How to Use Self Climbing Tree Stands for Bowhunting Success

For bowhunters, a climbing tree stand makes it easy to move from one spot to another, so they can hunt where the sign is freshest. To improve your chances of success, here are some tips on how to use a climbing treestand safely.

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.

Achieving The Right Treestand Angle

Let’s start with the perfect situation. To do this, find a tree that is almost as wide at the base as it is at the top. In this case, the platform only needs a small amount of an “upward” angle when the stand is attached for it to sit LEVEL at the right hunting height.

Remember that the starting angle needs to be less to make up for platform drop if there is less overall loss in tree diameter.

Now, let’s look at the worst case scenario. Here the tree is wide at the bottom and gets fairly narrow as it goes up.

It is still possible to climb this tree as long as it isn’t too small for the treestand’s attachment system to safely bite into. To get around the drop that the difference in diameter will cause, you need to tilt the platform UPWARD enough.

how to use self climbing tree stand

If the diameter of the tree changes with height, the front of the platform will drop as the stand goes higher in the tree.

By the time it gets to a safe hunting height, it will be pointing down, which is often too much to do safely. When this happens, climbing back down and increasing platform angle or choosing another tree is the only options. Either scenario is time consuming and only serves to alert deer to the fact they are being hunted. The more you use your climbing stand, the more you’ll know what angle you need to climb any tree.

Securing Top and Bottom Section

The platform angle is set, and the right tree has been chosen. Now it’s time to get in the treestand and start climbing.

But before the climbing can begin, some safety steps need to be taken to make sure the climb and descent are safe. First, make sure that the treestand’s top and bottom pieces are connected. This will keep the stand’s bottom from falling to the ground if it falls off your feet while you’re climbing.

Most treestands come with some sort of bungee cord or rope tied to both sections for this purpose. If your climbing stand doesn’t come with these stabilizer straps, you should buy them before you try to climb a tree.

Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand

FAQ

Do you need a harness in a climbing tree stand?

No matter what type of tree stand you use, the basic rules apply to all of them. Always wear a full-body harness also known as a fall-arrest system. Connect to your tether line and keep your tether line short. The tether is designed to keep you in the seat, not to catch you after you fall.

How high should you go in a climber tree stand?

Often times 20 feet is the benchmark. This will get you up high enough to be out of direct line of sight for any deer in the area and is not so high that a hunter feels uncomfortable climbing to and getting into the stand safely. If you’re using a climber, you are limited based on the shape of the tree.

How to use a climbing stand?

Before climbing up, check all the straps, nuts, bolts, back and foot rest, seat and other parts of a climbing unit. Climbing stands are holding the tree trunks via cables. These cables should be strong, rust free and unbreakable. Once stand is attached, apply pressure via foot and sitting position to lock it in the tree.

How do you climb a tree stand?

Some trees are rock hard – hickory, maple, ironwood – and don’t allow the stand teeth to dig in. Try to avoid these trees to avoid problems with slipping. Climbing tree stands employ two pieces – the platform and the climbing aid, which often doubles as your seat. Lash the two pieces together when you climb.

Why should you use a climbing Treestand?

Climbing treestands are key when exploring new hunting locations, public land and going on travel hunts due to the easy set up and take down. When tree diameter changes with height, the front of the platform will drop as the stand moves further up the tree.

How to use a climbing tree stand safely?

Knowing how to use a climbing tree stand safely, is necessary for beginner hunters. To use a climbing tree stand, find straight, sturdy branchless tree (diameter 16 to 24 inches) with rough bark. Fix treestand seat and platform via cables, around the tree. Use hands to take seat upward while putting pressure on platform via foot to move it along.

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