Does anyone do this? I have heard it was a good way to conceal a ladder stand. Any pics on finished products would be greatly appreciated. I was going to cut some cedar tops and zip tie to ladder up to platform then attach some to tree behind me.
Look during trash day(and yard sales) for artificial Christmas trees, the branches have no smell and can last forever without losing color. And they are wire inside and can be bent to fit your needs.
The artificial christmas tree is a great idea! Also, a thick hemp rope may pase for a vine.
I always try to cover the bottom of my stand with branches trimmed from the creation of shooting lanes. Ladder stands are tough because the are away from the tree, but in my opinion it is better to hide the hunter then the steps.
If you put them out early enough deer get used to em.
I would think a bunch of branches, artificial or real, would be more noticed than a couple thin poles from the ladder....
I like to lean the stand against pines which I can get between the branches. I also like to brush in the bottoms in some cases just to keep the deer away from the stand a little. Personally, I will not take a straight down shot.
If it's a stand that gets put up early ( before season) and taken down after the season...don't worry about it. The deer will get used to it.
Oak brush/saplings when cut with green leaves hold the leaves a long time after they brown and will still offer cover long after the other leaves have dropped
Never had to the deer don't seem to care.
Now maybe this is specific to Montana whitetail, but I have killed two mature bucks BECAUSE they noticed my ladder stand.
Both stands were newly hung, and both bucks walked to the base of tree and looked it over. One sniffed it and bristled.
I shot both bucks as they turned to walk away. NO BS.
Ill deer? maybe a different reaction?
I use beech tree branches for breaking up lower ladder and also try to find either a double trunk or a cluster of trees to set the stand into. Beech tree leaves will stay on the severed branches for a LONG time. I also like to place some sizable brush near the base of the tree to direct the deer away from the base of the stand.
I paint mine to look like the trees i'm hunting in, white and black for aspen. I think brushing just makes them stand out more.
X2 on what Gary said above.
i dont do anything to mine and we killed four deer last year, three out of the same one. Tree selection and letting the deer go past you makes all the difference.
Many public land deer in KY have learned to LOOK UP. I have seen many old does spot the rails on a ladder stand and follow them with their eyes up to seat level. Some hunting authors like to quote the phrase "Whitetails are whitetails." Well, over 40 years of bowhunting public land deer have taught me otherwise.
The stands that I have 'back home' are only like 12' high. I've found that late in the season with no cover the deer tend to 'look up' alot. So, I know they know right where they are at. Early in the season with lots of foliage they don't tend to look up as much. I could get around that by either going higher (but I still think they see the stand legs) or using hang ons/climbers. The ladders are just so nice to climb up.
just a thought ..... why not attach bark to the poles? make them look like trees?
steven
Not to hijack the thread but...Does anyone still make a ladder stand where the platform attaches up against the tree? Seems like most now attach at the seat and the platform is away from the tree trunk. I like being able to stand directly against the trunk. Thanks for any suggestions
Actually..... brushing in tree stands is probably the 2nd best thing to hunting for me. I pride myself in having really cool hidden treestands that if anyone ever really does find these things, says 'wow, check that out!!!'
I too enjoy brushing my stands! i take pride in it! And too the fake Christmas trees, BURN THEM. lol jk. but seriously, Ashe County (were i live) is the capital of the world for Christmas tree growing. I have spent my whole life growing and selling them. So i take offense to fake trees!! Just kidding, but on a serious note, get real! :wavey:
In response to Butchie, the Big Dog Bluetick's platform goes all the way to the tree and has a flip-up seat. Very solid stand, dead quiet, and inexpensive.
I'll brush in most any stand to help conceal me in the stand. As long as the ladder and rungs are a dark enuf color, I haven't noticed deer to pay any attention. I have seen them notice a stand that had faded to a light gray; really stood out in the woods. I believe resident deer get used to it, but a new deer that is looking around will pick it out. Some flat paint or primer can fix it.
Yes, Butchie, there are some ladder stands that go back to the tree. Terry mentioined one and there are others. Rivers Edge makes at least a couple. They cost more, but are worth it. I won't have a stand that the seat doesn't fold so I can back up to the tree.
Thanks guys. I've looked at RE and it seems they are going away from the older style ones where the platform extends to the tree. I will check out Big Dog.
Here are some pics of brushed in stands. This is a big RE stand. The branches come out enuf to provide cover front or behind for deer coming from either side. Yes, we can shoot easily from these stands.
The Poacher's Stand
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/Fletcher610/PA310012.jpg)
Couple of hang-ons:
Sweet Gum Ridge
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/Fletcher610/PB010015.jpg)
Middle Earth
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/Fletcher610/PA300010.jpg)
I just bought a new RE with a full platform. There are lots of the shorties made cause they are cheaper. I'll check some mfg sites and see what I find. This is a good time to find them on sale, too.