Beginner's Guide: Choosing the Best Hunting Tree Stands

For beginners, selecting the right tree stand can be overwhelming. We walk you through which is best tree stands to get you started.

February 28, 2024

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Beginner's Guide: Choosing the Best Hunting Tree Stands

Hunting from a tree stand offers hunters a strategic advantage by elevating them above ground level, providing better vantage points, and reducing the likelihood of being detected by game. For beginners, selecting the right tree stand can be overwhelming amidst the myriad of options available in the market. Safety, comfort, ease of setup, and budget must all be carefully considered. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of hunting tree stands, outlining key considerations and recommending some of the best options for beginners.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into specific recommendations, beginners must grasp the basics of hunting tree stands. There are primarily three types: hang-on stands, ladder stands, and climbing stands.

Hang-on Tree Stands: These are lightweight, portable stands that can be attached to a tree using straps or chains. They are versatile and suitable for hunting in various terrains. However, they require climbing sticks or steps for access, which can be cumbersome for some hunters. A linemen's belt is useful while hanging the stand.
Best for: Bow and gun hunters on private or public land.

Ladder Tree Stands: These are the less mobile of the 3 types. Ladder stands consist of a ladder for access and a platform or seat attached at the top. They offer stability and are relatively easy to set up. Ladder stands are ideal for hunters who prefer comfort and don't mind the additional weight and bulk during transportation.
Best for: Gun and crossbow hunters on private land. Arm rails may get the the way of bow hunters.

Climbing Tree Stands: Climbing stands feature a two-piece design with a platform and a seat connected by a climbing aid, allowing hunters to ascend and descend trees. They offer mobility and flexibility, making them suitable for hunting in various locations. However, they require some practice to master the climbing technique and a straight tree with no limbs in the first 20 feet.
Best for: Bow hunters on private or public land.

Critical Considerations for Beginners

When choosing a hunting tree stand, beginners should pay attention to several critical factors:

Safety: Safety should always be the top priority when hunting from a tree stand. Look for stands with sturdy construction, reliable safety harnesses, and proper weight capacity ratings. Additionally, familiarize yourself with tree stand safety protocols and always use a full-body harness when hunting from elevated positions.

Comfort: A comfortable tree stand can significantly enhance your hunting experience by allowing you to remain alert and focused for extended periods. Look for stands with padded seats, backrests, and armrests. Adjustable features like seat height and shooting rail can also contribute to comfort during long hunts.

Ease of Setup: As a beginner, you'll want an easy tree stand to set up and take down, especially if you plan to hunt alone. Consider factors such as weight, portability, and assembly instructions when evaluating different stands. Some models come with quick-attach straps or pre-installed components for faster setup times.

Budget: Hunting tree stands vary widely in price, ranging from budget-friendly options to premium models with advanced features. Determine your budget constraints upfront and prioritize essential features based on your hunting needs. Remember that investing in a high-quality tree stand is a long-term investment in your hunting success and safety.

Best Hunting Tree Stands for Beginners:

Now that we've covered the basics and key considerations, let's explore some of the best hunting tree stands for beginners in each category:

Best Climbing Tree Stands

Summit Goliath SD Climber Tree Stand

The Climber stands out as an excellent choice for beginners due to several key features that prioritize safety, comfort, ease of use, and versatility. Here's why it's a top pick for novice and experienced hunters:

Safety Features: The Summit Goliath SD is equipped with essential safety features that are crucial for beginners. It comes with a full-body safety harness that ensures hunters are securely attached to the tree at all times, minimizing the risk of falls or accidents.
Sturdy Construction: The stand is constructed from high-quality aluminum, making it both durable and lightweight. This is advantageous for beginners who may not be accustomed to carrying heavy equipment through rugged terrain.
Easy to Use: One of the biggest advantages of the Summit Goliath SD for beginners is its ease of use. It utilizes Summit's QuickDraw Cable Retention System, which allows for quick and quiet attachment to the tree without the need for additional tools. This feature is particularly beneficial for novice hunters who may be unfamiliar with complex setup procedures. Additionally, the stand's SummitLokt construction ensures that all joints are locked into place, providing added stability and peace of mind.

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Guide Gear Deluxe XL Climber Tree Stand

This is an excellent option for beginners for several compelling reasons, emphasizing safety, comfort, ease of use, and affordability. Here's why it's a solid choice for all hunters:

Safety Features: Safety is paramount, especially for beginners, and the Guide Gear Deluxe XL Climber Tree Stand prioritizes this aspect. It comes equipped with a full-body safety harness to ensure hunters are securely fastened to the tree while ascending, hunting, and descending. This feature helps minimize the risk of accidents or falls, providing peace of mind for inexperienced hunters.
Easy to Use: The Guide Gear Deluxe XL Climber Tree Stand is designed with simplicity in mind, making it ideal for beginners. It features a climber-style design that allows hunters to ascend and descend trees easily and safely. The adjustable climbing cables accommodate various tree sizes, providing flexibility in choosing hunting locations. Additionally, the stand's quick-attach straps enable hassle-free setup without the need for complicated tools or equipment.
Affordability: One of the standout features of the Guide Gear Deluxe XL Climber Tree Stand is its affordability. Despite offering robust construction, ample comfort, and essential safety features, it remains budget-friendly compared to many other options on the market. This makes it an accessible choice for beginners who may be hesitant to invest in more expensive hunting equipment initially.

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Best Ladder Tree Stands

Bolderton 22' Ladder Tree Stand with Grizzly Grip

The Bolderton 22' Ladder Tree Stand with Grizzly Grip is an exceptional choice for beginners due to several standout features that prioritize safety, comfort, ease of use, and durability.

Safety Features: Safety is paramount when hunting from an elevated position, and the Bolderton 22' Ladder Tree Stand excels in this aspect. It comes equipped with a full-body safety harness, ensuring hunters are securely fastened to the tree at all times.
Grizzly Grip: The Bolderton 22' Ladder Tree Stand comes with Grizzly Grip™ technology, which provides enhanced traction and stability. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners who may be less confident in their footing while climbing or descending the ladder. The Grizzly Grip™ ensures a secure foothold, minimizing the risk of slips or falls, even in wet or slippery conditions.
Height Advantage: With a height of 22 feet, the Bolderton Ladder Tree Stand provides hunters with an elevated vantage point, enhancing visibility and maximizing hunting opportunities.

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Guide Gear 15.5' Ladder Stand with Mesh Seat

The Guide Gear 15.5' Ladder Stand with Mesh Seat is a fantastic option for beginners due to its combination of safety features, comfort, ease of use, and affordability.

Safety Features: Safety is paramount when hunting from an elevated position, and the Guide Gear 15.5' Ladder Stand prioritizes this aspect. It comes with a full-body safety harness, ensuring hunters are securely fastened to the stand and the tree at all times.
Comfortable Mesh Seat: The Guide Gear 15.5' Ladder Stand features a mesh seat that provides excellent comfort during long hours of hunting. The mesh material is breathable and supportive, allowing air to circulate and preventing discomfort caused by prolonged sitting.
Affordability: One of the standout features of the Guide Gear 15.5' Ladder Stand is its affordability. Despite offering robust construction, ample comfort, and essential safety features, it remains budget-friendly compared to many other options on the market. This makes it an accessible choice for beginners who may be hesitant to invest in more expensive hunting equipment initially.

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Best Hang-on Tree Stands

Primal Tree Stands Comfort King Deluxe Hang-On Tree Stand

The Primal Tree Stands Comfort King Deluxe Hang-On Tree Stand is an excellent choice for beginners due to several standout features that prioritize safety, comfort, ease of use, and versatility. Here's why it's a top pick for novice hunters:

Safety Features: Safety is paramount when hunting from an elevated position, and the Comfort King Deluxe Hang-On Tree Stand excels in this aspect. It comes equipped with a full-body safety harness, ensuring hunters are securely fastened to the stand and the tree at all times.
Comfortable Design: Comfort is essential for hunters spending long hours in the field, and the Comfort King Deluxe Hang-On Tree Stand delivers in this regard. It features a spacious platform and a deluxe padded seat with a backrest, allowing hunters to sit comfortably for extended periods.
Versatility: The Comfort King Deluxe Hang-On Tree Stand is designed to be versatile, allowing hunters to adapt to various hunting situations and terrain types. Its compact design makes it suitable for hunting in dense forests, open fields, or along field edges. Additionally, the stand's adjustable platform and seat height provide flexibility, allowing hunters to customize their setup based on their preferences and hunting conditions.

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Bolderton Deluxe Hang-On Tree Stand

The Bolderton Deluxe Hang-On Tree Stand is an excellent choice for beginners due to several standout features that prioritize safety, comfort, ease of use, and versatility. Here's why it's a top pick for novice hunters:

Ease of Use: The hang-on tree stand design of the Bolderton Deluxe makes it exceptionally easy to use, especially for beginners. It attaches securely to the tree using straps or chains, and its lightweight design allows for easy transportation and setup.
Versatility: The Bolderton Deluxe Hang-On Tree Stand is designed to be versatile, allowing hunters to adapt to various hunting situations and terrain types. Its compact design makes it suitable for hunting in dense forests, open fields, or along field edges. Additionally, the stand's adjustable platform and seat height provide flexibility, allowing hunters to customize their setup based on their preferences and hunting conditions.
Durable Construction: The Bolderton Deluxe Hang-On Tree Stand is built to last, with a rugged construction that can withstand the rigors of hunting season after season. It is made from high-quality materials that are resistant to corrosion, rust, and wear, ensuring long-term durability and reliability in the field.

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Choosing the best hunting tree stand as a beginner involves considering factors such as safety, comfort, ease of setup, and budget. By understanding the basics and evaluating different options based on your needs, you can find the perfect tree stand to enhance your hunting experience. Whether you opt for a hang-on stand, ladder stand, or climbing stand, prioritize safety above all else and always adhere to proper tree stand safety protocols. With the right tree stand by your side, you'll be well-equipped to embark on memorable hunting adventures in the great outdoors.