Smart hunters use a handful of different stands in their quest for success. They don’t limit themselves to just one type of stand.
Instead, they rely on a good mix of hang-on, climber, ladder and tripod stands to provide them with a variety of options depending on the situation at hand.
Versatility = More Success
Here’s a quick overview of a the latest and greatest treestands from Lone Wolf, API and Ameristep, with examples of when certain hunting circumstances may call for them:
Hang-On Stands
Hang-On (Fixed Position) stands are structures that simply connect a foot platform and some sort of seat to a tree. The stand is attached to the tree trunk with chain, nylon straps or screws. You need additional equipment like tree steps or a ladder to climb up into stand.
If the majority of trees near your food plot has crooked or limb-heavy trees, then a climber isn’t going to work and a ladder stand won’t be easy to install. Choose an adjustable hang-on stand that you can easily maneuver into position and access with strategically placed tree steps.
Ameristep Non-Typical Avenger
Best Features:
1) • Slim platform size of 29-by-20-inches with a flip-up, padded seat.
2) • Accessory Port System allows you to use plug-in accessories like a bow holder.
3) • “Super Cam Leverage Lock System” stabilizes the treestand before you step onto the platform.
Climbing Stands
Climbing stands allow you to use the stand itself to move up the tree, stopping where you want to hunt, then shimmy back down when you’re finished. Climbers generally have two pieces. You use your arms to move the top piece of the stand up the tree, followed by the bottom piece attached to your feet.
Maybe you like to hunt by walking around and looking for fresh sign with the intent of immediately setting up and hunting when a good spot is found. With this style of hunting, choose a compact, lightweight hang-on or climber stand.
Lone Wolf Alpha Sit & Climb
Best Features:
1) • Weighs only 18 pounds and folds up thin for easy carry.
2) • Includes pivoting Sit & Climb bar and a new 2-panel, padded, contour foam seat pad.
3) • One-size-fits-most bow holder molded directly into platform with an optional gun rest.
Ladder Stands
Ladder (Lean-to) stands consist of a footrest platform and seat connected to a ladder. The two sides of the ladder when combine with the tree to form a tri-pod structure that holds up the stand. The structure is secured to the tree by a chain or multiple straps. The ladder and platform are manufactured in several take-down sections, for easier storage and transport.
The thought of scampering up a tree by using small metal tree steps makes some hunters nervous. That’s why they purchase a thick-metal, triple-strapped ladder stand. These “semi-permanent,” reliable stands are also great to leave out in hunting spots that always seem to produce, without having to set them up year-after-year.
Ameristep Team Realtree Skyscraper
Best Features:
1) • Constructed of steel and stands 22-feet tall.
2) • Large platform has a trap door for easy installation and quiet entry.
3) • “Slim Hide” ladder design blends into surroundings, yet has an extra wide footing for stability.
Tripod Stands
Tripod stands feature three, but occasionally four, long legs joined at the top to hold a platform. Most manufactured tripod stands are made of heavy metal and sport a rotating seat for shooting in all directions.
If there is a treeless spot in an open field that overlooks deer trails often used as escape routes when there’s hunting pressure from the neighbors heats up. This is a prime location for tripod stand during opening weekend of gun season.
API Outdoors Ultra-Steel 12' Deluxe
Best Features:
1) • All-steel construction with adjustable rear legs for quick and easy leveling.
2) • 12-foot, 42-by-42-inch platform with removable, adjustable padded shooting rail.
3) • Realtree® AP HD camo, padded seat that swivels 360-degrees.
Remember, littering your hunting land with a multitude of the same type of stand isn’t always a smooth move. If you are a die-hard “ladder” fan or strictly a “hang-on” guy, it might be time to reconsider your options and mix it up!
Quick Links:
Ameristep
www.ameristep.com
API Outdoors
www.apioutdoors.com
Lone Wolf, Inc.
www.lonewolfstands.com