Pretty ladies use safety harnesses why aren’t we? Maybe we should take a rock climbing course to learn proper safety and meet women looking like this.

Homemade tree stands is rated up at the top of the list when it comes to hunters falling. Often these type stands can only handle a few years out in the elements before the boards and steps start coming loose. A good practice is instead of using regular lumber is to build your stand with pressure treated lumber. The cost is at a higher price point but the benefits outweigh the cons. Pressure treated wood is made to withstand long exposure in the elements. I prefer to use pressure treated lumber in conjunction with using screws instead of nails. If you ever tried pulling apart a structure of a house you so find it an easy task. The nails if not bent usually will drive out of the lumber with ease. If you tried the same with a pressure treated deck that was put together with screws you will find out it is a chore taking out all of the screws. The screws will give the tree stand more stability than one that is built with nails. This will lead to less accidents.

I think one of the biggest factors for most hunters not practicing tree stand safety is one the macho attitude, it will never happen to me attitude and it is too much of a hassle excuse. If anything hits close to home it is, we can all relate to each other as hunters in that our families are sitting at home waiting to hear our stories we bring back with us after a hunt. If you are not going to practice tree stand safety for your own well being then at least do it for your family.

Here is an excellent video posted covering different aspects of tree stand safety. Things to bring along with on any hunting is a small first aid and survival kit, a cell phone with an extra battery and most importantly bring along common sense.

Tree Stand Safety is a post from: Tree Stand Guide Tree Stand Guide is a post from: Tree Stand Guide Tree Stand Guide - Advanced hunting tree stand techniques. is a post from: Tree Stand Guide

This is part 5 in this 5 part series a hunter’s tree stand buyer guide.

In part 5 of this series I would like to discuss tree crotch tree stand. They consist of a platform that you nestle in a crotch of a tree. They are the lightest of the different makes and models of stands on the market. Some come hinged in the middle and when you stand on it the corrugated edge digs into the tree.

The safety of this type of tree stand is a big concern for me. Unless you’re an experienced tree climber or if you invest in a tree climbing system then I would not recommend them. I would also not use to hold all my weight. With that if you fit into the above category this type of tree stand is very light in weight and can almost accommodate any larger sized tree.

I have used it many times in those last minute stand spots. I have personally bagged some very nice sized bucks out of them. It never fails when your hunting you come along a fresh scrape or huge deer rub and you don’t have time to go back and get your climbing stand or hang on stand. You can use it conjunction with tree steps or a tree climbing system. I personally prefer the tree climbing system to hold my weight and use the crotch tree stand to park my feet. It will ensure a safe platform and will steady your aiming for that killing shot.

The tree stand can be carried all day without discomfort some have hinges like I noted and will fold up and fit into a backpack. They are incredibly light and durable to boot. I do a lot of still hunting and carry it along with me in case I run across a nice area I have not hunted before.

The final category of tree stand I wanted to cover in the next article will be an adjustable platform that are new to the market. I will give a more in-depth look at it in the next section but would like to cover some basics here. Finding the right tree for any tree stand can be pretty tough. Some trees lean to far forward some lean to far back. The adjustable platform gives you a chance to accommodate it to almost any tree in any situation. The platform allows you to adjust it to any angle of the tree or any limb. The adjustable tree stand comes at a high price point but definitely worth talking about more in the next section.

If you enjoyed this article comment back I would enjoy your feedback. I am a aspiring outdoor writer that enjoys hunting and bowhunting. If you would like me to do guest post articles on your website please feel free to contact me? If you are interested in blog roll linking again please feel free to contact me.

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This is part 4 in this 5 part series a hunter’s tree stand buyer guide.

So what is a climber stand? Simply put the tree stand consists of two pieces the platform and the upper piece is the seat assembly. The two pieces are individually welded together offering a safe and secure hunting outing. They come in variety of platform sizes which can meet your individual needs. They come with either a steel bar that attaches to the back side of the tree or a cable system.

The overall weight for good reference is they are lighter than a ladder type but heavier than a hang on type. Make sure you check out the weight before purchasing. Not the carry capacity weight in which you should have already checked but the overall weight.

I would definitely use a safety harness with a climber stand. Most come with a horizontal bar in the front these bars are made for shooting rests not to rest on and take a nap. If you are leery of heights these horizontal bars in the front offer you the feeling of safety over the more opened designs on the market.

This type of tree stand has come a long way since its first inception. With the use of cables you can buy different size cables to fit your needs for bigger or smaller sized trees. If you not big on cable you can find the older steel bar setup. A steel bar that almost comes to a v shape, you swivel around the tree and bolt in to the other side of the stand. This older type of stand is very limited to what size tree you can use. This in turn can be a real draw back when contemplating a purchase.

I can remember a bowhunting trip one year. I scouted a tree out the day before the hunt and left the climber stand at the bottom of the tree. I get to the stand the following morning in the dark and start my way up the tree. I get almost too where I want to be and the bottom of the platform slipped away from my feet and slid down to the base of the tree. Please take words of caution make sure the top half and bottom half of the tree stand is tied together with a rope so you avoid my mistake.

Check out Part 5 Tree Crotch Stand

If you enjoyed this article comment back I would enjoy your feedback. I am a aspiring outdoor writer. If you would like me to do guest post articles on your website please feel free to contact me? If you are interested in blog roll linking again please feel free to contact me.

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This is part 3 in this 5 part series a hunter’s tree stand buyer guide.

In this third part of the series I would like to cover another type of stand on the market and that is a hang on stand.

So what exactly is a hang on stand? Unlike a ladder stand these type of stands do not come with a ladder. Hence the terminology hangs on stand. It is simply a platform made of steel or aluminum that has a seat attached to the main vertical support. The stand is attached to the tree via forming a loop around a tree trunk to connect the platform of the tree stand to the tree. The loop consists of either a chain or a heavy duty nylon strap. The seat support is either made up of a hollow metal or cable with bolts or grommets on each and end so you can easily fold up the seat.

The platform itself comes in many shapes sizes and materials I will discuss in another series the durability of stands more in-depth. If your not to keen on heights I would recommend you get the widest available platform available on the market. This will ensure a safe hunt and you will be more confident when you make that once in a life time shot.

The loop that connects to the tree is of most importance especially if you plan on leaving the hang on tree stand in the wood for a few years. I injured my back about 6 years ago and was not able to get up in the woods and take my stand down before the end of the hunting season. When I went to take them down I soon found out I had a major dilemma on my hands. The chain on most of them were embedded in the tree far enough were they could not be freed by hand. Most people would just use bolt cutters and leave the chain in the tree. This is all in good but if someone decided to cut down that tree and does not know the chain is there it could cause a serious accident for as saw mill or wood cutters.

I would advise if you’re looking into this type of stand then consider buying one that has heavy duty nylon strap that attaches to the tree. If tree growth occurs and you cannot get to your deer stand for a few years least the nylon is simple to cut and will not cause injuries in the wood industries.

The most benefit you get from this type of tree stand is the portability hands down. When bowhunting you can often carry them with one hand or strap them on your back and go. They will fit in a car trunk or the back seat. They will adapt to 99% of the trees in the woods making it an excellent choice if you need a specific tree to hunt from.

Check out Part 4 Climber Stand

If you enjoyed this article comment back I would enjoy your feedback. I am a aspiring outdoor writer that enjoys hunting and bowhunting. If you would like me to do guest post articles on your website please feel free to contact me? If you are interested in blog roll linking again please feel free to contact me.

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This is part 2 in this 5 part series a hunter’s tree stand buyer guide.

In the remainder of this 5 part series I will go over the most common type of tree stand on the market. Picking out the right one can be time consuming and especially with internet ordering you don’t get a chance to see what you’re buying before you buy it. So having comprehensive reviews at your finger tips will enable you to buy with confidence.

Ladder stand have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s first explain what they are and what sizes they come in. Simply put a ladder stand is a platform with an attached ladder to elevate you above the prey you are hunting. They can come in many heights from 6 foot to 25 foot. The higher you go the more it will weigh. Most come with nylon straps with attached clips so you can secure the tree stand to the tree. The platform itself can come in many different sizes as well. The wider the platforms are designed to ensure us ‘not so light footed hunters’ a safer hunt.

Two types that have been on the market for years are fixed and segmented. The third type which is fairly new to the market is a trap door.

A fixed ladder stand is a one piece unit. It eliminates the need to buy tree steps. The ladder and platform are fabricated together eliminating the need to assemble parts. The biggest drawback is portability. If your land is not close you will need a truck or cargo rack to transport a fixed to your hunting sanctuary, then once you arrive you need a all terrain vehicle to haul them to the tree you have picked out. This type of tree stand is left in the woods year round.

Second type is a segmented which can come in 3-6 piece rail sections with a platform. These types offer portability and the ease of transport. They often come with strap system where you strap it on your back like you would a backpack. Again you should always take into account the overall weight because you will be caring your other hunting equipment along if you don’t plan to make a few trips.

Final type that I want to cover which offers ease of access and replaces the traditional stabilizer bar systems is the trap door. The trap door is a patent pending design made by Ameristep. The platform comes with a hatch built into it and the ladder is secured closer to the tree. This offers a very secure stable system which does not shift when climbing into and out of.

Check out Part 3 Hang On Stand

If you enjoyed this article comment back I would enjoy your feedback. I am a aspiring outdoor writer that enjoys hunting and bowhunting. If you would like me to do guest post articles on your website please feel free to contact me? If you are interested in blog roll linking again please feel free to contact me.

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The first subject I would like to cover is safety and preparing yourself for the worse case scenario. I know if you are a avid hunter you are used to hearing about safety or if you have not please don’t skip over this article. Each year thousands of hunters often end up the hunt with having to go to the ER or not making home at all. The number one accident related to hunting continues to be  falls from an elevated position. In 2005 the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 5,686 injuries occurred. They estimated there are currently over 11 million in use across the United States. The lack of practicing proper safety rates at the top of the list of why so many fatalities are occurring.

Since then it is now federal law that tree stands manufactures offer a compliant hunter safety system otherwise known as a Fall-Arrest System or Fully Body Harness. They have to meet the TMA guidlines. The harness enables the user to be directly tied to the tree at all times.

A few rules of the road when it comes to safety. Makes sure you read all the literature that comes with your product. If the max weight on the platform is 300 lb carrying capacity and you weight 305 lbs then you need to send it back and get one that suites your proper weight. Common sense is a must and must be used at all times not just when it is convenient.

Make sure you inspect it after the manufacture ships it to you. Look for cracks in the steel, cracks in the cables, bent deformed supports. Inspect the grommets and bolts and make sure they are not loose. Inspect the vinyl straps or chain for not fully closed links. Replace all worn out parts which can be directly ordered through the manufacture. Don’t leave it sit out in the elements for long periods of time.

Inspect the safety harness itself. Make sure the stitching is stitched all the way through. Make sure there are no tears that are not supposed to be there. These extra precautions could save your life. Takes five minutes to fully inspect the harness for defects. Make sure it fits properly and it is snug enough to move freely in but no soo freely that you can easily slip out of it..

Making sure you have a mobile phone while out on the trail which can be a life saver. Most accidents occur when we don’t heed to the recommended safety instruction that come with the product. The phone will help if you get into an accident were their is no possible way out but for a rescue. This should be on the list of must haves when enjoying our tradition. With diligence comes rewards, by being prepared for the worst case scenario we ensure we do not become just a statistic. It is one thing to say you will practice saftey but when you get in the woods safety is the last thing on your mind. Making yourself fully aware of the consequences is must.

After inspection set up your deer stand low to the ground on a tree and attach your harness. Lightly bounce up and down to see if the platform gives way. Lean out with harness on and strapped to the tree and see how comfortable it is. Does it feel like it is giving out or it is made of a quality construction? When ever in doubt send it back and go with a different brand name. Your loved ones will thank you if you take these extra few precautions.

My father worked as iron worker his entire life. They have full body harnesses made for iron workers that walk steel all day long. The harness is made of heavy duty thick nylon. If that is something you’re interested in then by all means look into it. One fall and that is all it will take. Thanks for checking out this tree stand buyer’s guide check back for more relevant content.

Check out Part 2 Ladder Tree Stand

If you enjoyed this article comment back I would enjoy your feedback. I am a aspiring outdoor writer. If you would like me to do a guest post article on your website please feel free to contact me. If you are interested in blog roll linking again please feel free to contact me.

Tree Stand Buyer’s Guide is a post from: Tree Stand Guide Tree Stand Guide is a post from: Tree Stand Guide Tree Stand Guide - Advanced hunting tree stand techniques. is a post from: Tree Stand Guide