Who uses a Ladder Stand - Recommendations?

[Roadrunner]

I'm interested in hearing from those of you who use/own portable ladder stands. I was looking at an API ladder stand and I liked that API gives you a full harness for free. Any other companies you would recommend. I was thinking of a 15' ladder stand or so, cushioned seat and front bar to aim rifle/ML/shotgun.

 

[unreal45]

I have used them and would recommend them. If you hunt on your own property build one and save some $$$.

 

[Ktulu]

I have and use two different ladder stands. One is a very plain 15', the other a 17' with a shooting rail on 3 sides and a skirt. The latter ladder is pretty comfortable and pretty good for gun hunting. Neither are in any way portable and both of them are way too low for bowhunting. My hanging stand is 20 some feet up.

Next year I'll be replacing the 15 footer with a API BabyGrand and climbing sticks. In the future I might consider a very large ladder stand with rails, skirt, top, etc. Essentially a blind and the side of a tree.

 

[unreal45]

The latter ladder is pretty comfortable and pretty good for gun hunting. Neither are in any way portable and both of them are way too low for bowhunting.

+1

 

[LHB1]

For rifle and pistol shooters using ladder stands with shooting rails: Go to your local hardware store and buy some expanded vinyl/foam pipe insulation. Cut to fit and slip over the rails for simple, cheap, padded gun rest.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[bean357]

I use four ladder stands, three of which were purchased and can be moved, and one that was constructed at the site for the tree. My favorite that can be moved would have to be the sturdy "buddy stand", that is supposedly for two people ( more room needed up there when i get all bundled up, especially during late season black powder, plus there is space for your gear and other items), and it comes with three 4' ladder sections, but more sections could be purchased separately. It also has the bar/shoting rail around it that you can adjust to suit your own size or preferences. I needed to adjust my rail and it worked out well. Here is a link to check one out out if you wish:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...141&type=21&dept=4125&path=0:4125:4155:104007

it does take a larger tree to make this stand solid, and a branchy large tree will help the "sticking out like sore thumb", but this stand has brought me very good luck hope that helps some

 

[Sparky]

I'd recommend an Ol' Man ladder stand. It's really comfortable for a long stay in the woods. Mine came with a full safety harness too. Natchez shooter supply had 'em on sale a week or so back. IIRC the deluxe is a 16 ft. stand

 

[30 cal slob]

Whatever you get, read the manual carefully and always use your safety harness.

I was astounded to hear that in my home state, roughly TWO DOZEN tree-stand hunters (bow and gun) lost their lives in 2004, mostly from falls out of trees. Don't surprise me none, darn near broke my butt-bone falling out once this past season.

 

[Roadrunner]

Thanks for the help. I'm not going up without a full harness.

 

[pete f]

reinforce the safety harness idea. use it and get used to it. I was pallbearer at the guy across the streets funeral after he dozed off and fell out of tree and broke his neck. worst part was his kid in nearby stand saw it.

use a safety harness. no joke no wimpy talk for using one.

 

[birddog]

I hunted for years out of a Griz Bowmaster with an additional 3 foot section to bring it up to 15 feet instead of 12. Sturdy, and very safe feeling. Killed a bunch of deer with the bow from it, and a bear too. I mostly use hang ons now, but will probably buy another ladder stand in the future (that one got so beat up from hauling it in and out of the woods for ten years, I retired it).

 

[Revival]

Depending on the terrain, I think ladders can be plenty high. I have a "Buddy Stand" and like it ok, but I think I would really like one with a sling style seat instead of having to use a pad.

Bummer about the guy taking the header and his kid seeing it. I hate it.

I have to admit I hunt ladders and a tripod without a harness, but stay 100% tied off in other stands. I think I'll be using a harness in the others too now, but have never had issues with going down and sleeping at the base of the stand.

 

[rexelbion]

Ladders are convenient, but there's something about climbing up a tree that brings you back to your childhood!