Types of Elevated Stands

Portable Tree Stands

Portable tree stands can be safe and environmentally friendly. Homemade stands should not be used. Commercial stands that are manufactured, certified, and tested to Treestand Manufacturer’s Association (TMA) standards are best. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and also practice installing a tree stand before you go hunting. Portable tree stands come in three basic types.

Hang-On Stands

These simple stands provide about four square feet of space. They must be hauled into place and secured to the tree with belts or chains. These stands require separate climbing aids such as segmented ladders or climbing sticks. When installing a climbing aid, determine your climbing route first. Attach the aid to the tree so that it extends above the stand’s platform and you can step down onto the center of the platform.

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Climbing Stands

These self-climbing stands are designed for trees with straight trunks and consist of two sections. A hunter “walks” the stand up a tree by moving the top section with the hands and the bottom section with the feet. While still on the ground, adjust the stand to allow for the tapering of the tree that occurs as you go up. When climbing, go slowly, take small steps, and keep the two sections of the stand connected with a tether. This stand is not suited for trees with shaggy bark or with branches between the ground and the desired elevation. Never use these stands on trees covered with ice or snow.

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Ladder Stands

Ladder stands provide a platform 10 to 20 feet above the ground. The built-in ladder lets you use these stands with a wider range of trees. Due to their size and weight, hunters normally assemble and set up ladder stands before the first day of hunting. Three to five people are needed to erect or take down a ladder stand safely. When setting up the stand, clear the base area of all rocks and debris, making sure the ground is level. Then lean the stand against the tree and chain or strap it into place. Using all parts, assemble the stand as instructed by the manufacturer.

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Tripods, Quadpods, or Tower Stands (Free-Standing)

These stands are similar to a ladder tree stand but are free-standing and do not require a tree. They can be placed anywhere that has a firm base. Some resemble one or two chairs atop stilts. Others are enclosed, box-like platforms.