How Tree Stands Work

by Rosalind Jackson

Transporting Tree Stands

­If you're not hunting from a permanent tree stand, you'll need to lug you­r portable stand around every time you go hunting. Once you get it into the woods, you'll probably need to move it a few times before you find a suitable location. Smaller stands, like hang-on stands, climbing tree stands and climbing sticks are very lightweight and easy to move from place to place simply by carrying them over your back or in a bag [source: Wilson].

Heavier or bulkier tree stands like ladder stands aren't so easy to move around, although they may be easier and less time-consuming to put up. To transport your ladder stand you may need the help of a few hunting buddies to navigate your way through the trees, and to assemble and disassemble the stand.

No matter what kind of stand you're using, be careful and pay attention when putting it together and taking it apart. Incomplete assembly of a tree stand may lead to a serious fall from dozens of feet in the air.

Now when you take your nature walks, you will no longer be confused as to what those contraptions in the trees are. You might even have enough knowledge to join your neighbors in their tree stand hunting adventures.

Hunting History

In the earliest era of hunting, humans hunted and scavenged for animals as a source of food, often using spears fashioned out of wood and stones. Often traveling in packs, many hunters kept antlers and teeth as trophies. As civilization progressed, it became easier and easier for humans to obtain food without hunting, and many new rules were introduced to prevent hunting of certain animals or on specific property. Currently, hunting is considered a sport, and weapons have evolved from spears to an array of bows, rifles and traps. With the transformation to sport, and the advancement of weaponry, hunting has become a more regulated past time, with training requirements, designated hunting seasons and weapon restrictions [source: Blain].

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Sources

  • Adams, Chuck. "Shooting from elevated stands -- tips and techniques for hunters afield." December 1989. (12/6/08) http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3197/is_n12_v34/ai_8331121
  • Blain, Rebecca. "The Evolution of Man -- The History of Hunting." April 1, 2005. (12/7/2008)http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Evolution-of-Man---The-History-of-Hunting&id=25107
  • Blair, Mike. "Staying Alive in a Tree Stand." (12/7/2008) http://www.dto.com/hunting/article.jsp?articleid=693
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. "Tree Stand Safety." 2008. (12/6/08)http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/treestand/index.html
  • Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. "The Allure of Tree Stand Hunting." (12/6/08)http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/planahunt/treestand.html
  • My Outdoor Adventure Network. "Basic Treestand Hunting Techniques." (12/7/2008)http://www.myoan.net/huntingart/deer_stand_techniques.html
  • My Outdoor Adventure Network. "Where Do I Put My Treestand?" (12/6/08) http://www.myoan.net/huntingart/deer_stand.html
  • Today's Bowhunter. "Use of Elevated Stands and Other Techniques." (12/6/08)http://www.bowhunter-ed.com/mi/course/ch6_tree_stand_types.htm
  • Today's Hunter in South Carolina. "Types of Elevated Stands." (12/6/08) http://www.hunter-ed.com/sc/course/ch6_types_of_elevated_stands.htm
  • Tree Stand Info. "Deer Stands." (12/6/08) http://www.treestandinfo.com/deer_stands.htm
  • Tree Stand Info. "Tree Stand Accessories." (12/7/2008) http://treestandinfo.com/tree_stand_accessories.htm
  • Wilson, Kevin. "Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Choosing and Using Blinds and Stands" (12/7/2008)http://www.biggamehunt.net/sections/Off_Season/Out_of_Sight_Out_of_Mind_Choosing_and_Using_Blinds_and_Stands_04130705.html