As an experienced hunter you surely know that a climber treestand can be your best friend. It will allow you to get a better view of the grounds without having to bring climbing sticks and ladders from home.  Of course, if you are thinking about buying one you need to consider the area where you will use it. In case you will be crossing fairly easy terrain, you can get a heavier model. However, if you wish to hunt in the mountains, a lightweight and sturdy treestand is your best choice, otherwise you won’t be able to move quickly and quietly. When you have finally gotten your own portable platform, it is time you learn how to use it properly. Here are a couple of tips you will find useful.

Choosing the perfect tree

Not every tree is good for climbing. If you wish to get off the ground and above the deer’s line of sight quickly and without too much noise, you need to find a tree that is straight and free of limbs. Before you start climbing, look up and see whether the tree is wide at the top as much as it is wide at the bottom. If not, you will come across a lot of problems during the climbing process. Therefore, find one that doesn’t lose much of its width as it goes up. In addition, inspect your tree and see whether it has some branches you will need to trim out.

Finding the right angle

If you have luck and you find a tree that is as wide at the bottom as it is at the top, you do not have to angle the platform upward very much in order for it to sit level once you reach your desired height. On the other hand, if you cannot find such a tree and you can only work with those that get narrow as they go up, you need to angle the platform upward enough to compensate for the drop that the difference in the width will create. Of course, these things take practice so don’t lose your nerves if something doesn’t go the way that you planned. The more you use your treestand, the more you will be able to easily determine the proper amount of angle.

Securing the treestand

When you have found the right tree and set the right angle, it is time to start climbing. However, do not forget that your safety comes first! Before you start going up you need to ensure that the top and bottom pieces of the treestand are attached to each other. This way the bottom section won’t crash down in case it slips from your feet. Although most treestands come with a rope that is tied to both sections, there are some that do not come with an included cord. In case yours does not include these straps, consider purchasing a pair.

Securing feet to the bottom platform

This step is important because of two reasons. First of all, your feet won’t sleep away from the stand and allow it to fall. Second, you need to pull the bottom section up with your legs. So, if your feet are not secured to the platform, you won’t be able to climb.

Securing yourself to the tree

In case your treestand breaks (you never know what might happen) you will be grateful that you have secured yourself to the tree. Some hunters decide to do this when they have reached the desired height, but if your platform falls you won’t have your ‘safety net’.

Now all that is left to do is to start climbing! Keep in mind that climbing this way involves a lot of sitting down and standing up, so make sure you are in good shape.