Challenge

[LarryA]

Here is my dilemma. In the last 8 years, I have lost over 5 stands. All of them were locked with a airplane cable either 1/4" or 1/2". All are on my own property. I even built a 2x4" wood stand only to have someone try to knock it down. Last year I wanted my two boys to hunt with me (ages 10 and 7). So I had a two person ladder stand on a huge cottonwood surrounded by successional tree growth about 15 feet high. In the evenings though it was a poor stand so I got an Ameristep doghouse blind for evening hunts. Both were stolen.

I really want my kids to be able to join me in the woods. I have been tossing around several ideas. Permanent raised shooting box stand, I really don't like this idea. Easily carried ladder stands to remove after each hunt. Oh ya, police could care less. I have thought about getting a infrared camera to try to get evidence. I think it is a neighbor (adult).

Does anyone have any suggestions? Either different options or maybe some easily transported ladder stands? I figure ladder stands for the boys ... they didn't inherit dad's monkey skills. If it was just me I would use climbers, but don't think the boys would be comfortable climbing in them. Thanks in advance.

Larry A

[MIBIGHNTR]

I know the feeling. I had several stand stolen off of private land. All were locked with braided steel cables and padlocks. They must have worked because the cables and locks are still in the trees!!! They cut the stands themselves to get them out. Must be someone who can weld aluminium.

In your case I would try maybe some inexpensive ladder stands (Cabela's) and lock them with hardened chain (yellow color) and heavy-duty hardened padlocks. It might be a shot until your theives decide to cut the stands as mine are...

Good luck!

Mark

[Bow Hunter Brandon]

On the fist issue of having the stands stolen. A game tracking camera hiden well near the stand would take a picture of the thief. make sure there isnt a flash to give it away. Then you could do two things. Turn the picture over to the police. Or send the picture to the neighbor ( if thats who is in the picture) and ask for your stands back :)

For the kids. Good for you getting them involved. The portable ground blinds can be carried in and out easily and mask the kids movements. So that is a good choice. Other then that Im not sure. I think the best thing to do is solve the theft problem if at all possible.. I feel for you.

[WALLEYEvision]

I like the idea of using an infrared game camera to take a photo of your treestand thief. If the stands being stolen are off the same tree, it should make camera placement easier.

It's amazing what people would steal. Years ago I built a hang on style treestand out of wood that must have weighed 60 lbs. It took me the better part of a day to get it back in the woods and then finally hung 20' in a tree. I used a heavy-duty chain and padlock to secure it to the tree. I think it lasted 3 weeks in the woods before it was stolen.

Good luck Larry! Let us know what happens!

--Matt