Tree stands in Bowzone

[Zuludog]

Hi.
I've been seeing LOTS of very nice deer this year taken by AO members in the Edmonton bow zone. I think all of them are from stands, I was wondering what everyone is using as most of the trees where I hunt are skinny poplars that look like they couldn't support a stand?

I could use some advice/help in choosing a stand for bow hunting in these smaller trees or should I just use a blind?
Thanks.

[BigRackLover]

I hate blinds, not my style. I'd rather sit still in full camo.

Choose a conifer tree is possible .... much better cover after thanksgiving.

Ladder stands are a good option for small trees. But get an extension for the ladder so you get up at least 18 ft.

I use hang on stands ... the smallest popular tree I've ever used was about 10-12: diameter at the bottom ... It was tricky if it was windy. I couldn't move at all.

[Zuludog]

Thanks BRL.

Where I've been setting up there's no conifers so I've been sitting in the bush, decked out in camo been busted by some does earlier this year as the cover is sparse. I saw a HUGE buck last night but it was out of range and never got a shot , so now I'm contemplating a stand.

How high is best for a stand?

Thanks
ZD

[pottymouth]

I got a great Treestand pic, i took last night.....lol..

[Zuludog]

Cool but you didn't post it?

[pottymouth]

Originally Posted by Zuludog

Cool but you didn't post it?

I can't reveals to much !

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by Zuludog

I was wondering what everyone is using as most of the trees where I hunt are skinny poplars that look like they couldn't support a stand?

I have one that fits trees 4" - 22" in diameter. Check here for the newer version. I believe Cabela's has them in stock in Edmonton. Yep, it's not cheap, but I really like the setup. With the climbing sticks, it's a nice light packable setup.

If you like climbers, they may require more girth (on the tree, that is!) Check out this one, for instance. It'll fit trees 6" - 19" in diameter.

Happy hunting!

[BigRackLover]

4" in diameter? Wow! and 350 lbs up there. Wow again!

You'd be swinging back and forth after drawing your bow too quickly. lol

That's some hardcore equipment / setup.

[philintheblank]

i build all my hang up stands, and i have one platform stand that i build becuase of the lack of larger trees in the area, found 3 small trees and strapped them with 2x4s and plywood, i think i am going to put a chunk of expanded metal down on top though becuse the plywood is slippery when the frost hits.

i like the platform stand because its a lot bigger than my other ones, you could also put up short walls around it to help keep the wind at bay a little more.
i have one tree stand thats 21 feet high, even a little bit of wind makes it miserable to sit in

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by BigRackLover

4" in diameter? Wow! and 350 lbs up there. Wow again!

Hey! I'm not THAT fat! LOL!

Just quotin' the spec... Not saying I'd be all too quick to set up in that!

Originally Posted by BigRackLover

You'd be swinging back and forth after drawing your bow too quickly.

Good point!

[Popman68]

I have been using a climber for the last couple years and it works well. The best part is you can go as high as you want but the down side is once you are up the tree you can't clear shooting lanes..... make sure you do it before going up. As I get familiar with an area I can clean out permanent locations for different wind directions and hunt them as needed, multiple locations 1 stand.

[muzzy]

Hey nothing wrong with a good ground blind if the trees are just to small. I have three different models that I can shoot my bow standing from They block the wind and your body heat makes them warmer on cold or windy days Deer have absolutely no idea you are inside as its like looking into a black hole and I think your scent is reasonably ( not totally) depressed. I have taken several bucks from mine and passed up numerous others without the deer knowing I was there. Bonus is when you fall you don't go splat