Hunting Tree Stands - Ladder, Hang-On, Climbing Or Tower/Tripod?

September 2008

Hunting tree stands are popular with both rifle and bowhunters hunting deer, especially whitetail deer. Popular manufacturers are Summit, Gorilla, Ameristep, Equalizer.

Tree stands for hunting come in many different styles and configurations, such as Hang-on tree stands, Climbing tree stands, ladder tree stands and tower or tripod stands. Regardless of which tree stand you use, a safety harness is essential.

The type of tree stand you use depends on where you intend to hunt (i.e, the terrain, tree type). Its likely you'll need to carry your tree stand to your hunting area, so weight and portability is a factor too.

Hang On Hunting Tree Stands...

Hang on or lock on hunting tree stands are probably the most popular because they are so versatile. Why? Hang on treestands can be used in a wide variety of terrain and with different tree types (ie, many limbs, large diameter, etc).

Also, such treestands are portable and don't weigh much (ideal for backpack hunting) and secure tightly against the tree trunk, minimizing any noise when you get ready for the shot.

Only disadvantage with such hunting tree stands is that you need a ladder or tree steps to reach the desired height. But this is not a problem if you carry 12-20 tree steps.

So, in summary, if you need a portable, relatively lightweight hunting tree stand for hunting in remote, walk-in only areas, this is the treestand you should consider.

Climbing Hunting Tree Stands...

Climbing tree stands allows you to climb the tree with your stand, without using a ladder or tree steps. This is a very fast way to get your hunting tree stand setup.

Moving between selected hunting tree stand locations throughout the day is easy with such a tree stand.

Of course, using such a tree stand depends on the area you intend to hunt. If the trees are too large or have many low lying branches, its impossible to use this type of hunting treestand.

Ladder Hunting Tree Stands...

Ladder hunting tree stands are the easiest to setup, easiest to climb, the safest, most comfortable and very stable (more so than other types of treestands).

The only downside is the bulk and weight of ladder tree stands. You need a vehicle or ATV to transport it to your preferred deer hunting location.

However, such a tree stand can be setup once and used all hunting season. This type of tree stand is best suited, in my opinion, to hunters who own their own block of hunting/farming land.

Tripod or Tower Hunting Tree Stands...

Tripod or tower tree stands are used in specialized hunting situations - such as open country and farming land where trees are few and far between. They are very stable, have larger platforms, can be totally enclosed with blind material for extra concealment and usually come with swivel or rotating seats.

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