About Deer Stands
No matter whether you call them deer stands or tree stands, their purpose is the same. The stand elevates the hunter above the ground for better visibility and concealment from the animals being hunted. Deer stands have become quite popular with hunters and seem to be a successful tool in bagging trophy bucks. About 80 percent of all whitetail deer listed in Pope and Young's book of records were taken while the hunter was in a deer stand. Pope and Young is highly respected as one of North America's top bow hunting conservation groups (see link in Resources). There's more to today's deer stands than a stand perched in a tree.
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History
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It wasn't until the 1970s that manufacturing a deer stand became a reality. Before then, if you wanted a better view while hunting, you simply climbed a tree and waited, while sitting on a limb. Baker Company, a Valdosta, Georgia, company, got an idea. They created a climbing stand, and deer hunting hasn't been the same since. Unfortunately for Baker Company, their design had flaws which led to lawsuits due to hunters falling and injuring themselves. This led to the company 's closure.
Deer stands got in the hunter's blood, however, so many designs followed. It wasn't until today's modern stands that comfort became a staple of the deer stand. Today's deer stands are usually made from lightweight aluminum, are easily set-up and maintained, and are padded and spacious.
Types
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Deer stands come in four basic styles. There is the ladder stand, climbing stand, hang-on stand and tripod stand. There are several things you need to consider before choosing which stand is right for you. How fit you are, how well you climb, the height you are comfortable at, as well as the environment and type of weapon you'll be using, all need to be considered. Try out the stand before you buy it.
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Benefits
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There are benefits in using a deer stand to hunt from. The biggest benefit of course is your increased height, which also increases your visibility. You're better concealed, able to see the deer before it sees you and your scent is not at ground level. Deer stands are also good for bow hunting, since you're closer to your target and people with disabilities are still able to go hunting.
Accessories
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Deer stands come with more than a stand in the tree. In fact, there's an abundance of accessories you can purchase for your deer stand. No longer do you have to sit uncomfortable for hours. Popular accessories available are steps, bow and gun holders, roofs, portable ladders, shelves, seating pads, urinal bags and even a cough silencer.
Safety
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Safety is key when it comes to using a deer stand. Most injuries or fatalities occur from the hunter falling from the tree stand. Usually the hunter isn't wearing a safety harness. It's imperative to wear safety gear, pick a tree that's strong and not rotten, make sure your steps are in good condition and pick the right stand. It's best to buy a deer stand that's been tested and certified by the Tree Stand Manufactures Association. All their stands have been tested to double the load rate and must pass strict safety standards.
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