hunting on the ground is a lot easier than using tree stands IMO because you and slip from spot to spot much quieter and easier. Give it a try. There are lots of guys here that can give you advice on techniques on how to hunt from the ground.
Don't want to get hurt, good. First rule, don't go cheap!! I found through many years of hunting that you get what you pay for. Us big guy's have to pay more bottom line. always use a safety harness, and ensure someone knows when and where you are going and when to be home, map is very good, unless a fellow hunter. summit makes a great product, that I trust and I weigh in at 300.
Boy ain't that the truth DON'T GO CHEAP!! I couldent agree more toddster.
You dont have too go but 10 feet if that,it all depend's on the cover,they make ladder stand,s in many size's.
For me I just love being up in A tree,their's no other feeling than getting strapped in before the sun come's up all cozy in my loggy climber when the wood's come alive.
If you want to be safe. The best i have found is.
Hunter Safety System Pro Safety Harness
Lone Wolf Sit & Climb Tree Stand 350-pound weight rating. If you pay that kind of money for a tree stand your not going to leave it in the woods. And your tied off to the tree from the time you start to climb. untill your back on the ground.
Dont Go Cheap
In addition to the two problems mentioned in your post - theft and safety - I suggest that there are other problems when hunting from tree stands. Even so, there are times when hunting from trees is the best way to go.
On safety - you appear to realize the danger and others have commented on how to deal with it. On the theft problem and the other problems associated with tree stands - there is another approach you might want to consider - using a Tree Saddle.
Thanks for the advice guys. I appreciate it.
Hey Brian FYI I'm 6'0" and 290. I'm a self employed painter so I climb everyday and can put my arms around a big ass tree. You sound like a little feller! :saywhat:
Summit Goliath....wicked comfortable. Biggest problem you'll have is trying not to take a nap. :)
Brian- nope- I am 6-3 and 240. I am 57; and in a strong wind.. I am an honest to goodness: tree hugger. :eek:
If your used to heights; that is half the battle! Then again I doubt many houses sway in the wind :)
I do not suggest ever sleeping in a treestand. I know somepeople do; I would suspect they are not the stands like I use. If you fall; with a safety harness; your not out of trouble; your just in the process of getting out of it. You still have to either climb back up; or cut the strap; and work yourself down. I am not familiar with many safety systems; but the ones I am familiar with say to get out as soon as you can.
Tree saddles work; and work real well in a treestand. I have used one without a stand; and I cannot stay still in one; or get comfortable.
I would suggest the screaming eagle stand. I have some gorilla stands that work fine; but are hard on this guys old boney butt. I have 6 different kinds of stands= all but one are hanging stands..which I prefer.
I use screw in steps..
Brian (Horatio), I'm 5'9" tall and weigh in at 270 so I can understand your concerns about treestands. I hunt both ways and have been successful at both. My preferance is to hunt from the ground but only because I like to experience the thrill of getting as close as I can to whatever I'm hunting. But when it comes right down to it, being in the treestand offers some very unique advantages like sight radius. You can just flat out see more from an elevated position, it eliminates close encounters with creatures of the smelly kind(skunks :eek: )of which we seem to have an abundance of in this area. Of course the downfalls are many as well and the danger of falling being the greatest. But if you're comfortable working in high places I wouldn't think you'd have much of a problem. Personally I like to use the lone wolf climbing sticks as they are very versitile and lite weight. As far as tree stands go the lone wolf stands are pretty secure and will hold your weight although I think the seat is uncomfortable as hell. I have a couple of gorilla stands with net seats that are extremely comfortable but don't have the largest platform. One stand that I'm going to take a look at this year is the Family Tradition line of stands http://www.familytraditiontreestands.com/index.htm they seem to have both of those qualities plus they are rated for 300lbs. Whatever you decide just remember how you do it whether it be from above or on the ground isn't the important part, it's just having the opportunity and taking advantage of it that counts. :wavey:
lone wolf sticks, and a tree saddle...... actually play with and get used to sitting and shooting out of one and you will never go back. you can turn upside down and not fall out. you never feel like you can fall because your weight is constantly supported. the time when you would normally stand up when you hear deer coming you slide around to the other side of the tree and hide from them. you can mover your stand everyday and hunt public land with a total of 10lbs of gear for getting up a tree.
Those family tradition stands look pretty good. Any body know the price?
Brian, here is one dealer that carries them, but I would keep looking to try and find a better price. You might even try contacting the manufacturer to see if they sell direct.
https://www.huntingfishingdirect.com/xcart/home.php
Thanks "big guy"