Suggestions for climbing twisty oaks?

[rwittliff]

I set up my first tree / bow stand last weekend. I had a devil of a time figuring out how to get it secured to the tree as most of the trees on our property are twisty oaks without straight trunks. I have one of the gametamer stands and want to put it up too but not sure what is the best way to climb up a twisted oak to get to it. Any suggestions?

[jerp]

I don't hunt lock-ons much anymore but when I did I used screw in tree steps. They are a pain to put in and take out (drill pilot holes if you can) and they can be dangerous but sometimes they are the best option. If you do, I would suggest using the kind where the threaded part folds into the step. They are a little easier to install and provide better footing than the one piece style.

[Adgerc15]

in real branchy live oaks sometimes you can position a ladder stand over a branch to get your into the tree and then have wooden steds or screw ins to get you up the the platform of your lock on. I am assuming its not more than 15-18' up

[bowhuntntxn]

These:

http://www.ameristep.com/treestands/7100_rails.html

[rwittliff]

Yes not more than 15' to 18' feet up. I did get one of the ladder/platfor stands set up the way you suggest, but it was a bear to set up

[SolocamShooter]

Ameristep Rapid Rails

[Low Fence]

Pole climbing spikes is all I use.............hate pines

[SanAngeloBowman]

in real branchy live oaks sometimes you can position a ladder stand over a branch to get your into the tree and then have wooden steds or screw ins to get you up the the platform of your lock on. I am assuming its not more than 15-18' up

THIS^^^^^use a ladder stand or a tall tripod tucked in the branches, but since you already bought a lock-on stand (assumed sorry) you could be best off with some drill in type steps OR the tree sticks that come in small sections might work for ya and be easier to install.

[Adgerc15]

rapid rails stink for big round oaks..never used poles but i assume the same. anything over about a 16-20" diameter is too big for rapid rails.

dont get me wrong, I LOVE my rapid rails and lots of times spend too much time finding the right trees to allow for a setup with them and a lock on. But they are NOT ALWAYS the right choice

ac

[stan]

I use the climbing sticks up to the first split in one of our stands, then switched to the screw in types for the remainder up to the seat.