Getting in to a Lock on

[rut-ro]

Never hunted from a tree so I plan on getting a couple good lock on stands for next year. How do you all get in to yours ? Spikes, ladder or climb the tree like a kid?
I know a good harness is a must what other must haves like a hook for a bag or or bow?

Sorry for the scattered thoughts

Thanks

[savage1134]

Climbing sticks

[rut-ro]

Do they bolt to the tree ?

[bowhuntntxn]

Get yourself a good set of strap on climbing sticks. Lone wolf makes some great ones as does Muddy Brand. Ameristep makes mini ladder sections that are awesome, and make sure you get the aluminum ones.

Get yourself a life line also so you can be connected to something the entire time you are ascending or descending.

[Fishndude]

Rapid rails

[Lawhunter]

Sticks

[Preacher Man]

Climbing sticks strapped to the tree. I use a harness. I clip onto my climbing for accent and decent. The climbing line uses a prussic (sp) knot.

[Sleepy]

Getting in to a Lock on

Stick ladder strapped to the tree is a no brainer!! Also in my experience, the cost is a little more, but it is so worth it to get the stick ladders that have a step on each side all the way up in stead of alternating left and right. This makes it much more comfortable when you are hanging and taking down when you can rest both feet at the same level rather than one leg down and one leg hiked up. Your quads will thank you

In other words, get some like these




NOT these




Also, go ahead and get a double knuckle bow hanger. It is much more accommodating than a single knuckle in terms of getting your bow right where you want it while it’s hanging.



Life line




Any good harness. I prefer the harnesses like the Muddy or Tree Spider. They are much cooler than the vest type during the early season. HSS also makes a safety harness made specifically for hanging and taking down stands with multiple large pockets. It’s definitely a plus when you can get everything on you and only have to make one trip up.

Also when hanging, I tie a long rope to my stand and tie it off on myself. As I finish up strapping my stick ladder, I screw in a screw in step or use a limb if there is one to throw my rope over and hoist my stand up. Once I get my stand up, I wrap the rope around one of the steps of the ladder to hold it in place. TIP: tie the rope off to the seat of the stand. This way when you pull it up and tie it off, it’s already hanging in position to strap it to the tree!

[Cantcatch5]

I don't like the mini ladders. I wear size 12 boots and can't get both feet on the same rung and I inevitably get to the top of the ladder with she wrong foot on top and have to try to step across my other leg since I can't get the other foot up top if that makes any sense.

[WCB]

Do not use the screw-in steps. If you slip/fall they will mess you up!!

Mostly I use rapid rails. Whatever you use, make sure the steps go higher than the platform you’ll step on. Always step down to the stand and make sure it’s secure before leaving the steps. Always stay secured to the tree, lifeline or lineman’s belt, from the first step up to the last step down.

Treestand hunting is very safe if you follow the rules and always check straps/cables/nuts/bolts/etc...

I teach Bowhunter Ed and I’m a Treestand Certified Instructor as well. Treestand safety is my specialty. I live it, breath it and preach it. Please don’t be one of those who every year die or become cripple. I’m willing to show you if you’d like.

And please don’t home-build something unless you’re an engineer...

[txpitdog]

Stick ladder strapped to the tree is a no brainer!! Also in my experience, the cost is a little more, but it is so worth it to get the stick ladders that have a step on each side all the way up in stead of alternating left and right. This makes it much more comfortable when you are hanging and taking down when you can rest both feet at the same level rather than one leg down and one leg hiked up. Your quads will thank you

In other words, get some like these




NOT these

Agree! I bought some cheapo ones from Sportsman’s Guide that work great. I put the sticks up, first attempt with sticks ever, in about 15mins. Then hung the stand anchor about 4ft down from the top. Then hung the stand and used a ratchet strap on the platform to keep it from moving when I get in and out.

Also, best $25 I ever spent was a good quality lineman’s strap. Connects to my harness and makes hanging the sticks and stand easy peasy

[Lawhunter]

Clibingbsticks

[shark79]

I've got an extension ladder strapped to the tree to get into mine.

[rut-ro]

Do not use the screw-in steps. If you slip/fall they will mess you up!!

Mostly I use rapid rails. Whatever you use, make sure the steps go higher than the platform you’ll step on. Always step down to the stand and make sure it’s secure before leaving the steps. Always stay secured to the tree, lifeline or lineman’s belt, from the first step up to the last step down.

Treestand hunting is very safe if you follow the rules and always check straps/cables/nuts/bolts/etc...

I teach Bowhunter Ed and I’m a Treestand Certified Instructor as well. Treestand safety is my specialty. I live it, breath it and preach it. Please don’t be one of those who every year die or become cripple. I’m willing to show you if you’d like.

And please don’t home-build something unless you’re an engineer...

Very good info I will be in contact with you. Wish you were closer to Houston area What kind of Lock on should I look into?

[rem788]

I just use the tree to climb up. Otherwise I use the Hawk steps that strap onto the tree. The lifeline is great to have as well if you’re hunting the same places. It’s nice and secure so you’re locked in the whole way up and down. Yes you definitely need a good harness as you said earlier. A good pole saw and hand saw will come in handy for sure.