The Different Types of Hunting Stands

The purpose of a hunting stand is to provide a hunter with an elevated view of the land. A hunting stand allows you to see and shoot farther while staying out of the animals’ direct line of sight or scent. Huntings stands are most commonly used for hunting deer or bears. As with most hunting topics, the right hunting stand is debatable and largely depends on preference and the land you are hunting, as well as your weapon (bow or rifle). We’ve made a list of some of the more popular stand styles to make that process easier and more successful.

Climbing Stand

Climbing stands are the most portable option of tree stands. These allow you to choose your tree and use a system to scale up and down it. Climbing stands are incredibly easy to carry in the woods and commonly feature backpack style straps to get you through any thick brush on your way to a perfect spot. They offer a great way to experiment with different areas if you are unfamiliar with the land. As well, if you are hunting public land or need to set your stand up and take it down every day, this is your best bet.

Hang-on Stand

Hang-on stands are another portable option to stands that are deeper in the woods or moved often. Usually, these stands come with climbing sticks or tree steps that allow you to maneuver up and around the tree to set it up. Straps are utilized to hang the stand to the tree securely. Bowhunters often prefer to use a hang-on stand, because of the larger platform features for standing on to give room for drawing the bow back.

Ladder Stand

Exactly what it sounds like. Ladder stands consist of a metal ladder to a platform with a seat that is attached to a tree, usually 15-20 ft high, connected using ratchets or other kinds of straps. Ladder stands are considered to be the safest option for a tree stand, and many of them feature shooting rails and a harness that makes your sit safer. These stands also can contain two seats if you are expecting company. However, a ladder stand takes longer to set up and is usually left in the woods, so if you are not in your stand, there is a chance that someone else is.

Tower Stand

The tower stand is freestanding and lacks the need for connection to a tree. Tower stands are typically made of metal or wood construction. If you’re hunting open plots of land, including fields or other food sources, consider setting up a tower. These stands usually have a ladder or a set of stairs to climb up to a square platform, where there is a seat or often two. For those planning on sitting with another person, maybe your son or daughter, or a friend tagging along, the tower stand may be a great choice. Tower stands offer a 360-degree view of the surroundings and are generally on a large square platform, which can be enclosed, often called a box blind, with windows, or left completely open depending on the style.

A stand is a crucial piece to a successful hunt, but there is no overall best option. There are the best options for certain people and hunting lands. Be sure to analyze the various pro and cons included with each style before deciding which one works best for you. Keep in mind how long the stand will be up and the level of difficulty it will take to get it into the woods. Remember that hunting is just as much about the process as it is the result.

Check out our 2020 Hunting Catalog here for the best gear to outfit yourself for this year’s grip and grin.

Happy hunting, friends!