Safe/Unsafe Conditions for Climber

[UTGrad]

Since deer like to move before and after inclement weather, what conditions are considered unsafe for using a climbing stand. Can you climb and descend in rain?

 

[encore06]

Stay away from tight/slick bark trees like Popular.

 

[UTGrad]

Stay away from tight/slick bark trees like Popular.

Yep, that is what I have next to the house and tried climbing when I first put my stand together the day I got it. I knew right away I was climbing the wrong tree.

 

[cecil30-30]

I've never had no problems out of populars with my summit, it grips 'em real good.

 

[stik]

I've never had no problems out of populars with my summit, it grips 'em real good.

agreed. i look for a poplar if possible.

 

[Radar]

I've never had no problems out of populars with my summit, it grips 'em real good.

I agree , a Poplar tree is a good climbing tree . I have found that Red Oaks are the worst trees to climb when it's cold . I had my upper section slip in sub freezing temps last season , as I put weight on it to climb . It fell hard enough to knock the wind out of me when it bit into the tree . I was climbing a Red Oak .

 

[user 972]

the only tree I've really had a problem with is a shagbark Hickory. the calbes want to get under the bark. it was the only tree around with no branches and big enough to hold my weight.

 

[Radar]

The best trees to climb are white oaks in my opinion .

 

[ShaneHallum]

Red's are hard to climb..

Stay away from Pines, and most Cedars.

 

[muddyboots]

I have climbed em all. Sometimes crappy trees are where i need to be. The hardest too climb are shagbark hickories and hackberry. I will not climb a shagbark hickory but the rest of em are fair game.

 

[102]

Icy trees are kinda exciting to climb. Noisy too!

Hickory trees, Shagbark or Pignut, are BAD.

Poplars, White oaks, GREAT.

Pines are safe but very noisy.

Wet trees probably climb quieter and easier than dry.

Frozen trees are hard to climb.

102

 

[Radar]

Since deer like to move before and after inclement weather, what conditions are considered unsafe for using a climbing stand. Can you climb and descend in rain?

Getting back to your original question , I have hunted in a light rain and have never encountered a problem with a climber . Below freezing temps and frozen moisture on the trees are unsafe conditions and should be avoided with a climber .
The above mentioned trees or any smooth surfaced trees should also be avoided . It's best to pick out good climbing trees in your best spots and mark them with a reflective tack . I have picked out trees in the late winter and pruned them for fall hunting . I pick several trees in an area for different wind conditions , then all I have to do is shine my flashlight when I'm in the area and pick out the best tree for the wind direction that day .
Keep in mind that if you bowhunt during a heavy rain , any blood trail could likely be washed away . Thats why I avoid hunting in a heavy rain with a bow . If I hunt in a steady rain , it will be in an area where visibility is quite far so I can visually track a deer as it runs off after the shot .

 

[Carlos Viagra]

I usually look for a white oak, they're my favorite ones to climb.

 

[ImThere]

WOW! 2009! Man some of the usernames! I ain't seen in awhile!

 

[fairchaser]

Lightning is a big deterrent for me. I had a metal lock on get struck by lightning and burned. Don't become a lightning rod!

 

[swampbadger]

ive been out in freezing rain and you better start climbing down as soon as it starts or you are really asking for it.

sycamores have been the most problematic with my summit climber. They just slip and then catch and it's dangerous.

Sticks and lock ons can be used on any tree.

 

[timberjack86]

 

[Wooden Arrow]

pines suck. uncle rode an old climber all the way to the ground, went to emergency room getting bark pulled out of his arms /chest.

 

[Iglow]

Since deer like to move before and after inclement weather, what conditions are considered unsafe for using a climbing stand. Can you climb and descend in rain?

Steer clear of ash trees! They are dead or dying. They usta be my favorite but I wouldn't climb one now period. Elm trees are good. I usta climb rain or shine,never had an icy one that I remember.

 

[david k.]

Lightning is a big deterrent for me. I had a metal lock on get struck by lightning and burned. Don't become a lightning rod!

That explains an awful lot.....

 

[Knothead]

I agree , a Poplar tree is a good climbing tree . I have found that Red Oaks are the worst trees to climb when it's cold . I had my upper section slip in sub freezing temps last season , as I put weight on it to climb . It fell hard enough to knock the wind out of me when it bit into the tree . I was climbing a Red Oak .

Red oaks are the WORST!! Good way to hurt yoursel, or ruin a good pair of boxers ( or both) !!

 

[Wooden Arrow]

Lightning is a big deterrent for me.

yeah. i had lightning hit a tree on the other side of a food plot near Tellico once. came out of that tree one hell of a lot faster than i went up it.