I have the same sticks. I’ve used them almost exclusively for 4 seasons now. I’ve never had a worry with stability or safety. I use amsteel rope instead of the supplied straps. I feel like no matter the tension method, I try to wrap the strap as tight to the tree as possible as I pull it around the back side of the tree. I do keep them in line with each other vs spiraling as I go up. I weigh 235 and they’re rock steady for me.

 

Don't take for granted they are tight, as you climb check and tighten as needed. Take your time. Always hook up to your lifeline.
On a side note would this tree give you better cover? Cant tell from this angle. Oh and good luck

 

Thanks for the advice. That was one of the things I noticed, say my climbing belt snagged on the way up and bumped a stick loose. I guess when I step on it, it should tighten back up in that scenario, but would probably move a bit in the process.

As for that other tree, there is a field edge in that direction that I was intending to stay a bit more hidden from. Using the tree you circed as cover. I don't love the location, and it's still early enough that I may move it or put up one more stand. I caught deals on the stands and sticks and bought 2 compete setups. Was kind of keeping the extra set in the box in case I hate it for now, but also as one I can take somewhere else if I want.

 

I don’t wear my wedding band any more, I caped my ring finger when my ring got caught on a forklift

 

That stinks sorry to hear that. Rubber rings for me only.

 

I don’t wear my wedding band any more, I caped my ring finger when my ring got caught on a forklift

That stinks sorry to hear that. Rubber rings for me only.

Yea, it sucked, I knew instantly I messed up. But also knew it could have been worse. Didn't lose it or cause any permanent damage. What was worrying me was the ring cutting off circulation as it swelled. I could feel it getting tighter and tighter and my pulse thumping in my finger tip.

 

Wow, glad your finger is not any worse than it is.

I have these same sticks and always try to hang them as straight as the tree allows. If your stepping to the side and putting sideways pressure on the bottom of the stick, I feel like it wants to kick out away from me, if that makes any since. Downward pressure, no problems.

 

Did the same thing with my high school class ring. Bout ripped my finger off. Bottom step, i dropped down or tried to anyways. Still had ahold of step above and when i dropped the ring caught just right and hung up. Just a freak thing bud.

 

That must suck hope it gets better

 

Sorry bout your finger! This makes
Me feel better i hunt in ground blinds…

 

A buddy of mine stripped the meat off of his finger when he got his ring hung up on the high metal sides of a truck and ended up losing his finger.

Wear gloves....and place those stands where you aren't so exposed with something like the crotch of a tree behind you.

 

[QUOTE="crakdanok,

100% on the gloves. I know better.

As for stand placement, the place I expect deer to be is to the right of the picture. I'm right handed so it's easier for me to shoot left. If the deer are where I expect them to be, that cluster of trees will be behind me breaking up my silhouette. If they are in the field edge to the left in my picture, the trees still break me up, just in front of me. The problem is getting the dang deer to do what they're supposed to 😉 My ladder stand has much more cover, but when I'm there the deer are over in this spot. When I'm here, they'll probably be licking my ladder stand. What do you do?

 

I just got married yesterday. I picked out a groove ring. Everyone asked where the “real ring was”

I'm wearing it… ordered 3 more. Love it. I don’t even know it’s there. God forbid something happens a pocket knife can remove it.

Sorry to hear about your accident. Hopefully you recover soon. Get a groove ring!

 

Congrats!

And yea, I'm healing. It's still bruised quite a bit, but I can bend it more today. I have a 4 pack of silicon ones. Could be groove, can't remember, that I bought a year ago. I caught a long pass playing catch with a football right into the tip of my ring finger. Luckily I thought quick enough to pull my ring off before it swelled up that time. I couldn't wear my original titanium one for almost 6 months. It just wouldn't fit over my knuckle. The ring was still a little tighter from that incident, which made things worse this time. All that to say, I know better... my wedding ring wasn't expensive, maybe $50, but it's the one she gave me so I tried to wear it. Now it may have to be a necklace if I can find someone that can weld titanium.

 

Thanks for sharing. A friend completely degloved his ring finger in a similar manner.

 

And that's why I wear a silicone wedding ring...

As far as the sticks go, I always go straight up in a line more or less, unless I have to get around something.

If the daisy chain seems to be in between links and not tight enough there are a couple tricks. You can twist the strap until the next further link can just barely fit over the button (works with webbing style straps). You can turn the stick diagonal so the bottom standoff isn't on the tree and attach the link then rotate the stick back onto the tree. You can try the "trucker's hitch" method with the daisy chain straps.

Also, be sure you always set your sticks. When you have the strap attached pull the bottom of the stick away from the tree and pull it down to set it.

 

Silicone ring for me too, broke my ring finger in 2016 and they barely got my wedding band off before resorting to cutting in the nick of time.

IMO climbers are the absolute safest stand, did you use any straps like the Thirdhand straps?

I've had the Hawk 30" sticks has to be 10 years - I'll admit I have a disdain for sticks, I've only had two mishaps and one was sticks and the other a hangon. I hung four full length Hawk sticks in 2022(?) and was pretty high up and coming down from a hunt the top stick kicked out on me.

I'd never had a problem before and haven't since other than a strong leeriness of sticks, but when it kicked out I had ditched the stock straps and used a rope mod. I bought my Hawks before they came with the daisy chain thing.

I have relegated sticks and hang on to semi permanent hangs. I probably won't do a hang and hunt with sticks and hang on. A buddy of mine with Hawk sticks replaced the stock Hawk versa button with a LW versa button. He gave me his old versa buttons. I replaced the suction cup thing on the bottom with his old versa button and double strap my Hawks.

They are SOLID but definitely not a hang and hunt deal and certainly not mobile. LOL! If I need to be mobile and a climber won't work I'll go with my saddle and four Trophy Line Double minis. Can't get quite as high as with the Hawks but that's ok.

 

I like the double strap idea. Mine are semi permanent as well. I didn't have those straps for my climbers, but did have the bottom tied to the top in case I ever dropped it. That saved me a few times.

Also appreciate mossy-back's tips. I do the rotate and get the next loop method. Didn't think about twisting the strap or tieing it.

 

I like the double strap idea. Mine are semi permanent as well. I didn't have those straps for my climbers, but did have the bottom tied to the top in case I ever dropped it. That saved me a few times.

Also appreciate mossy-back's tips. I do the rotate and get the next loop method. Didn't think about twisting the strap or tieing it.

The cam straps that come stock with most sticks may be louder, more cumbersome, a bit heavier, etc but IMHO the safest and most secure. However, every manufacturer's straps are not created equal.

I use some LW straps I had left over from previous sticks and the stock Hawk straps for the bottom.

 

More practice with the stand and sticks will give you better confidence in the setup. Definitely try to keep your sticks aligned on the tree.

My first year using the LW stand and LW sticks I had some struggles but I have a lot of confidence in this setup now. Versatility you can’t get with a climber.

 

It takes practice and more practice. Don’t focus your efforts on speed. Focus on being quiet and not getting sweaty. I use two lineman’s ropes with carabiners. I clip one when going over branches and then the other. I like my top stick to be high enough on the tree so I can step right on the stand. I use aiders on my stIckes but suggest you keep it as simple as possible for now. I also tie a rope to the stand at ground level and clip it on my harness. Then when at full height, pull it up and hang it. Then use as your bow rope. Slow and steady will win the race here. Best of luck to you.

 

I have been married for almost 40 years and have never worn a ring, because I worked in the electro mechanical field, they can be a hazard to your finger even with a small home task, just ask Jimmy Fallon.

I have hunted from a tree longer than I have been married, this is not the only system I use but I have found it to be the most stable and easy to use for a preset.

I like a stick ladder from the ground up, this one is on a practice setup my hunting ladders have full steps not staggered, to me the full step makes vertical stand position easier to line up with an off side step and that is important when getting on and off.
I position my life line so I do not have to cross it when getting in or out of the stand.

I attach my life line like this so it is snug, it makes moving the Prusik much easier, I also add screw in steps for hand holds while stepping on and off the platform, and on all of my presets I leave the pull rope short enough that I don't have to lay my bow on the ground.
Everything else like bow holder and equipment hooks to taste.

We all have different comfort levels, the seats on my stands are usually set at 22 to 24 feet and I am very comfortable with my sets from the ground up, if you are not comfortable change whatever is making you uncomfortable. I have a few sets of climbing sticks and they can be a little sketchy at times so If you feel the climbing sticks are not for you, give a stick ladder a try.
25' guide gear full step stick ladder at sportsman guide $70.00

 

Ya Rings are trouble. Coworker fell off Dozer transport and grabbed a hold of the Forestry Package Screen on Dozer window and degloved his entire digit. One more loss and he will have tha Ninja Turtle hand.

 

I really like securing the bottom of the safety line. I don't really want to put too many screws into my trees, but I could use a strap to secure the bottom. I think the stick ladder would work really well for me. Might be tapped out on my hunting budget this year though. My wife is factoring the ER visit into the cost of venison this year lol

 

This works great and easy to move, very stable and safe.