Types of Tree Stands

Tree stands are among the most popular way to hunt because allow hunters to have a better view of a larger area, give them a good shooting spot and keep away from the reach of predators and other hunters' bullets.

Once just a platform against a tree, stands have evolved and currently there are many available options to meet different hunters' requirements. On this regard it's possible to find from small, portable, light stands to set up on a matter of minutes, up to large, fixed platforms intended to be on their place all year long.

What kind of tree stand will depend entirely of your needs, personal preferences, skills and budget.

There's not an ideal stand, thus what works for a hunter might not be good for other, so you need to be completely aware of your own capabilities and requirements in order to choose from the below tree stands.

Fixed Stands: These are platforms intended to be fixed against a tree trunk using straps. They are light and portable and their designs may vary from a simple, small platform to step on, up to larger ones where a hunter may be even sit. 

If you choose a fixed stand it's very important to check it before each use and install the apparel at low altitude to evaluate if there's any crack or fail; furthermore, you must be sure it may handle your wedith and the most important thing: it must be silent!

Permanent Stands: This type of stand is a fixed stand variety intended to be left in place for long periods. Instead of being light, portable and fast to install, permanent stands are bulky, heavy and need some time to get installed.

Once done, they are thought to be left on place all year long and be used season after season, thus the right spot is vital for success.

Permanent stands models vary according to hunters budgets and skills, from just a simple, plain, large wooden platform attached to one or more trees, up to a complete covered shelter where a hunter might spend the whole day, something like a tree house.

Ladder Stands: This is the best choice for newbies. Ladder stands allow to climb up and down to the platform easily and safely, their require less effort to be used and are easier to install since there's no need to climb.

However ladder stands are bulkier and heavier than other stand types and the whorse part is that deer asociate a ladder with human presence, afterwards there are not many ladders in nature, thus if you are planning to use a ladder stand the best choice is to install it a few days before season begins; this way deer will get accustomed to the ladder and won't leave away once your are using the stand.

Climbing Stands: These ones are a blend between a climbing device and a regular fixed stand. This hybrid model eliminates the need of climbing and provides a good, fixed, spotting platform which may be easily moved up or down according to hunter's need without many effort.

It's the lighter and more portable of all tree stands types but requires a skilled, experienced hunter to be used properly.

Tower Stands: Same as permanent stands, these platforms are intended to be left on the field for long periods. They differ from permanent stands on the fact they don't need a tree to be built, instead they have their own support over three or four legs.

Tower stands may be very large and comfortable to expend long hunting periods, but need a skilled hunter to built it strong enough to survive weather inclemencies and exposure to elements. 

Intended to be used on areas where there are not enough trees to install regular stands, tower stands must be blended as much as possible with the surroundings, otherwise deer and other game will spot the tower and see it as a menace, keeping away of your firing range.

If you wish to have an elevated, safe and privilege hunting spot, tree stands are for your, however you'll need to choose the one that best fit your needs, train properly on its use and keep in mind safety as top one priority.