I need to come up with a mobile stand system.I have been using hangons but i can't leave them up any more. Can't keep losing good stand locations. Seems like if i hang a stand in the same location for a few seasons some one cuts me off and hangs one 50 to 75 yards in front of me. Its public land so i have to learn to deal with it. I always check for stands in the area so i don't intrude on some one.I think leaving the stands up is the problem.So i need a mobile treestand what are you guys using hang on and steps or climber and why? Thanks. TD.
I forgot to mention that i will be taking the stand in and out with me so as not to give away my spot. Need some thing light and quiet. Any suggestions? Thanks. TD.
I use a muddy stand and sticks, this setup is awesome! The sticks stack on the stand and the whole thing only weighs around 22-23lbs. Its easy, quiet, and can use it on and tree you can wrap the ropes around. When I use this setup I walk in, set it up, hunt then pull down. Its faster, easier, and quieter than a climber imo. Check them out, well worth the money.
I got rid of all my sticks and hang ons. I now split my time between ground and climber. Much more mobile and convenient for the way I hunt. Plus your harness is connected all the way up. Mine is less 20lbs and comfortable enough for all day hunts.
Rob
Hang on and sticks for me..
Brand new TimberTall Baby Lite Climber! Super lite, and easy to set up and climb with.
Depends on what type of woods your hunting, I like cedar trees or any tree with some low limbs for cover to break up and hide my movement. Let's me stay a little closer to the ground for shot angle too. So the climbers out when you gotta pass major limbs on the way up. I like the Chippewa sticks & Chip Quest stand.
,,,
Summit open shot for me
Get back in the woods more.......
the rail on some climbers (sit down climbers)can get in the way of your lower limb if you're not carefull. For trad I like a hang-on, but it's hard to beat fast and easy climbers
Personally, I believe that a decent hang on will do everything a climber will do (OK. . except climb) plus. You can't "climb half or more of the trees I hunt. Learn how to put it up well and go slowly (quietly).
Also. Look outside of the box. Invest in a decent ghillie suit. I have and use the Rancho Safari ultralite model and have had many good experiences. With that, you don't even NEED a tree.
ChuckC
Thanks for the input guys i looked at the Timbertall at the ETAR. Not sure about the rail getting in the way Urbandeerslayer let me know how you like it. Vter the woods are not real big 500 to 2500 acres so out walking some one is tough. Good advise though and has worked for me in other locations.I am leaning towards a hang on and muddy steps. Thanks. TD.
I am fortunate enought to hunt private land so I can leave all my locking up all year. I do not have a problem with them getting stolen. But if I was in your case I would use a good climber. Bc u are wanting to carry it in and out of the woods.
Most all of the climbing sticks, (Lone wolf, Rapid Rails, Muddy, etc) are all in the same weight range, so find the one you prefer and go with it. I use rapid rails and a Loc On Limit stand, The combination wieghts about 20# but I can get up any tree and be comfortable.
if you have all our spots picked already and they are climber friendly then get a summit viper, they are extremely comfortable.
if you dont do not get a climber because they are the biggest pain in the butt IMO. Ill find the spot I want to be in and know is good but there will be no perfect climber trees and by the time I find one its getting bright and im not where I want to be. In this case by some lone wolf sticks and a hang on or your choice.
I eventually want to get 2 sets of lone wolf sticks and a gorilla scout and ditch the climber. just makes since
QuoteOriginally posted by TimDougan:
Thanks for the input guys i looked at the Timbertall at the ETAR. Not sure about the rail getting in the way Urbandeerslayer let me know how you like it. Vter the woods are not real big 500 to 2500 acres so out walking some one is tough. Good advise though and has worked for me in other locations.I am leaning towards a hang on and muddy steps. Thanks. TD.
I may give the TimberTall a test run this weekend to see how I shoot with climbing rail obstruction. I'll post it up once I give it a go.
The versatility of light sticks or rapid rails plus a light hang on stand has tons of advantages over a climber.
The Ameristep rapid rails and hang on stand are good. So is the lone wolf sticks and hang on stand. They both let you hunt out of trees with far more cover to conceal yourself.
That said, I use a Summit Open shot climber. I don't use the sticks and hang on stand for one reason only. I get nervous I might slip on the sticks or rails if it is wet or snowy. Even with a lineman's belt, those steps hurt if you fall even a few inches into one. The rapid rails would eliminate that problem though.
So..... as always, go with your preference. If it was a climber you are interested in, then Lone Wolf is excellent and the Summit Openshot is pretty good too. Summit having a far lower price. If you want a good sticks and hang on combo, my preference would be the Ameristep rapid rails and hang on.
Good luck!
I'll always take a climber if I can, I feel safer in one. I hate hanging sticks and a strap on. The strap on will go into any tree though, so for versatility it's tough to beat.
I have both Lone Wolf hand climber and and Alpha hang on with LW sticks. Both are great, but like I said, the climber for me if at all possible.
A neat thing about the hand climber is that you can leave the platform home and take just the seat portion if you are hunting from the ground. Strap it too a tree and it makes a great little seat. I use it that way a lot for run and gun scouting trips.
Hang on and sticks. Nothing worse than finding "the tree" and not being able to climb the darn thing because it isn't climber friendly.
Tim,
I've had multible brands and types. I take mine in and out everytime and the best setup I've found is a Lone Wolf Assault hang on and Muddy Sticks.
It's quicker, easier, and quieter than everything else I've tried.
Mike
Get a good loc on and a woodpecker drill and a bunch of bolts. Take your stand and the bottom few bolts in and out with you or get a good climber. I have a lone wolf and 4 loc ons. I hunt any tree that will hold me and seldom hunt the same tree more than three times in a year.RC
Woodpecker and a fanny pack of bolts for getting up the tree. Too much noise and too much scent associated with the sticks for slippin in and setting up. Rubber gloves when sticking bolts in holes will help with some of the set up sent in the mornings.
For stand choice I would highly recommend Chippewa wedge loc. It will come with 2 brackets when purchased but making additional brackets is simple. 5-6 foot chain, 1 s hook, and two tennis balls. You can leave your brackets in the trees, take out first 4 bolts. You can have multiple set ups ready and this system is far better than any stick and loc on set up. Wedge locs are the easiest stand bar non to hang and hunt and take back out. There are many great loc ons out there on the market, and I have used many of them. The lone wolf stands are good, just as good as the chipewas, but their hanging system does not compare when slipping into a place climbing a tree with stand on your back, taking it off shoulder and placing in bracket and being sitting down in less than a minute and very very quietly.
As far as climbers. You will want something that is open front. IMHO climbers highly limit opportunities when shooting stickbows, because of their lengths and lack of cover. Also, i just never liked or was tought to hang stands from light poles. I like trees with cover for all the apparent and many other reasons. Cover is critical when shooting critters with a stickbow. We do not have the luxary to draw back and hold 10 lbs and wait 3 minutes for a deer to close the distance. It is nice when that big ol slickhead is about 7 yards and i am nestled in a knarly cedar, and she never knows what hit her or where it came from.
I have a lone wolf hand climber. Best climber on the market for ease of use, quietness, and stability. Like a loc on with no cover when you get to desired elevation. Down fall is it is not a very comfortable stand for long sits. The open front summits are not as quiet and stable as the lone wolfs but they are far more comfortable.
If you get the chance to preset up your stands the woodpecker bit will fit in a cordless drill and you can knock out some stand sites effortlessly. One thing I do if hunting an area where I am not worried about others is I will stick bright eyes directly below my woodpecker holes where they are easy to see in the dark. Dont put them above the holes or you will tear them off with your boots.
Been using a LW and sticks for 16 years. Even on private ground I never leave a stand up and every sit is a fresh set. You never educate deer. Takes me less than ten minutes to set up; one time up and pull up the bow. The LW and some modifications makes everything very quiet- have set up within 50 yds of deer without them knowing. A climber would limit me. Once you learn the style you may never go back! In recurring areas you develop trees year after year- there are times I go back to a tree I hunted a few years before. Most guys who hunt with me have to learn this as it is how I hunt. I also wear a turkey vest with all my gear in the same pockets; a quick prune or saw is easy to grab and place back.
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m252/danrudman/fullfoldedLWtreestand-1.jpg)
KSdan.
What modifications did you make to your LW. I have the same stand and use it regularly, just prefer the Chippewa when setting up and hunting if stand not already hung. Then I have trees all over with brackets done hanging. I only hunt private ground so I done got stand sites selected with woodpecker holes drilled and brackets mounted all over the place. I end up with about $4 per bracket for my chippewa stand.
I have a set of the LW sticks and they are by far the most versitile and best sticks out there, but I still find trees every once in a while that have the small limbs down lower here or there that make them cumbersome to hang.
I use climbers most of the time and of the ones I have now I like the Lone Wolf Hand Climber best, then the Summit Open Shot. I also use a Loc-On Limit with the fold up type screw in steps (they go in fairly easy) for some spots.
I carry a Gerber folding saw and if I have to I'll saw a few limbs to use a climber. I use to think it would run all the deer off with the sound, but found out I still see deer anyway.
KSDan,
I'd love to hear how you do it all in one trip... I used a LW hang on and sticks for a couple years and still have it but now use a LW Sit and Climb more...
Please share you system and how it works... I'd love to go back, because there are trees you can't hunt with a climber as many have mentioned...
Jonathan
I have listed/explained my process before and stand modifications before. It has been some time though. Would you guys want me to post here or start a new thread?
KSdan feel free to share. Thanks for the input guys. Screw in steps are not allowed on are public land here in Pa. I had a Lonewolf used it one time just wasn't for me not stable enough. Had flash backs of my Baker climber i just don't have the confidence in climbers. Thought some improvements may have been made since i last had one. Leaning towards Muddy sticks and a Chippewa Quest.This will be my carry in and out system i will still have some stands set where i don't have problems.Thanks again guys. TD.
I sold two Summit RazorSS stands cause I couldnt climb anymore. The Razors climbing/shooting rail will fold down out of the way. The stand was very comfortable and quiet. I could stay in it from daylight till dark but I was wore out. If you are in good shape and have good dexterity I would get a lockon for the reasons stated above. Heck maybe have both a climber and a lockon and you would be covered. Take the climber when you want to walk in and hunt the same day and have the locons for those great trees with limb cover.
Climber for me. I'm a public land hunter and I move to much to bother with ladders,steps etc. I used to hang stands for myself and my dad and I will climb any day.
There is a video on yout$%be. It shows how to climb up a tree in only one trip using Lone Wolf sticks and hang-on stand. Just google it and you should find it easy enough.
I would also concur that the Chippewa Quest or Chief would be just as good or maybe even better than the LW. I am not sure why a guy would need more than one harness however. Setting a harness only takes 45 seconds.
Dan
Here you all go:
Stand Prep (a few things I do to make it more affective and quiet)
Stand (this is the early model LW- some of this is probably not needed)
- I attach a longer upright support for my long legs.
- I extend the seat by attaching an extra seat that is more comfortable and moves you out further from the tree.
- I replace the cables with adjustable poly ropes for leveling adjustment.
- I use ethafoam blocks w grooves cut out to attach the sticks to the stand. I also use a 4-stick block sometimes. The sticks never touch one another and they lay flat on my back.
- Though the pic does not show it, I have attached a backpack hip belt to the stand as well. There is no wt. on my shoulders. I can shoot and easily scout and set-up anytime I find what I am looking for.
Sticks
- I file all the teeth with a round edge so they do not scrape the tree
- I zip-tie the buckle end to the versa button so they cannot come off
- I cut out a pattern for self-stick felt that I place over all the buckles. I also place this felt on the stick itself anywhere the buckle can possibly touch
My system when I arrive at the tree:
- I always wear a supreme turkey vest which has easy access to pruners, saw, a few screw in steps if needed, bow hangers etc. Everything has its same place year after year. (I really think this is a critical piece of my system)
-I remove the stand and take all the sticks off the foam blocks. The blocks go on the ground while I usually throw some leaves over top (I do wash them a few times each season).
-I undo the belts on sticks as they make no noise with buckles and sticks felted.
-Stand goes back on my back
-I pull bow tow rope from my vest and attach to bow and clip it on my vest ring. I often attach my jacket/vest to the bow at this point.
Think now. Turkey vest is always on and ready to go. My safety harness is already on with the tether ready. My bow is on the tow. The stand is on my back with just the shoulder straps. The three sticks (sometimes four) are leaning against the tree in front me with straps loosened up and free. The steps are swiveled ahead of time so they alternate properly before I even start up.
-Take stick #3 with belt hanging and set it up on a limb (hanging by v-bracket works fine) as high as I can reach (if no limb is available I screw in a small bow hanger as high as I can reach; hang the stick there)
-Now attach stick #1 while standing on the ground (sometimes I will have two screw-in steps first if extra height is needed)
-While holding stick #2 I step up on stick #1 while leaning into the tree (or using a lineman attachment which I usually DO NOT- messing around with it seems more unsafe to me)
-I attach stick #2 by placing it on the tree and leaning my chest into. I am hugging the tree with my left arm. My right hand takes strap around backside of tree, where my left hand grabs it. My right arm is now the hugging arm. My left arm brings the strap around and attaches it to the versa strap. Cinch it down snug- it does not have to be super tight, as the pulling down action of the stick is what "wedges" it into the tree. I always keep three points of contact with the tree.
- I step up on stick #2 which secures it down tight.
-I then grab stick #3 off the limb (or hanger) and again lean into the tree and attach this stick just like I did #2
-I am now standing with both feet up on stick #2 while stick #3 is attached. While one of my arms is still hugging the tree (or again using a lineman harness if you like)
-I now attach my safety harness rope above stick #3 (which is a loop rope like LW sells- mine is homemade w the prussic). My feet are about ten feet up and I am harnessed in.
- I now climb up to top of stick #3.
-I re-adjust safety rope higher on the tree.
-While hugging the tree with one arm I pull the stand from back swinging it between my chest and the tree. I attach the strap just like I did with stick #2 and 3.
- I let the stand fold out quietly. Swiveling the stand around the tree where necessary. I step up on the stand nearest to the tree trunk making sure all is solid and snug. All this time I have been harnessed in.
-I re-adjust safety rope. Screw in 2 bow holders; one for my vest and one for my bow. I remove my turkey vest and hang it. I pull up the bow (which often has my jacket/vest attached to it).
- Under ten minutes I am hunting- no noise and fresh stand. You do this 20-40X a season and you get really good.
I do this every time in and out. Often AM and PM are different sets. I can even switch during the day if the wind, rut, or some other thing dictates.
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m252/danrudman/fullfoldedLWtreestand-1.jpg)
Hope that helps. . .
Good hunting
Dan
I use a tree umbrella as a portable blind, it is stowed on my Lone Wolf climber, along with a branch saw, to clear branches if needed on the way up, or to create a shooting lane. I have also put silent hide on all the square support arms. Upgraded to a new seat cushion, and installed the old one on the underside between upgraded carrying straps, it cushions the back when carrying and is much more comfortable. Also added a kwikee kwiver adapter to the side with one screw so I can carry in with quiver on the stand (don't like quiver on bow) and when in position swivel it vertical to have arrows right by side for easy access.
(//%5Burl=http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000139_zps108f47e7.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000139_zps108f47e7.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Forgot to mention if it starts to rain I just move the umbrella to the tree, so it has a dual purpose.
Another view
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000136_zps56184445.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000136_zps56184445.jpg.html)
I've been looking hard @ the Hawk hang on stand and steps. They have an ultra lite model that looks really good.
Front view
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000137_zpsee19f689.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000137_zpsee19f689.jpg.html)
QuoteOriginally posted by Iowabowhunter:
I've been looking hard @ the Hawk hang on stand and steps. They have an ultra lite model that looks really good.
No offense but in my opinion the Lone Wolf product is way better than the Hawk. Hawk is less money but in this case you get what you pay for.
In closing I find the climber faster quieter, and easier to carry, I like to move where the deer are and with the umbrella blind feel it makes up for the lack of natural cover. Needless to say I have not seen ANY climber that comes close to the Lone Wolf.
For me, it's a hang-on and stick's. That combo works on "any" tree.
I meant "climber" edited post
Hang-on & sticks for sure. Lone Wolf Favorite, then close second is Chippewa Wedge Lock style....
summit bowhunter
I have both and use what ever the conditions dictate. I use the Lone Wolf Assault with LW sticks the most.
I use a lone wolf climber and hang ons. I can get up a tree faster with the climber, but I also leave a few hang-ons out in the woods. Not a lot of hunters where I hunt, even though it's public land, and I haven't had folks move in on me.
If you're going to take the stand out with you every time you leave, a climber will be faster and easier to use. If you pull a hang on, but leave the steps, there's always the chance that someone might steal them.
I like my Lone Wolf sit and climb best, but keep a hang on and sticks for just in case I find a hot spot in a brushy area that a climber wont work.
If you only were to get 1 stand, I would get a good hang on all day. A climber is very very convenient, but it also very limited on the trees you can climb. If you know where you hunt you will always have that "perfect" tree that is straight with no limbs, get a climber, but if you're in doubt, I would get a hang on.
There are several great stands out there. I use Leverage sticks and stand. With a little modification to the sticks, they are as good as anything out there, in my opinion. There is a lot of great info in this thread, I accidentally deleted the photo's but you can manage without. I have since changed my mounting rope to Amsteel rope and it is so great!
PBR. How do you attach the umbrella to the stand?
I put a piece of wood in the front and screw the mounting rod in, just like you do to the tree when using umbrella for rain protection