Sounds like Bill already has his answer, but I would submit that a climber is the way to go for anyone that plans to hunt for an extended period of time. While it does limit the type/style of tree (unless you own the land and can cut small/medium limbs as you ascend), you can't beat them for comfort when compared to hangers.I fought with a friend for years that a platform/hanger with climbing sticks was the way to go, not climbers. My arguement was around the flexibility of choosing a tree, which is fair.After finally picking up bow-hunting, I hunted several years and did not fill the buck tag. In the past 5 years of using a climber, I have harvested 3 good-size bucks. I attribute most of these successful hunts to my climber. Not because it's light to carry or quiet/easy to enter the tree, but because it provides a level of comfort that is unsurpassed! 2 of the 3 bucks were taken during early afternoon times when, in the past, I was getting out of my stand to relax, doing a still hunt or going back to camp to re-energize.Climbers afford the hunter (when spouses permit) the opportunity to stay quietly in position and hunt all day. It's tough to bag a buck when you're not in your stand!Stick with the climber Bill!

Hey Bubba - If you are close to OK, I'll put ya up for the hunt. Just have to know where to go here when the wind comes sweeping down the plain. Might also be helpful to have some lightweight gear in case next year is anything like this one - highs were in the 70's from ML through the first whole week of Rifle. Ugh! Nothing like huntin' in a t-shirt during the rut!

sorry bubba, the offer still stands (get it stands) if you want to come use mine.On a serious note, for all of you guys using stands PLEASE USE A FULL BODY HARNESS everytime and bring a cell phone. I went on a call today for a guy up on his stand in big medical trouble. First if he didnt have his cell we would have never known he was in trouble. And before we could set him out he slumped over and would have fallen if he wasnt harnessed, without either of those things he would not be home for christmas, so please do the right thing for yourself and your family. Merry Christmas everyone. And bill h amazon got me your book last week.

Well bill t, you ain't driving from Ct to me in time to set me up a ladder stand by tomorrow morning! Better figure on at least 2 days, one way! Just say I'm closer to OK than I want to be!Bubba

and for bubba where are you man, i will come set up a ladder stand for you so you can hunt, anything to help a brother get out in the field, or come to connecticut and you can use mine

I usually hunt on foot but three years ago I bought a ladder stand.. this is the first year I used it..love love the ease to put up I feel safe in it.. I would like one more section though..

First let me magnify the genius of Mr. Heavey in his comment "If your identity as a hunter depends on whose name is on your stuff, you’ve got problems hunting can’t fix." I got my first chance to use a climber this year after having used only hang on with ladder sticks. I have to admit the climber was much more comfortable and secure feeling, especially with a rifle that kicks like mine. The only way I will use my sticks and seat again is for archery in a place I can leave it once it's set. The best way I found to put up the sticks, of which I have six sections, is two or three at a time, then hoist the remaining up, then the seat/platform. One thing that is greatly helpful doing this is a climbers belt. Not the fall arrestor but an actual belt like lineman use. It lets you stand hands free on the ladder to do what you need to do. It's a lot to pack, but the extra sticks do come in handy. As for the climbers, I'm sold. The one I used was fast to set up and quiet to use. Just my $0.02. Best to try before you buy if at all possible. Luckily I had a friend that let me try his.

Climbers work for me. I have used them for years. I made my own back in the 1960's and now I am using two bought climbers. One faces the tree and is used for gun hunting. The other is convertible and works for gun or bow. They are very comfortable and can be set up with minimal noise.We have permanent ladder stands in some locations, but after a while, the deer know where they are and avoid them in daylight hours.With the "sit and stand" method of climbing, I would think that anyone who could walk and carry the stand should be able to climb with one.My vote goes overwhelmingly to climbing stands.L. Woodrow Rosswww.flyfishnorthamerica.com

ah, grasshopper!the guy who can answer my question turns out to be scott bestul, who is generally considered to be the most knowledgeable deer guy on f&s staff. i probably should have just asked him in the first place.from these posts, it sounds like ladder stands are the runaway first choice when possible. naturally - they offer almost instant set up once in place. after that, almost all of us who require mobility are climber guys.i believe bestul is telling the truth when he says he can set up more quietly - if not as quick - with strap-on steps.this might be the skill to aim for if you're trying to take your game to the next level. i know i'm not there yet. last time i tried strap-on steps and hang-on stand together, it sounded pretty much like a solid waste recycling plant operating at full capacity. bh

I have lost count of how many hang-on stands I've put up over the years, but its a bunch because climbers (for the most part) work poorly in my area.I cannot top a climber for speed, but I'm tough to beat on silence. And I don't sweat or swear too much...Here's what I do. Put 10-12 steps (rope or screw in) in a little fanny pack, with a rope. Attach another rope to the bottom of the portable stand (these stay on the stand permanently, wrapped around the base).When I get to the tree, I tie my bow and backpack onto the fanny pack rope and tie it to my belt. Then I unwind the stand rope and tie it to the other side of the belt. Then I swing the fanny pack (with steps) around to my belly so they're easy to find.I climb to the height I want, hang the stand and crawl in. Then I just pull up the bow and pack, hang them, and I'm ready to hunt.I can set up within hearing range of a bedded deer and not get busted, and have lost count of how many deer have showed up while I'm in the middle of hanging the set.Works for me!

Strap on steps. I use low cost lock ons and usually leave them in the tree with a quality combo cable lock. Then, I throw the strap on steps around the tree when I get there. Light and you can carry them in hanging off your pack. They work well as a mobile set up too. Though if you want true mobility it would be a blind or light weight climber.

I also want to hear from guys who hang their climbing-stick rigs and stands faster and quieter than I get situated with a climber. I've been hanging portables a long time, and have yet to find a truly fast, silent process. I have to haul stuff, cut stuff, climb up, climb down, climb up, climb down, winch stuff up the tree, climb back down, climb back up and winch some more stuff up the tree. I get sweaty and pissed off just thinking about doing that on a morning hunt. Fill us in guys. There's gotta be a good way.

I just ordered my first bow from Bass Pro Shops and it should get her tomoro, so i have a question... Is there a climber treestand that a 15 year old can afford, i have a limited budget as i just bought my bow and still have to buy the arrows and broadheads....P.S. Mr. Heavey i love your book. is there any chance you could sign it?

I am not and gear guy. I honestly don't know the exact model name of my bow or my arrows. But here one thing I do know: The Lone Wolf hand climber is easily, EASILY, the best compact, portable climber out there. I've used them all; nothing else comes close. The Summit Open Shot is the next best--and quite good--but still not in the same league.

I prefer a "ladder". Yes - it's more gear to lug and install and I take multiple trips up and down for setup.If a "climber" rig malfunctions or gets jammed, how do I get down? Were I to jump from 16 feet, my legs would make a snapping sound and spook the critters.

I am with you and I sell those climbing sticks at a very popular retail store.....I steer away when I can but if someone is specific about it then it is not worth the effort to try and pry a change from their thinking. My thinking is that steps is always quite and easy. Easier yet if you have a punch to start the hole with......"Why doesn't my retail store sell a punch??" I have a punch I picked up from an old antique store, while gaining much needed future points from my better-half to be in next years woods, from the tools of the yester-year box that every flea-market or antique store has.Can't find your book, just started looking.....can't wait to read it!!

Mr. Heavey thank you for saying the most important thing about hunting.I know people who say that they have a matthews switch back super magnum missle guided bow.And that they have the best stuff so their better hunters I tell you what most of them aint got a chance of ever seeing a deer in the woods but I grew up going out their in the woods with regular clothes and a gun,nothin else and really hunt.yes where I live we do have hunter "wanna be's".P.S. I just ordered yer book so it may be awhile before I sent it to you to sign.