While hunting, climbing trees with a ladder or tree steps can be quite difficult. Not to mention it compromises your safety as well. Thus, a climber stand would be a much more convenient option to climb trees while minimizing the risk of falling.
The majority of the time, climbing accidents happen when you either enter or depart the tree stand. A climber stand is safer because you can climb in or out of your stand without the fear of falling. Even the other hunting gears like ladder stand or tree straps can not match the maneuverability of a climber stand. Climber stands are becoming more popular these days due to their more improved design. Setting up a climber stand is pretty easy, and you don’t need any additional climbing sticks as well. However, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions while setting up a climber stand.
A climbing stand comes in two separate pieces, the top one is called a seat climber, and the bottom is a platform. A climber stand is a tool that you mount to the tree to get high above the ground and increase the view and visibility of a particular area. Climbing with a climber stand is very simple. You can lock the top section of the platform onto the tree, pull the platform up with your legs, and keep repeating the process. Your feet should be secured to the platform with stirrups, so you can easily lift the bottom part with your legs for climbing.
5 Tips For Using A Climber Stand:
Climber stands may seem pretty intimidating and confusing at first, but they are one of the safest types of equipment that’ll help to enhance your hunting experience. Here are some pointers to help you get the most out of your climber stand.
Finding The Right Tree
Even with all the right equipment, you might still have to face problems if you don’t choose a proper tree. Trees that are dead or dying should be ruled out of your consideration immediately. These trees are not sturdy enough and can collapse at any time. Plus, no amount of safety equipment will be able to prevent it from falling. Also, branches are an impediment to climber stands. Thus, try to select a live, straight tree with no double trunks or excessive branches. Besides, you can carry a hand saw and cut the small branches for your convenience.
Try to avoid young maple trees, or slick, smooth-bark trees; they are not a safe option, especially when they’re wet. Also, the climber stand’s teeth won’t be able to get a secure grip on these trees. Choose a tall and straight tree rather than a curve or lean one. Trees with thick, heavy bark, such as oak, pine, or sweetgum, give protection while the climbing blades pierce through the stem.
Safety Harness
Once you find the perfect tree for climbing, it’s time to gear up. While using a climber stand on your hunting trips, don’t forget to wear a basic safety harness. Wear a full-body harness and always stay tied to the tree after leaving the ground, which allows you to ascend and descend from the tree without any fear of falling. It’s easy and safe to move the cable for your harness up and down the tree as you ascend and descend. However, as you enter or exit a platform, try to keep a tight grip on the climbing system. When you have reached the required height, stand up and fasten your tether as high as you can. The tether of your safety harness will prevent you from falling in case your feet slip from the bottom part. These days most climber stands come with a full-body harness, but if it doesn’t, you can also buy one separately.
Platform Level And Size
While using a climber stand you need to make sure your platform is level with your desired height. To level out while climbing, you have to pitch the bottom of your stand, up towards your tree. Maintain a very minimal rising angle for the seating platform while connecting the stands. You don’t want your platform to tip forward. Make sure you can lean back to the tree rather than go out over the front. A perfectly leveled platform helps to get a perfect balance while climbing. Besides, it is way easier to stand on a leveled surface instead of a platform that’s tilted. A large platform could be better than a small one. You’ll get enough space to stand, and turn without any risk of falling.
Securing Top And Bottom Section
Once the platform angle has been determined, you can enter the climber stand and begin climbing. Since the climber stand comes in two pieces, it’s very important to secure the top and bottom parts of the stand properly. If you connect the top and bottom parts correctly, the bottom half of the stand won’t collapse or go out of your reach even if the platform drops. That’s why most climber stands have a bungee cord or rope that is attached to both parts. If your climbing stand does not come with these stabilizer straps, it’s highly recommended to get a pair before using it.
Lightweight Climber Stand
While going on a hunting trip, you would always want to travel as light as possible. Weight is considered a pretty crucial factor while choosing a climber stand. Getting a climber stand that comes with a heavy seat and platform will slow you down and it would be challenging to move around with it. Climbing trees will be way easier and safer with a lightweight stand.
Ending Thoughts:
Here are all the tricks and tips you need to know before using a climber stand. Even though climbing stands don’t take much maintenance, always examine your equipment before use. Climber stands are very safe when they are used correctly. Among other hunting tools, a climber stand is very adaptable plus it’s quite simple to set up and take down as well. With all of these features at your disposal, don’t hesitate to bring a climber stand on your next hunting excursion.
