PORTABLE DEER STAND

[night bite]

Getting a new stand and dont know which way to go. Hunted in a portable tree stand this last weekend with climibing latter that straps to the tree. Also hunted in a climbing stand. Both worked good but dont know which way to go on a new one. Climbing stand is nice but you have to find the right tree with no branches and to be in the right spot that can be tuff. But a portable with the climbing ladder isn't as easy to more to different spots. Just wondering if anyone has advice. Thanks

[gopher_nation]

Just like anything, weigh your pros and cons. I have a climber and a hang on, I hunt primarily public land, pack in pack out, and find the climber much more effective. As far as finding the right tree, I haven't had a problem yet. Take a look around your hunting location to see if there are a lot of straight trees with very little branching occuring. I like not having to mess with climbing sticks. Saying that, some of the best trees for stands have big limbs below in order to hide yourself. A climber doesn't work very easily in that situation, and the climbing sticks and hang on will get you in there just right.

[night bite]

Thanks Gopher_nation thats what I'm looking for the pros and cons of both. Kinda new to bow hunting and all my rifle hunting is from permanent stands. But bow hunt and the wifes grandma's and can leave in the woods for a few days but dont get a lot of scouting time so its nice to be mobile if needed.

[cavalierowner]

When my dad had to quit hunting because of his health, he gave me his climber (I had a strap-on stand). I used the climber one year and gave it away. Where we hunt there is a lot of brush and that stand was forever getting hung up on brush. It was also a lot heavier than my strap-on stand. I will say, though, it sure was nice when you got it on the right tree; Just a couple minutes and you were up in the tree. I tried to convince one of my nephews to carry it for me, but they were less than enthusiastic about that idea.

[MNice]

I too hunt public land, so a climber is nice. I have a summit viper and couldn't be happier. If I hunted private and I could leave the stand, I would have a couple of hang ons with sticks. I guess this choice is yours and yours only, because we don't know your situation. Which ever stand you get, make sure to wear your harness!!

[InTheNorthwoods]

This question is a lot like asking "what kind of screwdriver should I buy, a flat head or a phillips head?" The answer is, you need the right tool for the job. You're pretty much out of luck in certain instances if all you have is the one screwdriver.

My belief is that that you need both (deer stands), you can never have enough. With that said, if I had to pick just one stand, I'd pick a light hang on stand with strap on steps (its kind of like a two-in-one screwdriver) over either a ladder stand or a climber if I could only own one.

[fivebucks]

A lot will depend on where you hunt. If there are oaks and maples a climber won't be of much use. I hunt up north with a lot of poplar and pine and I wouldn't use anything but a climber. Sure you will have to do some trimming sometimes but that is what saws are for. I use a lot of the same trees from year to year.

[nwhunter]

I'm a big fan of having both kinds, climber and ladder stands.

[Hoffer]

How about a portable ground blind?

Light, easy to set up etc...

We have always hunted stands before. However, i have been watching alot of deer hunting shows now where all they use are the ground stands. We are trying them more now. The deer dont seem to be spooked and you can really out them anywhere you want. They also keep out the wind and you can move around in them. I could see for a bow hunter - they might not be the best option. I am slowly but surely coming around to the idea of trying more ground blinds - but with that said - we still have a good share of tree stands we will be hunting from

[nubbin]

Tree saddle with muddy climbing sticks. Wear the tree saddle on your way to your hunting spot carrying only your weapon and the sticks. quiet and safe. Also can be up 20 feet and hunting in less than 5 min.

[mike11]

mnice im looking at a summit viper how do you like it or anyone else have any opinions on them comfort etc...

[kevfish1]

Mike- Just spent two full days in a viper at ripley and love the comfort and ease of set-up