Treestands: it's a whole new game for the nineties

Shooting Industry, August, 1989 by Ed Rivers, P. Davis

TREESTANDS: IT'S A WHOLE NEW GAME FOR THE NINETIES

There was a time when offering treestands to deer hunters was as simple as stocking a couple of brands or styles. In recent years, however, tree and tripod stand design has emerged as one of the most dynamic areas in the hunting industry. Gone forever are the days when before the opening day of the season, the average deer hunter found a likely ambush point, and nailed an arm load of planks across the fork of a tree.

Many factors have lead to the evolution of the sophisticated array of treestands available today. Old fashion American entrepreneur spirit lead to many improvements in modern stand design. However, other equally important factors provided a catalyst for several of the new treestand designs.

All stand makers now strive harder for safer, more refined products. The era of treestands made by fly-by-night treestand makers has passed. High liability insurance costs put many early treestand builders out of business. Those remaining now offer treestands of superior stability and much improved safety.

High-tech, lightweight alloys are commonplace in the construction of modern treestands. Non-reflective finishes are standard. Industry insiders believe light, all-metal stands with fabric seats will dominate the future. Presently, the trend appears to be away from plywood that can rot, and that casts solid shadows on the ground, although many high quality stands still employ plywood in their construction.

Treestands have become increasingly "user friendly". Greater emphasis has been placed on incorporating a higher degree of comfort into a stand's design. Comfortable hunters stay in the woods longer, and the more time one spends in the woods, the greater their chances are of bagging a trophy buck.

Outside forces have forced other changes in how stands are designed. Growing objections among farmers and public hunting land managers who oppose "biting" treestands and boring-style climbing aids that often damage valuable trees. Many of the new treestands do little if any damage. Makers often strive to have stand designs okayed by public land managers. It is important for sporting goods dealers to know what is permitted in their state, and what treestands are available which will fill the needs of their customers.

This year potential treestand buyers will discover a whole new generation of innovative climbers and climbing aids that inflict no damage on trees. Amidst it all, is a rebirth in interest in tripod and ladder style stands. These do not require trees. The array of different types and styles of elevated hunting stands is greater today than ever before.

Retailers can increase their treestand sales and their share of the lucrative deer hunting market by knowing values of each treestand and how it applies to the hunting conditions of their customers. Know your products, and take time to find out the type of hunting individuals do. When matched with the proper gear, a hunter's chances for success increase. Successful deer hunters are return customers.

The Stands

Buck shot's new "PortaClimber" is nicknamed the `Cadillac' of climbing treestands. It features padded seat, back and arm rests. You will be hard pressed to find a steadier, safer or more simple to use climbing treestand. When in use, its seat faces the tree, making it particularly attractive to gun hunters. The PortaClimber can be used on trees 8" to 18" in diameter. At under 20 pounds, it is easily carried through the woods. It is recommended for gun and archery hunting.

Forrester Tree Stands' new "Ultimate" ladder stand has five noteworthy features. Its steel tubular frame extends up to 15'. Everything is welded to eliminate moving parts that jam, rust or squeak. The "Tree Gripping" portable ladder attaches so close to the tree it is almost invisible. A camlocking action chain harmlessly attaches the stand and ladder to the tree. The hunter comfortably hunts on a waterproof, 1-1/4" polyurethane foam padded seat above a 13" x 23" `steady-stance' platform: one of the widest offered. It is ideal for gun or archery hunting, especially where stands can be left for extended periods of time.

Warren and Sweat's new "Special" combines unique reversible features that are ideal for bow and gun hunters. With the positioned back rest up, the recliner-style seat faces the tree. Reversed, the user's back is against the tree, and their feet rest on the seat back. The unit weighs under 20 pounds. If going up a tree is out of the question, the company's new "Sentinel Tower" quad-pod stand may be the answer. Its all-aluminum, case-hardened hardware is rated to support up to 300 pounds. The legs come in 4' sections that can extend the Sentinel Tower's comfortable swivel seat up to 20' above the ground. The side and forearm rests are standard. Again, each stand is ideal for bow or gun hunting.

Cross River's new "Hunter's Seat" is designed for deer hunters on the go. At under 3 pounds, this cushioned seat can be carried on your belt. It secures to a tree by rope or chain. Mobile deer hunters will love this lightweight treestand.