Ladder (tree) stands

[Paula]

Way to go Using state property!

[Nomad]

Nice piece.

I now bring a 24 foot extension ladder into the woods. It's light weight easy to carry,yep one more trip but much safer ,it has a "v" at the top that fits trees nice.

Throw up stand ,climb ladder and work off that.

Too many of those that was a close one for my aging bones.

[Five Seasons]

you could always not use ladder stands? a nice hanging stand may require a little more work up front but generally they pay off better during the season. if you're only gun hunting i guess a ladder stand would do just fine though.

[nyslowhand]

Anything is better than the ratchet straps supplied with the stands! I'm probably a little OCD about safety, so I prefer these.

Pack of four for I believe ~$30 from Tractor Supply. Enough to secure the platform on two stands.

You'd be amazed how much better the 2000# ratchets secure than the 500-900# ones.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/erickson-rubber-handle-ratchet-strap-with-vinyl-coated--s--hooks-2000-lb-maximum-pack-of-4

 

[phade]

you could always not use ladder stands? a nice hanging stand may require a little more work up front but generally they pay off better during the season. if you're only gun hunting i guess a ladder stand would do just fine though.

 

How do they pay off better during the season?

[Culvercreek hunt club]

First year I used a ladder stand, I bought some of that leaf-cut camo netting. Wrap it around the platform and it conceals a lot of movement while sitting. Problem is, you're lucky if you get a 2nd year's use out of it before it deteriorates. Have some stands with Camo-Flex faux leaf limbs tie-wrapped to the platform and ladder sections. Costly, but works great and last a long time. If you can find the right sized real branches, they work also. Even after the leaves fall off! Anything to conceal your profile or movements!! Have even tried to camo paint the stand to try and break-up its' outline. Not so sure that is worth the time, spray paint or effort!

 

Paula - LMAO!

If anyone is interested in camo for their stands I found the best thing to use is old discarded artificial Christmas trees. strip the limbs off and they attach very well to the stands. the wires make them bend nicely so you can customize the coverage.  and is you catch a few on the curb being thrown out they are free. Eddie will even like that price. LOL

[phade]

Yes, I've done that a bit before...those artificial trees are a good tip. Even work for hang-on platforms or to hang on tree limbs to give background cover.

 

Another thing you can do, is visit the stand site, and trim some live branches that are still green and set up them in the peg holes of the stand or platform. When cut green, the leaves will stay on into winter as the material doesn't break down (similar to grabbing a buck's rack in October vs. late December here, lol).

[fasteddie]

If anyone is interested in camo for their stands I found the best thing to use is old discarded artificial Christmas trees. strip the limbs off and they attach very well to the stands. the wires make them bend nicely so you can customize the coverage.  and is you catch a few on the curb being thrown out they are free. Eddie will even like that price. LOL

 

I havn't seen along the curbs after Christmas but I know we still have our old JB Hunter artificial tree in the attic . I should dig it out and put it to some good use .

[2012_taco]

If anyone is interested in camo for their stands I found the best thing to use is old discarded artificial Christmas trees. strip the limbs off and they attach very well to the stands. the wires make them bend nicely so you can customize the coverage.  and is you catch a few on the curb being thrown out they are free. Eddie will even like that price. LOL

I've been looking for discarded artificial trees for a while now and I never see them, I guess the local garbage pickers are just too quick.

[Paula]

I have 3 in basement

[WNYBuckHunter]

Look on craigslist. The artificial trees pop up on there in the free section from time to time.

[2012_taco]

Look on craigslist. The artificial trees pop up on there in the free section from time to time.

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Thanks, I'll give that a try.