A Guide to Choosing the Right Tree Stand

I get the itch in late July as summer is coming to a close. This year I've been noticing a lot of sales online for gear and cammo so that probably has an impact too. 

One thing to consider before deer season is whether you plan to hunt with a tree stand and which one you want to use. There are lots of stands to choose from, so let's look at what you should consider when picking the stand that works for your hunting style and needs.

Scouting for the Best Location

It's good to start spending a few weekends scouting the land you're going to hunt. I think it's important to know the local deer patterns in the summer before they move to their winter territories.

I'll use the mapping features in Huntwise to decide where I want to scout and make notes of any sign I see. I also will attach images of any significant findings and mark them with notes so I can refer back to them.

We map the trees on the property that drop acorns and set up stands where we see signs of movement. When we're scouting, we look at different trees and determine how we think it's best to hunt the area.

We take great care to pick out a concealed tree so we're not exposed when taking the shot. 

Choosing the Right Stand and Climbing Methods

Once scouting is complete, the focus shifts to selecting the right stand and climbing methods.

Over the years, I've experimented with various techniques. In my younger days, I primarily hunted from permanent shooting houses or blinds with a rifle. However, as I've gained experience and transitioned to bow hunting, I've sought deeper, denser woods, necessitating more mobile setups that allow for flexibility.

Start With Safety

Before diving into the various climbing methods and deer stands I've used, I want to emphasize the crucial importance of safety.

Make sure you have a plan, tell someone when you're going into the woods, and plan when you'll check in. Never ascend a tree without a safety harness that secures you to the tree.

Hunting is an enjoyable pursuit that requires time, patience, and commitment, and it's not worth risking your life unnecessarily. The older guys who taught me how to hunt recommended using a full safety harness with a tether once in the stand — but if you use a lineman's belt while climbing, that's also an excellent choice.

I cannot stress this enough: do not jeopardize your safety while climbing a tree. Countless people care about you and want to see you safe as a hunter.

Climber Stands

My initial climbing method involved climber stands. The first one I used was a homemade welded steel contraption with a plywood base, astroturf carpeting, and foot loops.

While effective, there are now many modern, well-designed climbing stands available. These stands are easy to figure out with practice and provide a great option for reaching your desired height. They're super fast when trying to climb a tree but can be pretty bulky when carrying it in the woods with a bow and other gear.

It's nice to have your tree marked beforehand with the stand attached to it so you don't have to fumble around in the dark trying to hug a tree and hook up the top and bottom platforms. Climbers require a straight tree with soft bark and no limbs—conditions often met in the South, especially in areas with abundant pine trees.

Even so, I carry a folding saw so I can cut anything small on my first climb. 

Don't forget to use a tether line connecting the top platform to the bottom platform. The last thing you want is your foot platform to slip out from under you while climbing. It sucks. 

Lockons and Climbing Sticks

Another popular method is using a lock on and climbing sticks. Lockons are great, and there are tons of options, but they're great for bow hunting because you have freedom in front of you when the tree is to your back. 

The basic process involves positioning the stick — typically made of metal or polymer with cleats on the back — against the tree. You then wrap the cord or strap around the trunk and secure it to the buttons or hooks on the other side of the climbing stick.

Before putting your weight on it, always pull down to ensure it's seated firmly against the tree.

Flexibility

What I appreciate about climbing sticks is the flexibility they offer when choosing your climbing tree. If branches obstruct your path, you can maneuver the sticks around them or even use the branches to assist your climb.

However, this method is generally slower than using a climbing stand, as you must disconnect your lineman's belt and harness when navigating around branches.

Safety (Again)

To enhance safety, it's crucial to use two tether methods, ensuring that you remain attached to the tree throughout your ascent. Disconnecting your lineman's belt while holding onto the tree creates a dangerous moment where you are unanchored.

For this reason, my hunting kit always includes both a lineman's belt and a climbing harness. The lineman's belt serves as one point of attachment, while the tether or harness acts as a secondary safety measure.

When moving around branches, I connect my second point of attachment before disconnecting my primary climbing harness.

Practice With Your Climbing Sticks

Carrying climbing sticks while ascending is something you should practice and plan for.

I prefer attaching the sticks to my belt or using a rope to bring them up one at a time quietly. Reducing noise is crucial, especially in the woods.

If you're using metal or plastic climbing sticks, consider wrapping them in paracord, stealth strips, cloth, or medical gauze to minimize sound. No matter how stealthy you think you are, any clanking noise can alert nearby wildlife.

Saddle Hunting and One Sticking

Saddle hunting seems to be the new hotness in our camp, and folks have been experimenting with it for the past few years.

It's a lot of fun, gives you excellent mobility, and the gear weighs less than the options I've already mentioned. That's one of the biggest reasons I wanted to try saddle hunting.

I wanted to build a super lightweight setup that I could walk anywhere and set up at a moment's notice. This led me down a rabbit hole, and I learned about one sticking. While it can be more challenging, it offers a mobile hunting setup that allows hunters to customize their hunting angles and positions. 

The One Stick

A one-stick is just a small bow hunting platform with a lower step and an aider attached to it. An "aider" resembles a small rope ladder with two or three rungs for stepping into it. It's not easy, but with a bit of practice, it's a lot of fun.

Here's how the process works: I wear my hunting saddle, with my bridge line attached to a Mad Rock belay device that connects to my tether. For this setup, I typically use a longer piece of rope — around 30 to 40 feet— coiled and attached to my saddle bag. I throw it over my shoulders, loop it around the tree, and connect it to my Mad Rock device.

Next, I position the one stick against the tree and let my tether line hold it in place. I secure it with the line that runs through the stick, allowing the aider to hang down beneath the last rung. I step into the aider, hoist myself onto the platform, and then move my tether higher on the tree.

From there, I sit down in my saddle, hanging off the side of the tree. I can then reach down, grab the one stick, and repeat the process until I reach my desired height.

So, What's the Best Tree Stand? 

Ultimately, the "best" tree stand is the one that works best for your hunting style and success. Over the years, I've experimented with various climbing methods; some are easier than others.

Having a shooting house or condo is great. However, the deer don't always come to where your condos are; this is where you'll have to get into mobile setups.

Choosing the right stand and climbing method is a personal choice. You have to know your limitations and what makes sense for your situation.

If you own land and have reliable access, a system with metal ladders shooting houses is great. However, if you're hunting on public land, you'll probably want to consider using a mobile setup. 

Hunt More Successfully from Your Tree Stand with HuntWise

Ultimately, there are various ways to climb trees for deer hunting, but the most crucial aspect is safety. Whether you choose a climbing stand for pines or climbing sticks for trees with more branches, the goal is to ascend safely, enjoy your hunt, and continue learning about deer hunting and tactics.

HuntWise is a must-have tool for tree stand hunters. The 3-D mapping and various layers can help you pre-plan the best locations for your stand, narrowing down your on-the-ground search when it's time to hunt.

WindCast also helps you place your stand in the right spot to mask your scent from deer in the area. This helps you get into your stand undetected to avoid spooking deer that can smell you coming.

Pre-season prep is here! So, it's time to choose your stand, start practicing with it, and make sure you HuntWise to improve your hunting success. Download it today and try it free for your first week!