Go Back   Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum > Main Category > Hunting Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-19-2017, 03:30 PM
nast70's Avatar
nast70 nast70 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 1,239
Default First Try With a Ladder Stand

This will be my first outing with a ladder stand. Couldn't see anything in our usual spot with the willow growth on the cutlines last year, so time to get above it!
Other than the obvious safety measures (use of the supplied harness, 2 man set up etc.) do you regulars have any tips to make the experience more, well more than just an experience? Comfort tips, tricks and the like?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-19-2017, 03:44 PM
Gbuss Gbuss is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 767
Default

A camo wind break around your legs or a heater body suit
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-19-2017, 04:00 PM
dmcbride dmcbride is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Bazeau County East side
Posts: 4,166
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gbuss View Post
A camo wind break around your legs or a heater body suit
Yep, or a blanket.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-19-2017, 04:08 PM
Big Lou's Avatar
Big Lou Big Lou is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: AB
Posts: 800
Default

Far from an expert but I like to camo them up before erecting them. Not necessary but adds a cool factor if you're into that. I also remove the crappy covers usually supplied with the shooting rail and arm rests if the stand comes with those. Then take the round, foam pipe insulation and install where and how you prefer. Then cover that with the McNett camo wrap of your choosing. It fits tight, is quiet and comfortable to rest your elbows or firearm on. I also do a couple wraps where the shooting rail and seat contact the stops or frame of the stand. Eliminates any metal to metal or plastic contact. You can do the same on the foot rest if it has one so your feet aren't contacting metal on the uber chilly days.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-19-2017, 04:26 PM
muzzy muzzy is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: St. Albert, AB
Posts: 1,178
Default

If you havent put it up yet make sure you have two guys and you can also buy those kits with ratchet strap and spikes to anchor them better. They have a real tendancy to spin around tree when first putting up with the unfortunate thing being you have to be 15 feet up to ratchet it to tree to start with. I like to set up in a spruce tree if available which gives you instant camoflage and keep my trimming to a minimum.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-19-2017, 06:07 PM
charves charves is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 118
Default

1) Replace the clip pins with a nut and bolt. It keeps the ladder from shifting at all and making any noise climbing up and down. The clips work, but don't make a nice tight fit.
2) Be sure you step on the bottom rung so it settles into the ground really well...that also helps with any creek/clank sounds when you climb up. Sometimes the ladder can sink into the ground and hang up on a root causing the whole ladder to be unstable and shift while climbing, so bring an ax just in case you have to cut that out. This also helps keep the ladder from swinging while you ratchet up top.
3) The animals can still make you out easily if you move and don't have branches to give you some cover, so don't take too much comfort in being high above....still need to keep your movement to a minimum.
4) You can pee off the stand (don't hit the ladder that you have to climb down!). I've done this, then worry that it might scare the deer away, and later had deer walk by later and smell it, and move on. They don't know what it means...

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-20-2017, 07:36 AM
nast70's Avatar
nast70 nast70 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 1,239
Default

I like the idea of a spruce tree set up. Some good ideas so far, keep them coming...
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:38 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.