Thread: Tree Stands

For some time now I've been conducting most of my deer hunting primarily by ambush. (Sit and wait) And having some success. Certainly seeing more and shooting the odd one.

When stalking I've not had a lot of success in the past. I break the cardinal rule of walking too fast and probably make too much noise.

I usually scout around a fair bit and once i find good sign set up. Mainly mornings and evenings. Sometimes I take a small comfortable folding canvas chair. Always shooting sticks. Usually near water, or feeding areas, sometimes wallows.

Problem is the bush is often very thick where I hunt and clearings scarce. Bush is so thick can't see more than 15 yards in front of me in much of it. And makes near impossible to stalk.

Some height will help in these areas. Giving me more opportunities.

So, what about tree stands? Popular in USA & Europe I know you can buy them but not cheap. I want portability, light weight. (Getting older) There are also "tree saddles".

Anyone here use them? Suggestions experience?

Been thinking about these too. There’s some areas where there is a good amount of traffic and I’ve thought if I sat there long enough it would be productive.


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Around the little town I grew up there were several in different places.
Never shot out of them but they could've been productive in the day.
One was railroad spikes 30+ feet up a rimu.
Never got to the top to see how it went.

There are a few all over the country.lots on Stewart island. Just need an area where expect to see animals and the bit I lack... patience

I’m always surprised how quickly wildlife return to live as normal once you are in place.

I have spent a fair bit of time in tree stands in the US South West.

You dont need to be 50 feet in the air . What you do need is for the stand to have been in place long enough for the animals to have gotten used to it and ignore.

You need patience, the ability to sit still , and not have to take a piss every half hour. Pee out the side of the stand and no animals will come near for a very long time .

But it is a very good way to see nature doing its thing . Hopefully your stand wont have mosquitos like South Carolinas have .....

mental note to self....build a pee tube into soakhole if ever make treestand..many cups of tea means many many wees

They seem to take a "pee" bottle.

A workmate I had while in Florida was from Georgia and would always go hunting there, Leading up to his hunt he would take a rotary hoe out and plant all sorts of seeds so they would germinate at different times to encourage the deer to hang around in the kill zone when he was in the stand. As @Oldbloke said, He always peed in jars so there would be no smell.

As a side note I had the honour of introducing him to meat pies (venison, bacon & mushroom), He was a convert.

Someone in NZ is doing it.

I try few brand and end up with the Hawk products
If I can let the stand on the tree for the hunting season I use one of my Cruzr Hang-On
the lower back rest on those let you stay in the tree for a day without inconfort
is I'm just exploring I have one saddle setup
with the Hang-on I use screw step (legal in Canada)
for the Saddle I use climbing stick

Ladder style are often cheaper and interesting on paper... but what a weight and struggle to install alone!

Tree saddle would be awesome as they are light and small. can set up anywhere in a very short time. I would consider useing one for bow hunting but not sure my dog would like sitting up a tree haha .