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To find the best tree stand for bow hunting that’s right FOR YOU, you’ll need to consider a few things.
Things like:
- What is allowed in your region
- Will you be alone, or are there two of you hunting
- How will you use your tree stand
- And more…
There are several different types of tree stands. When I’m hunting with my husband, we like to use a ladder tree stand. Although they aren’t the lightest in terms of portability, they are much easier to maneuver around once installed.
If you like this article about the Tree Stands for Bow Hunting, you might also like:
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Different Types of Tree Stands
Tree stands are classified in many ways ranging from the material in which they are made to the weight capacity and specific application, meaning how they will be used.
Here are a few different types of tree stands you can expect to see when you’re shopping around.
- Aluminum tree stands
- 2 person tree stands
- Bow hunting tree stands
However, all these types fall into three main categories of tree stands, namely:
Below, I’ll go over the pros and cons of each of these types and give you some food for thought so that when you go to purchase your tree stand, you have everything you need to make the right decision.
Climbing Tree Stands (or Climbers)
These types of tree stands have a seat and platform assembly. As their name suggests, they aren’t just a seat to perch on, but also a means of climbing.
Climbing stands eliminate the need for tree ladders or steps.
However, they must be attached to the tree first at the bottom. While your feet are hooked on the platform and torso inside the stand’s upper section, you must unlock one piece of the stand, move it higher, and repeat the process using the other piece to climb.
Climbing stands have blades or chains attached to the parts that grab the tree as you climb.
Climbing tree stands have a few notable benefits.
For instance, they don’t require screw-in steps, which are prohibited in many places. You can also move faster to a new spot than you would with other types of tree stands. Climbers also require minimal effort and offer effortless climbing and comfort. Also, since they are removed every time you descend, they won’t give away your location.
Climbing stands also have downsides. For instance, they tend to be bulky compared to other types of tree stands like hang-ons. They may also require branch pruning when climbing certain trees. Some benefits depend on how they are made. The right combination of belt attachment or adjustable cable, among other components, is needed to guarantee silent climbing, among other benefits.
Hang-on Tree Stands
A hang-on stand attaches to a tree using a chain/s or a strap/s with adjustable buckles. Some hang-on stands have T-shaped screws that offer additional support when the stand is perfectly in place.
Hang-on stands are sometimes heavier than climbing stands. They are also quieter and quicker to get in/out of. However, they are more suited as tree stands that need to be left in place for a while i.e. a day or more. They are also harder to fix (hang on). They require more installation and removal work than climbers.
Ladder Tree Stands (My Personal Favorite)
As the name suggests, these types of tree stands feature a ladder-like assembly. They also come with a platform (at the top) and a seat, both of which are secured to trees using straps or belts.
Ladder stands vary in height. Some ladder tree stands have single ladder units, while others can have 3 or 4-foot sections to offer better portability and versatility.
Ladder stands also vary in terms of rails i.e., some have single rails while others have double rails.
The stands also feature platforms and seats made using expanded steel to offer stability and keep them lightweight. Some stands come with other options, such as padded seats as well as backrests for added comfort. Some also have safety rails that work as shooting rails.
Why I think the Ladder Tree Stand is the Best Choice
Ladder tree stands are my preferred tree stand to use for bow hunting. They stand out from climbers and hang-ons in many ways. The most notable reasons include:
They Are Usable On Most Any Tree
Unlike climbers which may require some pruning or hang-ons which work well with large and mature trees only, ladder tree stands can be used on just about any tree you can think of.
This fact makes them versatile. You never have to worry about whether or not you’ll find the right tree in the right spot.
No Screw-in
You don’t require screw-in steps to install ladder tree stands. This makes them universally acceptable even in places where screw-in setups are prohibited.
So, you avoid causing damage to the tree you intend to perch yourself in.
They Can Accommodate More Than One Person
Different types of ladder stands like the 2 person ladder tree stand can accommodate two people, making them perfect for when you are hunting with a friend or partner. While they may be a bit bulky and take some effort to erect, they are stable and spacious.
If my husband and I want to perch in the same tree, we can use a 2 person ladder stand and work together to hunt.
Variety
Besides getting ladder stands that accommodate more than one person, there are many other varieties ranging from stands that come with padded benches to those that go with a fold-up or removable shooting rail.
While ladder tree stands also have their cons, such as being a bit pricey, bulky, and heavier, the best ladder tree stand models available today have balanced out all aspects perfectly. Some lighter models can be carried with ease. Some models are camouflaged, making them less visible and perfect for all kinds of applications, including those that need targets to approach closer. The best ladder tree stand offers multiple benefits all in one.
Other Tips for Buying a Tree Stand
When you’re buying a tree stand, you’ll want to consider the height at which you intend to sit and how difficult or easy you want it to be to climb up that tree.
You’ll want to hang your tree stand at a height of approximately 10-15 feet above the ground in the early season because there is a lot of foliage for cover.
When it’s later in the season and a lot of the leaves have all died off, you don’t have as much cover and you’ll want to hang your tree stand higher. 18-25 feet will bring you out of the line of sight of your game.
When you’re preparing to draw your bow, if you are sitting too low in the tree, a deer (or other game) will see movement and run.
Positioning Your Tree Stand
You’ll want to be sure you chose a tree that can support you, but that you can easily reach around.
You can put your arms around the tree and if you can touch your hands together, that is big enough. Anything bigger will make it very difficult to maneuver any straps.
If you’re right-handed, position your tree stand so it’s easy to draw to the left. If you position facing the path the deer follows straight on, the tree will be in your way, causing you to have to make more movements that could be caught in the peripheral vision of the deer (or other game).
What Type of Tree Stand is Right For You?
Picking the right tree stand for you comes down to preference, and what you are allowed to use in your region.
As always, it’s a good idea to go into your local archery shop. They can guide you on what type of tree stand is right for what you intend to do with it and your preferences.
My husband and I prefer ladder stands because you set ’em up at the beginning of hunting season and take ’em down when the season is over. Or leave ’em up year ’round as I sometimes do. If you do leave them up all year, you must check your straps before using them again. Squirrels love to chew on straps and seat cushions. Do not assume your straps are still safe. When in doubt, replace them.
I’ve had my stand in the same spot for a few years. It’s my favorite place to hunt and I never fail to see deer (turkeys too). It’s quick and easy to get to.
The main reason why I prefer ladder stands over other styles is safety. Once they’re securely fastened to the tree you don’t have to worry about anything, just use your lifeline to climb up, attach your harness to your tree strap, get set up, and enjoy the day.
Call me paranoid, but I just feel safer in a ladder stand.
Here’s a pic of my old stand. I nicknamed it the shorty stand because it only has two of the three-step sections so it’s only about 12 feet high. It’s attached to a tree in my backyard. So when I need to practice shooting from a stand, I don’t have far to go.
Take your time when choosing a tree stand. Ask some of your archer friends which they prefer. Do your research and read reviews online. You could even go into Facebook groups and see which tree stand people prefer and why.
Buying the right tree stand is an investment in your bow-hunting lifestyle. You will have it for many years and you want to be sure you buy one that is durable, versatile, and made with quality materials.
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