The Wooden Stand (Death Trap)

[catman529]

checked my wooden tree stand that I built last year. It is just as solid as it was last year, nothing loose, all nails firmly in place, nothing creaks or cracks. If I get me one of those HSS Lifelines for my safety harness, I might just hunt out of it again this year. Wood ain't even showing signs of rotting.

 

[Shed Hunter]

checked my wooden tree stand that I built last year. It is just as solid as it was last year, nothing loose, all nails firmly in place, nothing creaks or cracks. If I get me one of those HSS Lifelines for my safety harness, I might just hunt out of it again this year. Wood ain't even showing signs of rotting.

Just be safe!

 

[catman529]

checked my wooden tree stand that I built last year. It is just as solid as it was last year, nothing loose, all nails firmly in place, nothing creaks or cracks. If I get me one of those HSS Lifelines for my safety harness, I might just hunt out of it again this year. Wood ain't even showing signs of rotting.

Just be safe!

that's why I will have to get a lifeline before hunting it. If something did break, I would be attached the whole time.

 

[redblood]

you can usually get 3 years out of untreated pine. i usualy use saw mill oak or treated pine

 

[WG Taxidermist]

I love hunting out of wooden stands! I also use sawmill oak for my steps.

 

[catman529]

Some of the supports are at least 2x8 or 2x10 planks which seem to be stronger than pine but not sure what type of wood. Most of the rest is pine and some is old deck planks. I sprayed it all with thompsons water seal when I made it.

I was originally going to retire the stand after last season, due to everyone here showing concern for my safety. Now that I see the stand is still good, I plan to use it again but with the life line to be on the safe side. Hope to kill a few more out of it. Doubt it will be good past 2 or 3 years.

 

[thetoolman]

Hunted out of many homemade stands. Just be sure to check them for safety and you should be good to go. Lifeline will be a good idea. Hope you kill a few more out of it.

 

[MattZ9]

If it looks safe and feels safe hunt it. Kill a hog out of it!

 

[Southern Sportsman]

You ought to repost a picture of the stand, Cat. I'm afraid some of these people didn't see it and have an incorrect perception of what you mean by "wooden stand." I've hunted out of several wooden stands, but none like yours. That being said, you're not that heavy, so if it feels sturdy, and your using a harness, i wouldn't blame you for hunting it.

 

[W.Seay]

Man, I have honestly worried about you many times during deer season after I saw the picture of that stand!

 

[catman529]

You ought to repost a picture of the stand, Cat. I'm afraid some of these people didn't see it and have an incorrect perception of what you mean by "wooden stand." I've hunted out of several wooden stands, but none like yours. That being said, you're not that heavy, so if it feels sturdy, and your using a harness, i wouldn't blame you for hunting it.

Man, I have honestly worried about you many times during deer season after I saw the picture of that stand!

Maybe it looks worse than it is, I dont know, but it does look a bit sketchy... Still feels solid to me, and I only weigh about 130. Going to use a life line for my harness when I hunt out of it this year. I have seen much worse old rotten stands on public land and random wood lots.

 

[Buzzard Breath]

Man, I have honestly worried about you many times during deer season after I saw the picture of that stand!

I'm with W.Seay on this. That thing is a death trap. Wearing a lifeline is a guarantee that you won't still have issues when it collapses. There is no excuse for foolishness. Just posting that you are considering this shows that you are doubting your choice to hunt out of it. Make the smart move and don't.

 

[catman529]

Man, I have honestly worried about you many times during deer season after I saw the picture of that stand!

I'm with W.Seay on this. That thing is a death trap. Wearing a lifeline is a guarantee that you won't still have issues when it collapses. There is no excuse for foolishness. Just posting that you are considering this shows that you are doubting your choice to hunt out of it. Make the smart move and don't.

I'm not doubting it, only thing that made me hesitate was what some people have said last year. The stand is more sturdy than it looks

 

[DMD]

I saw the pics last year, and I'm telling you it's not worth it. Sell some scrap metal, or cut a load or two of firewood and make you a $100 and buy a good ladder stand or even a loc-on stand (I'm not a big fan of them} and have confidence it is not going to fall out from under you. We are just concerned about you, please take it in the spirit it is intended.

 

[Good time Charlie]

I have hunted out of many homemade stands..but they were in the crotch of 3 or 4 limbs from the tree...and used Pole barn nails for steps...had to remodel every 2 to 3 years....but to be honest I felt safer in it then a climbing stand...I just had to wait and pick my shots .

 

[MattR]

Haha, I have hunted out of some that made me worry. Now, I always wear a harness. The year before last I was using a climbing stand that was really old, it was almost like the old baker tree stands. My dad gave it to me to use and after one close call I gave it back to him. It's not too much fun hunting when you are worried your gonna fall.

 

[mathews338]

I have hunted out of many homemade stands..but they were in the crotch of 3 or 4 limbs from the tree...and used Pole barn nails for steps...had to remodel every 2 to 3 years....but to be honest I felt safer in it then a climbing stand...I just had to wait and pick my shots .

i have always felt a lot safer in my homemade stands than any climber or lock on stand.

 

[mathews338]

Man, I have honestly worried about you many times during deer season after I saw the picture of that stand!

I'm with W.Seay on this. That thing is a death trap. Wearing a lifeline is a guarantee that you won't still have issues when it collapses. There is no excuse for foolishness. Just posting that you are considering this shows that you are doubting your choice to hunt out of it. Make the smart move and don't.

I'm not doubting it, only thing that made me hesitate was what some people have said last year. The stand is more sturdy than it looks

i think most of these guys are judging the book by it's cover. You are the only one who knows how safe it is and if you plan on wearing a lifeline then go for.

 

[thetoolman]

Man, I have honestly worried about you many times during deer season after I saw the picture of that stand!

I'm with W.Seay on this. That thing is a death trap. Wearing a lifeline is a guarantee that you won't still have issues when it collapses. There is no excuse for foolishness. Just posting that you are considering this shows that you are doubting your choice to hunt out of it. Make the smart move and don't.

I'm not doubting it, only thing that made me hesitate was what some people have said last year. The stand is more sturdy than it looks

i think most of these guys are judging the book by it's cover. You are the only one who knows how safe it is and if you plan on wearing a lifeline then go for.

^^^ This. I have seen the pic. Pictures don't tell the whole story. Yes wood will deteriorate over time, but only you can make the determination whether you feel safe in that stand or not. I have been in metal ladder stands that I did not feel safe in, so in the end if you feel safe and take all safety precautions then go for it.

 

[landman]

I just toured a Food Plot test farm last week that had several
wooden stands, many in the group commented how the wouldn't hunt
them for anything.

the wind can hit the tree during the night and screw yours up by the tree twisting around, just you checked it without a lifeline?

These days stands are cheaper then quality lumber, Whats your Life
worth?

 

[Ahuntin1]

Catman, please at least put some 3 inch screws in that thing. I will be thru nashville around 3 thursday and coming back thru sunday morning. You free either time to grab those lock-ons?

 

[catman529]

Catman, please at least put some 3 inch screws in that thing. I will be thru nashville around 3 thursday and coming back thru sunday morning. You free either time to grab those lock-ons?

I might make one of those times work, do you have my # to text me?

 

[-DRM-]

Bunch of sissies here I tell ya, lol.


Come on - post up another pic of the stand!

 

[catman529]

Bunch of sissies here I tell ya, lol.


Come on - post up another pic of the stand!

ok, here is a pic of it. It is a platform that is double braced from the top and bottom. The shooting rail is not quite as sturdy (still holds my weight), but is mainly to keep me enclosed and also holds a cup holder and dry storage. I have to bring a seat to sit on.

Mudbone has climbed in it and says it is solid too. Wouldn't want someone real heavy on it though :grin:





Here are the deer killed from the stand last year

 

[redblood]

nothing is more quiet and comfy than a good wooden stand imo

 

[MattR]

It doesn't look as bad to me as everyone was saying. Looks comfortable. Just be safe of course.Also, I agree ahuntin1 Throw some screws in it, all I would be worried about was the condition of the nails or screws that are in it.

 

[Winchester]

As long as you attach your harness when you leave the ground, you really have little to worry about!

 

[redblood]

i always make mine between 2 trees. sometimes 3 and climb the on the inside of one of the trees so i leaning in towards the tree

 

[catman529]

I put up the life line/prussik knot on the tree today. And kicked off the old stale blackberry-filled coon poop that was in the stand.

 

[MattR]

IMO,the coon poop probably gave it a little more character and should have been left alone...