How to Use Self Climbing Tree Stands for Bowhunting Success

As a bowhunter, using an elevated treestand is one of the best ways to avoid detection and get close to your prey. Climbing treestands allow you to access fresh sign and move quietly through the woods to maximize your chances. While fixed position stands have their place, climbing models offer much more versatility.

Self climbing tree stands let you easily and quickly set up in any suitable tree within your hunting area. With a little practice, you can be safely setup and hunting from an aerial position within just minutes compared to hours for lock-ons Here is a complete guide to using self climbing treestands to maximize your bowhunting success

Choosing the Right Climbing Treestand

The first step is selecting the proper climbing stand for your needs. Key factors to consider include:

• Weight – Lightweight stands in the 15-25 pound range are preferred for mobile hunting in rugged conditions Heavier models can be used in more open terrain

• Platform size – Choose a stand with adequate room to draw your bow and maneuver safely Larger platforms are more comfortable but weigh more

• Attachment system – Teeth or spikes that grip the tree securely are vital. Carrying a backup strap for added safety is smart.

• Accessories – Padded seat, backpack straps, foot rest and stabilizer bar all improve comfort and convenience.

Popular lightweight climbing stands include the Lone Wolf Sit & Climb Combo and Summit’s Viper SS model. Try out different brands and find one you’re comfortable with.

Picking a Good Tree

Choosing the right tree to climb is almost as important as the treestand itself when it comes to safe use. Ideal trees for climbing stands have these traits:

• Relatively straight without excessive lean or curve

• Solid trunk without major hollows or rot

• Branches only near the top so no obstacles on the way up

• Good taper that doesn’t rapidly narrow as you go up

• Sturdy mature tree that can safely support your weight

• Species with rough bark that allows the stand to grip well like oak

Inspect trees thoroughly from all angles before climbing and reject any that seem questionable or unsafe. Having a backup tree picked out is smart in case issues arise.

Setting Up Your Treestand Properly

With the right tree selected, proper setup of your climbing stand is crucial for both safety and comfort during your hunt. Follow this process:

• Position the treestand so the tree trunk is centered for maximum stability.

• Make sure the stand is oriented correctly so the seat faces the direction you want to hunt.

• Secure yourself to the tree right away using a tethered safety harness before leaving the ground.

• Connect the top and bottom sections using the built-in straps so they don’t detach accidentally.

• Angle the platform so it remains level when you reach hunting height by accounting for taper.

• Keep top and bottom connection straps short – just long enough to allow climbing motion.

• Confirm no branches or obstacles block the planned climbing route up the tree.

Climbing Into the Treestand Safely

With your gear on, stand prepped and safety rope secured, you are ready to start climbing. Stay safe by following these tips:

• Always maintain three points of contact during climbing – two feet and one hand or vice versa.

• Use deliberate, controlled motions and avoid rushed climbing which can lead to slips.

• Keep your weight centered between the top and bottom platforms as you climb. Don’t lean too far out.

• Look for branches or stubs you may need to avoid contact with on the way up.

• Take occasional breaks to catch your breath and ensure solid footing before continuing upward.

• Adjust the safety tether as needed while climbing to keep securing you to the tree.

• If utilizing pin-on climbing sticks, securely fasten each one as you go before weight is applied.

Stay focused and don’t rush the climbing process. Within a few minutes of leaving the ground, you’ll reach your pre-determined hunting height safely.

Getting Set up for Hunting

Before drawing your bow, take a few final steps to get fully set up:

• Verify your safety harness tether is secured and you have slack to draw your bow.

• Carefully get gear like backpack, bow hook and quiver secured to the tree or platform.

• If needed, re-adjust platform angle or seat to get comfortable, taking pressure off feet or back.

• Do a range check by ranging landmarks to confirm pin adjustments are correct.

• Draw bow safely pointed down to guarantee adequate room and no interference.

If all goes well, you are now fully set to hunt from your aerial perch in stealth and safety. Enjoy!

Using Climbing Sticks and Hang-On Stands

For even greater height and mobility, many bowhunters combine climbing treestands with detachable climbing sticks. This allows accessing greater heights and still quickly relocating as desired.

When using climbing sticks:

• Only stand on sticks once fully secured to the tree with straps or bungees

• Space sticks at comfortable intervals matching your height – often 3 per tree

• Alternate stick placement orientation between trees for quick, quiet entry

• Use a lifeline to connect sticks and keep you safe if one fails or dislodges

A similar option is using your climbing stand to reach hang-on stands pre-positioned higher up trees via climbing sticks. This offers the best of both worlds.

Tips for Safe Descending

What goes up must come down! Carefully descending your tree stand at the end of hunts is just as crucial as ascending.

• Gather all loose items and gear and attach to your harness securely

• Ensure the safety tether remains connected to the tree above you on the way down

• Move the top stand portion below your feet before moving bottom portion

• Take deliberate steps only once solid footing is confirmed during each downward transition

• Go slow and avoid sliding which can lead to slips or uncontrolled descent

• Keep three points of contact maintained throughout the process

• Only disconnect from the tree once you’ve fully reached the ground

With the right techniques, getting down is quick and uneventful. Don’t rush the descent – safe is better than fast when finished hunting from an elevated perch.

Helpful Climbing Treestand Accessories

Specialized accessories can make using climbing treestands even easier and more convenient. Here are some must-have add-ons:

• Harness tether – Keeps you secured to the tree during climbing and hunting

• Haul line – Allows lifting gear like your bow up to your height with a rope

• Bow holder – Specialized hooks that safely secure your bow to the platform

• Footrest – Provides a place to rest feet and relieve pressure while waiting

• Stabilizer bar – Secondary support that attaches to tree for added safety

• Cushion – Padded seat improves comfort during long sits

• Camo screening – Conceals subtle movement and silhouette in the stand

The right accessories personalize your climbing system and take the hassle out of using it.

Key Takeaways on Using Climbing Tree Stands

Here are some quick tips to recap using self climbing treestands:

• Pick a lightweight, easy to use model that fits your body type

• Only climb sturdy, healthy trees without major branches

• Stay secured to the tree from the instant you leave the ground

• Set the platform angle to account for the tree’s taper

• Take your time climbing and descending in a controlled manner

• Use a lifeline and harness system as an absolute must for safety

• Add accessories like footrests, bow holders and cushions for comfort

• Practice installing and using your climbing stand before hunting season

Using a climbing treestand requires diligence and care. But the effort pays off in unmatched access and stealth that leads to bowhunting success. Stay safe and mobile this season with a quality self climbing tree stand system.