The UPS man just dropped off a new Lone Wolf Alpha treestand. Now all trees seem to draw my attention a little differently...how many limbs would I need to remove, what position would it fit in with the limbs, how far up. I think I have just become a "tree-climber".

Tree stands can be effective...and I love my Lone Wolf sit n climb, however, do not become careless (like me).  I was in too big of a hurry and did not bother with the safety harness while climbing.    Use the safety harness climbing up,down, and in the stand.

I'm in the same boat.  Just got the Alpha Assault and sticks this week.  While I've been huggin trees for lots a years, I'm hoping this system will fill the holes left by all the others I've tried.

Love my Alpha with sticks.  Easy to set up, quiet, comfortable, and easy down. dino

I just received my LW hand climber yesterday. Going to use it opening day for NY.

Hey David,

New stand and a new bow for this season, great job Bro. Blacktail should be there in 3 days or so.

Donald

Ouch! Blackhawk, that is a visual that will stick with me.

Oh boy, oh boy! Can't wait. My goal is to take a Blacktail buck with a Blacktail Bow in the late season. We'll see if the treestand and the bow give me the edge! Thanks for everything Donald. Now quite posting those bows dagnabbit!   ;^)

You have probably the best portable climbing stand. If I may having many years of climbing under my belt so to speak give you some hints. A little scouting goes a long way.Check out the area you plan to hunt in a new perspective. Pick out "tree possibilities".I look for a pine tree next to an oak out East here . I use it as cover and break a branch or two when I get up the tree to use as a natural cover scent. Like you said look for a tree with out any low branches that would be in the way of climbing. Try to get up as high as possible. I always carry a little sierra saw to trim branches out of the way . Make sure you have a good bow rope to pull up your bow with.Mark your bow rope with tape so you have an idea how high you actually are. Wouldn't hurt to practice shooting at that height either. Carry some screw in bow hooks at least two they tend to drop real easy.Put the stand on the tree pitched back towards the tree alittle. The trunk gets thinner towards the top. You want to be perfectly level and comfortable  once you get to your height. Once your up there, draw back your bow and pick shooting lanes . I draw back and point and say to myself I have a shot here and here maybe here.Most important use a safety harness!Good luck and good hunting! Remember ABC!Always Be Careful!

set the distance between the seat and the foot platform so your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly pitched toward you (knees higher).  Lot more comfortable that way for a long sit....

and NO sleep-walking while in the stand!

Dont know if they come this way but all of mine have a rope tying the two together...nothing worse than hearing your platform ratcheting down the tree...happened to me once, didnt realize they had come untied

I like that feature Longstick. They provide a nice harness too. I think I will upgrade the seat by adding some more foam.