TreeWalker climbing treestands

[goemado]

Picked one of these up at the GR Hunting Expo. Replaces a Loggy Bayou that was ready to be replaced.

Anybody own one of these and used it? Your feedback would be appreciated.

[Gobblerman]

I looked at those as well. Seemed a little expensive however very well built. Let us know how it works out next year. I have always used a summit bushwacker.

[john warren]

are you happy in general with climbing tree stands?
i've never used a treestand of any sort,just wondering if self climbers or a hanger with a climbing stick is better for me. climbiing a tree isn't a problem for me.just thinking i could spend more time in a treestand then i can sitting still on the ground.

[goemado]

Climbers are a great tool. Several reasons:

1. Economics: I hunt public land only. My hunting party has averaged one "donated" hang on stand and steps per year (meaning stolen). This was costing us about $100 a year (all were locked and cut down). After the last one a few years ago, we all decided to use our climbers exclusively. It is a pain to carry the stand in and out of the woods (but less expensive than the alternative).

2. Flexibility: With public land hunting, we can never be sure where others may be sitting. We've cleaned out several spots in each of the pieces of land we hunt so that we can move around as needed. Also, wind changes or time of year can influence where we set up. Climbers offer the ability to quickly get in and out of different areas.

3. Stealth/Observation: I believe being up in a tree is much better than sitting on the ground (even in cover). 20+ feet up affords a better view of the land and keeps us a bit more hidden from those noses and eyes (even though I swear Michigan deer are being taught by their mothers to look up!

4. Safety: Again, hunting public land during gun season can be an exciting experience. I feel a lot safer being up in a tree than sitting in a brush pile. And I believe it's safer to shoot down than across terrain. I use a seat-of-the-pants full harness and keep it on and attached to the tree from when I step up to when I step off the stand (climbing and descending). Knock on wood: No one in my group has ever had an accident in many years of hunting.

I've hunted ground blinds during rifle and will admit it sure was relaxing to walk in without a bunch of gear and sit down. However, I've always seen more deer sitting up in a tree than down on the ground.

Regards,

[Gobblerman]

I think climbers and hang on serve dual purposes.

Hang Ons-use these on private property where you can lock them and place several stands in predetermined places.

Climbers-are great when hunting new locations, public lands and they are very comfortable. I would rather sit all day in my climber than in my hang ons.

[goemado]

One chain on to consider for comfort...the Cabela's SS lounger (Red Head has it's own version). Big, comfy pad and a reclining position. We drag these beasts out for the gun opener (hang 'em the night before and pull 'em after sunset on the opener). Very comfortable and nice to shoot out of with the gun rest bar in place.

You're right regarding hang ons and climbers...hang ons are great for private land (where there's less risk of losing 'em). They'd be my choice for those "honey hole" spots that always get hunted.

[bowhunter4life]

I bought a summit climber 2 years ago, and wouldn't trade it for anything! They are awesome. comfortable, quiet, light, and you can set up just about anywhere you want. I would reccommed trying one if you have never tried one before. They are not hard to climb with. Go out and practice in your back yard and after practicing for 1 day, you'll be a pro at it.

Jay