[archerynutNB]

I got both of my API "Baby Grand Twisters" out this week-end for a little renovation. They both came with upholstered "swivel" seats. But after many years of use they were starting to show their wear.

So I have decided to flip the seat frame over and just put plywood on them. Then I will fasten a therma seat cushion to each. I already replaced the seat cables with chain last fall on one.

These are "hang-on" stands that have just one big cam buckle strap, and a T screw to attach them to the tree. My wife and I have used them for a long time, and find them real roomy as well as "all day" comfortable.

We also use 15 foot "Rivers Edge" stick ladders. Three sections each, plus an extra section for each ladder that a friend welded for me. This puts us from 15 to 18 feet and still have rungs above the seat to grab when climbing. We attach the ladders with ratchet straps (one per 5 foot section)

Here is the wife's stand.

And here is mine, equipped with my "Custom" bow holder I made especially for my Tribute. (Out of PVC pipe and stove bolts covered with shrink tubing.)

I don't know about you? But I find that holding my bow in hand for long periods is very uncomfortable. And if you get your bow off it's holder and then have to wait a long time if a buck hangs up.... It's nice to be able to have another way to hold it close until you have to draw.

I made this holder a few years ago that you Velcro strap to your pant cuff. You can use a lanyard with a small snap, and the bow will just hang at the ready. A quick and quiet unclip and you can draw very undetected.

So, what are all you hunters using this fall for elevated deer ambushing platforms?

 

[archerynutNB]

Looks like you've got all the bases covered as well Hoytman!

Ratchet tie downs are definitely a good idea. "No deer" is worth taking a life threatening chance on a stand shifting. We use API body harnesses and home made climbing ropes like yours as well. Just slipping the rope over each step as you climb.

Most accidents I think happen when climbing up and down, "and" when making the transition from ladder to platform. That's where a climbing rope is a necessity. I also keep another rope with snaps permanently attached(while we are hunting that location) "above" our stands to clip onto our harness, so we can safely unhook the main rope when we go "above" the platform.

Only when we are on stand and have hooked our tree-harness strap to our harness, do we unhook our climbing belt.

All of the risks of climbing ladders, entering/exiting stands etc is made even more dangerous by... bulky hunting clothes and boots, being cold and stiff after sitting for long periods, and the excitement of shooting a deer.

Play it safe out there guys! Don't take chances! Especially don't use old home-made wooded stands of unknown origin or unsafe construction.

 

[archerynutNB]

One more thing as well. A safety harness will save your life. But if you have too much slack in the tether strap that attaches to the tree, and you slip off the platform...you could end up hanging a bit below your stand. The harness can restrict your breathing, if you are suspended for a long time. You "could" pass out! Especially with a climbing tree-stand, where it would be more difficult to reach the stand again. I like to keep only enough slack so that I can lean ahead slightly when in a seated position. That will make it impossible for you to go below your platform level. And when you stand, you will have plenty of length to maneuver.

 

[SIMPLELIFE]

I have a ladder stand which is up now,and the wife picked me up a old whitetail stand ,brand new in the box $20(good old yardsale).Put it up in the yard,but just does not feel secure enough as my ladder stand.

 

[whitetail]

I've got 2 "Big Game Ultra View" treestands. They seem like a pretty neat set up. It is 15' to the seat and has a swivel seat. Unlike a regular stand, the platform goes in a V shape around the tree, which gives you many more options for shooting lanes. I haven't hunted out of it yet, but have sat in it a few times and it seems pretty secure. The seat seems very confortable, but the real test for it will be during hunting season.
Here it is if you want to check it out.
http://www.biggametreestands.com/products/the-ultra-view.html

 

[archerynutNB]

I've got 2 "Big Game Ultra View" treestands. They seem like a pretty neat set up. It is 15' to the seat and has a swivel seat. Unlike a regular stand, the platform goes in a V shape around the tree, which gives you many more options for shooting lanes. I haven't hunted out of it yet, but have sat in it a few times and it seems pretty secure. The seat seems very confortable, but the real test for it will be during hunting season.
Here it is if you want to check it out.
http://www.biggametreestands.com/products/the-ultra-view.html

Daniel, I checked out the site. They look like a real nice set-up! I really like that V platform idea. And they do look very comfortable. Cool!

..and "Good Luck" this fall!

 

[SIMPLELIFE]

My $20 one

And my main one already in the tree