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Tree stand recommendations

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Azmdted:
Hi all,

I'm a western hunter transplanted to the east now.  I spent years spotting and stalking Coues Whitetail, Elk, and Javelina with a gun and a bow.  But now I'm in eastern thick forest and tree stand land.  Never hunted out of a stand and don't know the first thing about them. 

I'm only a bow hunter now and will need something that will accommodate a 66" bow.  I'm 6'2", 60 years old, mind feels like mid 30's and body upper 40's.  Any suggestions for tree stand hunting in general or a specific stand or types with reduced chances of me breaking my neck setting up or shooting from it?

Thanks,

Ted

Pat B:
Ted, at your age I would suggest a ladder stand or even a ground blind, either commercial or made on site with available, local materials. I hunted tree stands most of my hunting career living in the Southeast US. Once I hit 60 I decided to hunt from the ground or maybe a ladder. I started getting nervous in climbing and clamp on stands and unlike in my younger years I listened to myself.  ;)  I'm 69 now but don't hunt much anymore.

Azmdted:
Thanks Pat,

Yep, I figured I was at the wrong end of the age thing for trees.  Maybe I can get lucky and find a rocky outcrop to sit in instead.  Hopefully I have a year or two left to try a tree, but I’m sure after the first slip I will rethink that..

Ted

jimmi the sammi:
Never too old to try a new method of hunting in my book.  Having hunted out of tree stands for over 35 years and evolved through many types and brands, I and my hunting buddies all now prefer ladder stands.  Put them together when you reach your vehicle destination then turn the stand on the round portion of the seat area and drag it to your tree destination like a travois. Beats trying to carry every section individually. Lean up against the tree, secure the middle support leg to the tree, gently climb the ladder to attach the seat to the tree.  ALWAYS ALWAYS use some type of fall protection.  I like a belt around me at the chest that can be attached to the tree a bit higher.  Then adjust the length of the tether so that I can lean down over the stand to make a shot in a bend at the waist position with the safety belt securely holding me in that position.  Several of the big box hardware type stores have stands on sale at significant savings right now.  Tree standing isn't for everyone but in some locations it can be a great aid for successful hunting. 

Azmdted:
Thanks Jimmy,

Good info. Aside from the ladder and fall protection are there any features I should look for or are they all much the same?

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