Types Of Deer Stands And Their Uses

Hunters use a variety of different types of deer stands to fit the needs of any particular hunting situation. Keep reading to learn more about each type, when each should be used, and how to properly use them.

Box Blind

A box blind, sometimes known as a deer blind, is great for hunting in harsh weather conditions. Like the name implies, it is an enclosed box that can be either on the ground or elevated on legs. A one-person box blind is usually 4' x 4', while 2 person blinds are 4' x 6' or 4' x 8'.

Box blinds have many advantages while deer hunting, The enclosed space combined with being high above the ground (if you choose to build it on legs) helps to hide your scent. You are also able to move freely without alerting deer to your presence.

Along with the hunting advantages offered by a box blind, there are also many comfort advantages. Many people carry propane heaters with them to warm up the stand. You can also bring magazines or books to read, coffee or a bowl of hot soup to eat, or a large number of other comfort items that would spook a deer if you were hunting from a tree stand.

Climbing Stand

Climbing stands, sometimes known as "climbers" or "climbing treestands", are made up of two parts. The bottom part is the standing platform, and the top part is the seat. There is normally a strap that connects the two parts, so if the bottom falls while in the tree or climbing, the platform doesn’t fall all the way to the ground, stranding the hunter.

Climbing tree stands have a couple of different styles to connect to the tree. The part that wraps around the tree can be made from a thick cable or boomerang shaped piece of metal. The part that wraps around the tree is fastened to the stand with a bolt or pin for easy adjustment for different tree sizes.

Before climbing the tree both parts need to be adjusted to the tree so they are level for the hunter to stand and sit on. To climb the tree the back of each part is angled to the tree one at a time and pulled up. Then the part that the hunter is moving is set back level and the next part is moved up. This is done until the hunter is at the desired height. For safety some hunters strap the tree stand to the tree. To get down, the hunter uses the same ladder or climbing sticks that he used to get up.

Only trees that have no limbs up to the height desired for hunting will work, and the straighter the tree trunk, the better. There are some climbers that have an adjustment that will make the seat level when attached to a crooked tree trunk, but stands with this feature usually cost more.

Ladder Stand

Ladder stands have a seat and platform attached to a ladder. It is simply leaned against a tree and secured, usually with a ratchet strap. Ladder stands are stationary because of the size and lack of ability to move through the woods quietly. Stability is good because of the connection to the tree and support from the ground. There are both one-person and two-person models to choose from.

Hang-on Stand

Hang-on stands are like climbers that don't climb. You will need a ladder or some other way of getting up the tree to a proper height to secure the stand. Most people use light-weight connectable ladders called "climbing sticks" to carry out into the woods with them to place hang-on stands high up in a tree. Hang-ons are most often connected to the tree with chains, cables, or ratchet straps.

Tree Stand Uses

Tree stands allow hunters to use them in different ways. Whitetail hunting is the most popular animal to hunt out of a tree stand.

The height advantage that a hunter has from being up in a tree is tremendous. It allows the hunter to see over intervening brush and vegetation that might otherwise block the hunter's view of approaching game. It also helps to hide the hunter's scent and movements.

If you want a stand that is easy to relocate, you should consider a climbing stand rather than a hang-on or ladder stand. Often ladder stands and hanging stands do not move easily, so they tend to stay on one tree. Because branches limit climbing stand use, ladder stands and hanging stands allow hunters more options on the trees with many branches at a lower height.

A few accessories are available for tree stands, including safety harnesses (which should always be worn), gun rests, bow holders, cushions, padded armrests, and more.

Deer Stand Safety

Safety is the biggest tool for use in tree stands. A body harness is one of the most important part of hunting safety. Many different styles of harness can keep hunters safe. One harness is compiled with a belt around the waist of the person and another belt around tree with a strap between the two. Another harness is a full body harness, which has shoulder and leg straps. The full body harness attaches to the tree the same way the belt harness does. Attaching the harness as soon as the hunter is in the tree keeps the hunter safe while setting up for the hunt. The strap between the harness and strap around the tree should be long enough to allow the hunter to move a little and short enough so if the hunter falls they do not fall too far.

You should always check over your stand to ensure good working condition. A treestand in poor condition can be unsafe for the hunter to hunt from. Check each step you take for stability can prevent falling while climbing.

Never carry equipment while climbing. Use a haul line to raise or lower your equipment.