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Selecting Treestands and Packs
Treestands and Packs
by Brian Wensel
 Selecting a Treestand
You can’t hunt deer if you don’t have a good hunting spot. Methods and techniques for hunting whitetails will not be discussed in this article, but stand selection will. By stand selection I mean choosing whether you will purchase a climbing stand, ladder stand, lock on stand with climbing sticks, or a ground blind.
Climbing treestands can be very versatile an affordable. They also allow you the opportunity to walk into the woods, find a good tree and in seconds you are 15 to 20 feet in the air and hunting. They are lightweight, compact, and can be carried on your back for long distances if needed.
Ladder treestands require some prior planning and concealment, but can provide a stand location that is well hidden that can be easily and quietly accessed under the cover of darkness. If placed in your hunting location prior to the season, the presence of the stand can become accepted by the local wildlife and will not peak their curiosity when seen.
Lock on treestands also require some prior planning but are extremely flexible, allowing you to set up in some of the most complex trees that often provide amazing cover and concealment qualities. They do have the added requirement for stair steps or ladder sticks attached to the tree to allow for access.
Ground blinds are a quick and easy way to set up on the ground. They require some concealment in order to blend into the surroundings, but once accepted by the wildlife they can make hunting on the ground an amazing experience.
 I possess all of the above, but more often than not, choose to use my API Bowhunter climbing stand. For me, it is lightweight and can be quietly placed on the tree and quickly climbed into position. If the weather changes or I want to move, I can easily do so with little to no disturbance to my surroundings. For a first tree stand, I would recommend the versatility of a climbing stand. There are several makes and models, check them out and decide which you feel comfortable sitting in. Some are smaller than others, and if you are not comfortable sitting 20 feet in the air on a tiny seat you might want to consider one of the larger models. Take your time and choose one that will serve your needs for several years. There is something to be said for comfort when sitting on stand all day, so again, choose wisely.
I will close this section simply by stressing the importance of ALWAYS wearing a safety harness when in a stand. I use the Hunter Safety System Pro Series Vest and never enter the woods without it.
Selecting a Hunting Pack
The final piece of gear that you want to ensure you choose wisely is a backpack. I like to have a backpack with straps that have quick disconnect attachments not only to easily remove, but they allow the pack to be strapped to your tree stand when your tree stand is being carried on your back though the woods.
There are several odds and ends that can be placed in your pack and it really comes down to what you feel you will need on your hunt. At the end of this article is a list of what I take when I go on a local hunt; modify as you see fit.
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