Bow Hunting and Tree Climbing are extremely technical practices that cannot be done efficiently without proper preparation and an effective strategy.
One of the first steps is picking out the most suitable tree, out of the million trees, into which you can lock the seat of your climber tree stand and comfortably shoot a direct hit at your prey.
This is the most crucial step as hunting through climber stands is a unique method for which we require trees that are strong, and can efficiently hold the climbing tree stands. Thus, this method of hunting is limited to very specific trees.
In this article, we will be discussing all the important factors you need to consider while choosing the best trees for climbing tree stands.
Best Trees for Climbing Tree Stand
Top 4 Factors to consider in choosing the best trees for Climbing Tree Stand:
1. Type Of Tree
The foremost element to consider while choosing the Best tree for climbing tree stands is the type of tree. This is more of a safety concern as the wrong type of tree can result in accidents that can cost hunters their lives.
Therefore, choose trees with rough and sturdy barks to ensure that they can hold your climber tree stand firmly. Never choose trees with smooth and slippery barks as this will enable your tree stand to move as you climb higher or shift weight.
A moving stand at a height of around 20-25 feet can prove to be extremely dangerous and can even cause the seat to slide down the tree.
Hence, trees such as Aspen and Birch trees should be avoided due to their very smooth barks. Beech trees are also not a good option due to the fact that their barks are slippery and can make it very difficult to lock stands.
In addition to this, trees producing a lot of sap are also not ideal as they produce a lot of sap which will cover your tree stand and make it sticky.
For this reason, pine trees, especially, white pine trees are not advisable for climber tree stands, although they have soft barks into which the teeth of climber stand can easily dig.
Maple and Oak trees are the rare ones that have both sturdy and soft barks to easily hold onto the tree stand. Thus, they are the ideal type of tree for many.
2. Branches
The second most important thing to consider is the tree branches. Branches can prove to be a great hindrance to the efficient use of the climber tree stand as the seat can get stuck in between the long, heavy branches.
Furthermore, the branches will also restrict the up and down movement of the climber tree stand which is necessary for effective hunting. Therefore, do not choose trees with excessive long branches or double trunks.
It would be very difficult to find a tree that has just a few branches. For this reason, keep a handsaw with you at all times. If the hunting area allows the cutting of trees, trim the branches of the tree to clear a path for your climber tree stand.
This will allow better access and ensure that you have a better hunting view. Skinny pine trees; are a great example of trees with a good bark and few branches.
3. Cover
Picking out trees with sufficient cover is crucial in order to avoid being seen by your prey. Usually, the branches of the tree provide a great cover. However, as we have discussed before trees with a lot of branches can be an obstacle for your tree stands.
Therefore, the alternative way to get a good cover is to pick out a tree in clusters. In simpler words, choose a tree that is closely surrounded by other trees.
Another way is to position yourself according to the direction of the Sun. You must attach your climber tree stand in such a way that the sun is at your back.
This way, your chances of being spotted will be greatly reduced as most animals including deer cannot look in the direction of the Sun.
4. Size
The last but not the least factor to consider is the size of the tree. Tall trees with thin, straight barks are the best ones for climber tree stands. Trees which are leaning downwards or are curved are deemed to be unsafe for climbing and for using tree stands.
In addition to this, a diameter of 16-24 inches for the trunk is ideal to lock in the climbing tree stand seat. The diameter should not be too small as it will cause the tree to sway with the wind, making it unstable.
It should also not be too large as that would make it very hard to firmly lock the climbing tree stand. The best way to determine the exact diameter is through the broadness of your shoulders. The tree with the closest figure is the best one!
Final Remarks
Picking out the best tree in order to use climbing tree stands can be a daunting task. There are a number of factors on which your choice must depend.
These include the type of the tree, tree branches, the cover it offers, and the size of the tree. All these factors combined will help you reach your final decision.
After analyzing all the factors and reviews from various hunters, we believe that the best trees for tree climbing are Maple and Oak Trees.
Although pine trees have very soft barks, making it very easy for climbers and hunters to dig into them and attach the tree stands, their excessive sap production prevents them from being our top choice.
On the other hand, Maple and Oak trees have strong sturdy barks which ensure that the climbing tree stand seat remains firm and stable.
Thus, providing you with the necessary security required during such risky activities. In addition to this, their tall and straight shape make them the best possible trees for climbing.
In conclusion, remember to not just hop onto any tree with your climbing tree stand and ensure that the tree is safe by analyzing them in accordance with the attributes mentioned above.