Author Topic: Which Treestand  (Read 2871 times)

Tuc

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Which Treestand
« on: June 04, 2011, 10:03:54 PM »
Well folks I had the grand tour this afternoon of a couple of quarters that belong to my kindly neighbour. I have permission to hunt on them. He even went as far as to show me where the game trails and watering holes were. After close observation we found numerous elk, deer and even a few moose tracks in the fresh kicked-up turf. I was very impressed to say the least!
The 2 quarters next to his are wildlife land set aside by the Sk government. You are able to hunt these lands but access is by foot only. I am told you can get a permit to take an ATV on to retrieve your game.

In Sk every Tom, Dick, Harry and his dog have erected a treestand near their favourite spots and they use bait which is very legal. I have been out 3 times now on the quad and have found no less than 5 treestands. Some I have noticed start up like a stepladder to the platform which maybe better suited for an ole fart like me. I actually climbed one and it was quite comfortable.
Well to make a long story short I may as well join the crowd. In Alberta I have often made homemade ground blinds but never was a big fan of the treeblind. Now that I am older I am less a fan but becoming accustom to the #1 method of hunting over here I decided I will do some research and buy one.
Well what better place to ask for some advice than right here.
I don't think I would be comfortable with the straight up and down ladders and I'm hoping to keep things low cost, maybe consider used too.

Any info would sure be appreciated.....

Thanx!
« Last Edit: June 05, 2011, 10:34:39 AM by Tuc »

Weste

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Re: Which Treestand
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2011, 11:57:54 PM »
I have used a number of stands when hunting bears and deer.  I have bought or used, hang on stands, climbing stands and ladder stands and 2 person stands.  As you will be sitting in these for long periods of time, I would suggest looking going for comfort as the number one priority.  If you plan on hunting the same stand for multiple seasons, the best stand will probably be a custom built one that you would build yourself.  A properly built stand can offer comfort from weather conditions, extra safety with rails etc and room for a comfy seat.  If you are looking for a commercial built stand, I would suggest a ladder stand with a rest when shooting a rifle or a climbing stand if you are using archery gear.

The home built stands are definitely easiest on the pocket book.


Tuc

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Re: Which Treestand
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2011, 10:47:55 AM »
Weste, thanx for the GREAT advice. I will probably go with a store bought stand. Though my neighbour is a nice guy I don't want to push it by asking him if I can drag a bunch of lumber back there to build a custom stand. I am leaning more to the ladder stand like some I have come across in the bush. (I should have looked for a name) They are quite easy to climb.

I see many of the outfitters here build the custom stands you speak of. One outfitter in Mistatim had about 20 stands, all the same design, set up on his lawn before the bear season started. They actually look like a small kids playhouse painted forest green.

MountainTi

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Re: Which Treestand
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2011, 07:06:17 PM »
Ladder stand is defianately the way to go for your situation. easy to climb and safe and comfortable once you're in there, no different than a chair lift. Even if you are hunting by yourself, I would recommend a two person model, for the extra few bucks it is nice to have lots of room

Tuc

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Re: Which Treestand
« Reply #4 on: June 09, 2011, 08:37:22 PM »
Mt
Any suggestions on a brand?

MountainTi

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Re: Which Treestand
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2011, 08:56:00 PM »
I bought one last year, and honestly can't even remember what brand it is. I'm sure they are all pretty much the same though. The one I have has the front rest that lifts up just like a chair lift though, so like I say, once in it you're  safe, actually makes a good rifle rest also. The 2 man is great for one person, lot's of room for your pack or just to move around

Tuc

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Re: Which Treestand
« Reply #6 on: June 10, 2011, 11:30:27 PM »
Thanx MT, I'm headed back to Alberta for a few days in Sept and will check out Bass Pro. I'm sure they have lots.

MountainTi

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Re: Which Treestand
« Reply #7 on: June 11, 2011, 07:51:35 AM »
Thanx MT, I'm headed back to Alberta for a few days in Sept and will check out Bass Pro. I'm sure they have lots.


Just checked mine out for ya and it is a Big Dog, but like I said I'm sure they're all just as good, just go with the highest one you can find. Pretty sure mine was a 17' model. With a ladder stand, just make sure you have somebody else helping you set it up. I put mine up myself last fall and lucky I didn't hurt myself. I bought it in Caroline, so I'm sure you shouldn't have much trouble finding one at Bass Pro.

Tuc

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Re: Which Treestand
« Reply #8 on: June 12, 2011, 10:02:47 AM »
I'll check that brand out if they have it at BP.
Thx!