Tree Stands for Elk?

C

cnelk

New member
Mar 23, 2017
5,542
Nice setup Brad.


I hunt elk almost exclusively from a tree stand.  Have much better success than trying to chase them up a mountain!



 
I love the idea of a tree stand and maybe some day I'll try it, but I'll be honest, I hate heights. I don't think I could go up and sit and be comfortable, but maybe it's something I need to try and force myself to get over.
 
I use them! I've killed one from a treestand and have almost sealed the deal on many more.

I think it's a useful tool in certain areas of elk country!
 
I posted this one before, but it's being recorded from a treestand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMDwbioTAd8
 
Definitely appealing, especially after seeing your adventures with them over the years. I have always liked the mobility of being on the ground though. Will certainly be thinking about it more and more.
 
Need to clarify:  I use ladder stands not chain-on stands with climbing sticks/steps.  Fortunate to hunt private land and can take in on ATV because too heavy to haul into most places.

Derek, I think you'd be more comfortable with a ladder stand.  I looked and couldn't find a picture of mine.  Did find a trailcam picture that's 20 yards from stand.  They travel to/from bedding like Brad's setup but I catch them in am and pm.
 
Brad,
I helped an old timer from Minnesota pack out a cow down by Durango the last time I was there. He was hunting from a tree stand. His son almost shot a big bull too.


Not for me, did that too long in North Carolina. I like to chase em!!
 
Would someone be willing to write up a tree stand 101 type post with stuff like equipment required, setup safety or if there are any good resources already out there that you know of for tree stand hunting for elk
 
rsltid13 said:
Would someone be willing to write up a tree stand 101 type post with stuff like equipment required, setup safety or if there are any good resources already out there that you know of for tree stand hunting for elk
Click to expand...

This isn't the golden answer, but this is what I PERSONALLY USE.

Any different variation would work, but I use:

The lone wolf hand climber, a hunter safety system harness, and I bring up a HME bow hanger arm.

The lone wolf is a bit more pricey than some of the others and possible "less comfortable", but it's super light. I can pack that in a few miles on my pack with no issue.

I also have an XOP climber which is a little bit more fairly priced compared to the lone wolf and works just as well.

I always bring a long piece of rope so I can have my bow and pack on the ground, I can safely climb, strap in my safety system, and then pull my stuff up.

Depending on the area you hunt you can get away with climbers, hang ons, or ladders.

I personally use the climber because I can pack it in and out without anyone knowing I am there.

I also know a few guys who will go out and set up a hang on with steps. Then everytime they leave they will remove the bottom two step pieces. So then just pack that in and out.

Food for thought. I don't think there is any perfect set up, just one that works best for you.
 
Tree stand hunting is pretty basic wherever you go or hunt.


I just make sure the wind is stable and use the nearby terrain to draw the thermals in the direction I want to.


Tree stands for elk dont need to be very high. Because the higher you go, the steeper the shot is and you also reduce the distance you can shoot.


Here are a couple short videos of my son getting set up at one the tree stands in the videos above.
You can see its not very high and the terrain offers some great shooting opportunities.


See how the terrain slopes off to the left? There is a big draw over there and that will pull the air currents


https://youtu.be/nEeepqc0-yQ

https://youtu.be/qlNksG4Zwcg
 
I use tree stands a day after a long hunt.  If I walk 10-14 miles one day, I will sit the next.  Between my partner and I, we have killed quite a few elk out of stands. And passed on many more.  One stand we call the "Money Stand" always seems to have elk coming into it.  About 200 yards from the main road, everybody drives by.  We have killed 6 elk of it in the last few years.  Here is mine from last year.  This is the first day I sat it. Before and after.
 
"Tree Stand Hunting" by John Erickson is a great resource.  I've been attempting it for a few years and have take one so far.  One more tool in my bag.
 
Cheybo said:
I use tree stands a day after a long hunt.  If I walk 10-14 miles one day, I will sit the next.  Between my partner and I, we have killed quite a few elk out of stands. And passed on many more.  One stand we call the "Money Stand" always seems to have elk coming into it.  About 200 yards from the main road, everybody drives by.  We have killed 6 elk of it in the last few years.  Here is mine from last year.  This is the first day I sat it. Before and after.
Click to expand...


Sounds like a great location Cheybo! Gotta love those short pack-outs as well.
 
My father in law got a nice bull from a tree stand two seasons ago. Its a great tactic if you only have a small piece of land to work with.
 
I haven't but some guys I hunted with years ago shot 2 good bulls out of treestands in WY.  Packed those stands in a long ways!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 38 (members: 0, guests: 38)

Latest posts

Share this page

Back
Top