Stands for elk
Contributors to this thread:Equipment
From: cptbs
12-Aug-20
I'm thinking about using treestands for elk this year. I have hang ons, climbers and saddles. Will probably use the saddles the most. I'm wondering if anyone has used climbers in aspens and how well they worked. Seems like the climber would grab the tree ok, my only experience in on cottonwoods. Also concerned of how sturdy spend are. Any input is appreciated.
From: Jaquomo
12-Aug-20
I have, and they do work if you have the right tree. But aspens have shallow root systems and can fall over. I was in one in a windstorm once when several of his "brothers" (they are all from the same root system) fell over around me.
From: cptbs
12-Aug-20
Thanks Lou, will avoid aspens.
From: Jaquomo
12-Aug-20
I still sometimes use aspens on the rare occasions when I use a treestand. But I also acknowledge that they can fall over on their own from a couple hundred pounds hanging on one side.....
From: JohnMC
12-Aug-20
Couple of years ago I had a live aspen about 10 yards in front of be fall over it very moderate wind when sitting on a water hole. I'd think twice about using them for stands.
From: cnelk
12-Aug-20
I’ve used climbers and hang on stands for elk.
See my son standing in his?
From: Lost Arra
12-Aug-20
I've used hang-ons in aspens but if/when the wind picks up too much (Wyoming) I might get down. I always set up with big pines next to the aspen for cover and I've considered tying my harness off to a pine. If things get to swaying too much I can't shoot so I might as well get on the ground.
The aspen location where I use the stand is worth a little risk.
From: Tlhbow
12-Aug-20
I use a lone wolf hang on but stay in spruce mostly . I avoid the Aspen but will get in one if necessary. Had one fall in my direction but hung up on another tree. loud as heck just before lite. Didn't notice till after lite. It looked like it would peel me off the tree I was in if it let go. There was no wind either they just fall. Got the hell down .
From: Jebediah
12-Aug-20
One might worry that the safety strap that gives us so much comfort would drag us to our death if the tree falls. Windy day = I’m staying on the ground.
From: Cazador
12-Aug-20
I’d go lock on. Many of the trees you can climb without steps so the only weight is the stand.
From: Ucsdryder
12-Aug-20
I have a wallow in some dark timber that bulls love to hit in the middle of the day. I stay out of the area because it’s their bedding area. I’d love to go in there with a climber one day but hauling a climber 3 miles sounds terrible.
From: Jebediah
12-Aug-20
How about a saddle?