shooting out of a ladder stand

Slickhead · February 14, 2014, 10:54:00 AM

I seem to have an issue drawing my longbow in my ladder stand.
Matter fact due to shot angles
I have to be careful that the string or limb isnt in contact with the rails.
Does anyone else have issues
Do you use or stand on the seat platform?
Just wondering.

February 14, 2014, 10:59:00 AM

Ladder stands with rails just suck! I hate them. I will hunt them if that is what is there, but I don't like them and do not own any of them myself.

Bisch

Fletcher · February 14, 2014, 11:07:00 AM

I prefer a stand that doesn't have anything forward of the seat, but as long as the rails don't get higher than the seat, I deal with them just fine. I almost always shoot from standing and by the time I bend to make the shot my limb clears the rails. If needed I will move out on the platform just a bit.

I do insist that my ladders have a fold up type seat and full platform so I can stand back against the tree.

Do you use or stand on the seat platform? I sit on it, but I'm not gonna stand on it. Yes, I wear a harness.

Slickhead · February 14, 2014, 11:23:00 AM

im shopping for a hangon and a set of steps

Steve-ALA · February 14, 2014, 11:40:00 AM

Due to a motorcycle accident in 2012, I'm forced to hunt from a blind or ladder stand. The ladders I use all have rails on them. The rails are either no higher than waist high and/or no further out than the end of the platform. I can shoot up to a 62" longbow from this setup. I mostly hunt with my 56" BigJim Thunderchild

creekwood · February 14, 2014, 11:55:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Fletcher:
I almost always shoot from standing and by the time I bend to make the shot my limb clears the rails. If needed I will move out on the platform just a bit.

I do insist that my ladders have a fold up type seat and full platform so I can stand back against the tree.

seat platform? I sit on it, but I'm not gonna stand on it.

Fletcher (Rick) has got it correct!

BrownA5 · February 14, 2014, 12:53:00 PM

Hang-on stands and treesticks are my prefered mode (or ground blind). I have dinged a few bows out of ladder stands (not to mention noise), so like Bisch, I hunt out of them if there is nothing else.

khardrunner · February 14, 2014, 01:19:00 PM

I don't have issues with them mostly because I can vary the cant of the bow. I shot my buck this year seated out of a ladder stand with rails. I had the bow over the edge of the rails.

Brock · February 14, 2014, 01:47:00 PM

when i purchase or mount stands I make sure to get them WITHOUT any rails if going to bowhunt from them...the cheaper ones from Summit, STrongbuilt and a few others usually have them with just hard seat and foot platform...you can add a high density cushion of your choosing later.

same with hang on stands and climbers......I have to think about that string or lower limb all the time....just because it is listed for bowhunting does not mean it will work for us....as they market 100% to the modern technology of cams and wheels....not sticks and strings.

with a little forethought and planning it is not really an issue...and after a bit you wont think about it more than just checking bow at ready and draw to clean out any limbs or obstructions one time and then it will be automatic...

good luck

one more bow · February 14, 2014, 02:20:00 PM

This was my first year with longbows. 62" I imediatly found it a problem. Even with a lock on and steps, the doe I shot I had to hold the bow between my legs, to the left and my limb hits the platform. She was to close for me to try anything different.

tracker12 · February 14, 2014, 02:30:00 PM

I mostly use hangons and with traditional gear I have started hanging my stand lower and always if possible set it between a tree with multiple trunks or with a close adjoining tree. Extra advantage it is much easier to place a double lung shot.

joe skipp · February 14, 2014, 02:53:00 PM

The only time I sit in ladder stands...spring bear. My guide in NB Canada had rails on...no good. He removed the rails from another and this worked fine. I also sit where your feet should be, lock in with a shoulder harness and this allowed me to lean out, cant the bow and make my shots.

kagross · February 14, 2014, 07:51:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Slickhead:
im shopping for a hangon and a set of steps

That's the way to go, really.

Ryman Cat · February 14, 2014, 09:12:00 PM

I shoot my shorter bows from my ladderstands and like the rails because I can lean out on the rail and shoot it works for me good that way.I feel comfortable and not worry about falling. I also lay my bow accross the rail and stand up and am ready to draw and shoot the way I possition. 2 man stands the singals I don't like at all.

Stumpkiller · February 14, 2014, 09:59:00 PM

Mine's a Big Game Warrior that doesn't have rails.

Like this:

But my favorite stand is a chain-on hanging stand with steps. The seat rotted out and I replaced it with a length of firehode rivited to the seat frame. Rugged!

huronhunter · February 15, 2014, 12:52:00 PM

a buddy of mine uses a ladder stand for climbing but also hangs a portable stand next to it to hunt off. He said its a little more work but its more comfortable to shoot from, plus it gives him more room for his pack and coat.

Stone Knife · February 15, 2014, 12:54:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Stumpkiller:
Mine's a Big Game Warrior that doesn't have rails.

Like this:

But my favorite stand is a chain-on hanging stand with steps. The seat rotted out and I replaced it with a length of firehode rivited to the seat frame. Rugged!

Yep those are the kind I buy

S C Mercer · February 15, 2014, 01:56:00 PM

Only ladder stand style I buy are pictured above. I get them in the off season on sale at Gander Mountain for $60 a stand. I use a Lone Wolf Hand Climber for all other stand set ups. ~Steve