All About Tree Stands For Deer Hunting
When it comes to tree stands for deer hunting, there are a few things you need to understand before you can choose the best hunting stand for you. Among the first decisions you will need to make are where will you be hunting and what style of hunting will you be doing.
Knowing where you will be hunting is important because it will dictate the type of hunting stand which will be best suited for the area. For example, if you are hunting in the thick woods, you may be better off using a fixed stand. If you will be hunting over a more flat terrain, perhaps a permanent stand would be in order.
So what exactly is the difference between a fixed and permanent stand?
A fixed stand is a framed platform that you can attach to a tree using straps, chains, cords or rope. This type of stand usually has a flat back that rests against the trunk of the tree. The hunter uses the restraints to secure the hunting stand to a tree.
Using a fixed stand provides the hunter with the ability to set up his hunting stand in a myriad of locations. However, you will want to be sure that you can properly attach the stand to the tree for your safety. So before you ever climb a tree with one of these stands you should attach it to the base of a tree while you’re still on the ground, cinch the restraints tightly and experiment with the stand thoroughly. You should check to make sure it will support your weight, and will do so without making excess noise.
When climbing with your stand up the tree, be sure to use a tree stand safety harness. It’s always better to find out about any problems while you still have your feet close to the ground!
Permanent stands are as the name suggests a type of hunting stand which you do not move from location to location. These structures remain up all year long. They can be anything from a wooden platform to an elevated shelter that looks like your child’s tree house.
Because these stands remain up all year long, they have the advantage of becoming familiar to the wildlife in the area and a hunter runs less risk at contaminating his hunting area. However, it’s a good idea to inspect a permanent stand on a regular basis. Depending upon the materials used to construct the stand, weather conditions and general wear and tear, a permanent stand can become unsafe rather quickly. If your permanent stand was constructed by a Tree Stand Manufacturers Association (TMA) approved company, it should still be checked regularly to ensure that all supports are in place and working properly.
Within these two broad categories are various types of stands. The most common are ladder stands, tower stand and climbing stands. Each has its place in the hunter’s repertoire, as well as distinct advantages and drawbacks.
A ladder stand, as the name implies, are stands attached to the end of a tall ladder. The hunter attaches this type of stand to a tree using safety restraints and once it is attached he climbs the ladder to get to the platform. These platforms can hold a single hunter or multiple hunters; these are sometimes called buddy stands. The major advantage to this type of stand is that generally it is easier to climb up and down a ladder stand than most other types of stands. However, there are a couple of drawbacks. One of these shortcomings is the fact that this style of stand is not easily portable. They are very big and bulky and generally require more than one person to set up. Initially, due to its size and bulkiness, deer may become anxious once they see this ladder in the area. However, if you leave it for a period of time before hunting season, you may find that the deer have become more accustomed to it’s presence much like the permanent stands talked about above.
A tower stand is a freestanding platforms supported by three or more legs. These towers are the stand of choice for hunters in areas which do not have trees to support a ladder or climbing stand, such as Texas and other mid west regions. Most of these hunting stands are meant to be a permanent stand, but some are constructed to have a more portable metal frame. These stands are usually bulky and require more than one person to set up.
Climbing stands have become the choice of most hunters in recent years. This is due in large part to improved designs by the manufacturers which makes these stands easier to set up, lighter to carry and more durable on the tree. The distinct advantage of these stands is that a hunter can be more mobile and literally hunt in several locations with the same stand. With this style of stand, a hunter climbs the tree by using the two stand platforms. By putting downward pressure on the platform, the hunter increases tension on the tree, thus keeping the stand secure. By lifting the platform, the hunter releases the tension and this allows the hunter to slide that piece farther up the tree. Most modern climbing stands provide the hunter with feet straps on the lower section which let the hunter simply lift his feet to slide this lower section farther up the tree. By repeating this motion, the hunter can slowly climb his way up the tree to the desired height.
Regardless what style of hunting stand you choose, be sure that it is approved by the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association (TMA). This will ensure the highest quality and greatest level of safety for the hunter.
