Tree Stand Guide

Hunter’s Tree Stand Tips

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

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