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Arial attack

Blan37

Blan37

Member
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SW Ohio
I've been hunting from the ground, either in a blind or just sitting by a tree. Never been in a tree stand, so I don't know much about them, but I think I want to get in one this year.

I've been looking at hicks site and can't decide if a ladder stand would be best or just go with a cheap hang-on with some climbing sticks. I really don't know anything about being off the ground with a crossbow, but it seems like a ladder stand with a shooting rest might be the best for me right now.

Any thoughts?
 
Riverdude

Riverdude

The Happy Hunting Grounds Beyond
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Ashtabula, Ohio
I use to use Lock On tree stands and went pretty high up. The older I got the lower I went, lol. Two years ago I went with a 2 man ladder stand ( just for the extra room and comfort ) and I simply love it. I feel safer in it as well.

Best of luck on your selection.
 
xbowguy

xbowguy

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Licking Co. Ohio
Yer gonna like it either way.

Maybe climb up in a couple and see what you think? Got some buddies who'd let ya? You were closer I'd put you in mine.
 
Bigslam51

Bigslam51

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Stark County
I'd probably stick to a ladder stand if I were you, at least for now. If you like hunting up high then you can purchase hang ons down the road. And I wouldn't buy a cheap hang on if you were to get one, spend the money and get a millennium.
 
giles

giles

Cull buck specialist
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47,373
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The real Amish country
I feel pretty safe in a ladder stand. Transitions seem to be a bit rough for me with hang ons. Really kinda hairy when my boots are packed with mud or snow.

Like Rick said, climb up in a couple. It's all a personal preference if you ask me. I enjoy hunting from the ground also. Something about having deer in your face that adds a different excitement to it.
 
aholdren

aholdren

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South East Ohio
Where ya located? Like Ric said if your close to me I'd let you set in a Millenium and use my API climber, then that would give you a good idea.
 
giles

giles

Cull buck specialist
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47,373
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The real Amish country
Climbers are another option... I love using a climber, my feet just can't handle it very often. I have one of those you could come try out any time you wanted.
 
Blan37

Blan37

Member
1,795
72
SW Ohio
Thanks for the offers, guys. I think based on what I've read here I'm sold on the ladder stand. I like the idea of having a shooting rest and some room to move around.

Dave - I'd like to try your climber one of these days, but no rush. Was it you last season that about got stuck in a tree because of your feet? When you said that about your feet it jogged a memory.

aholdren - I'm about 20 miles Northeast of downtown Cincinnati.
 
hickslawns

hickslawns

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Ohio
For the record, the site hasn't been updated for a couple years. I have many more available options than what is shown on our website. The main lines we carry are Rivers Edge and Big Dog. That is the bulk of our inventory. You can always jump on their websites to see newest products since I have been too lazy to get the website updated.
 
Mike

Mike

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Up Nort
Last season I hunted almost exclusively from the ground and had the best encounters of my hunting career.
 
Riverdude

Riverdude

The Happy Hunting Grounds Beyond
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Ashtabula, Ohio
Yea the cushion is another big plus. It's all in what you like and feel comfortable in. Like I said I got the two man Ladder stand just for the extra room and comfort. Plus a couple times I took my wife out just to sit and watch so that is another thing TOO consider.
 
Blan37

Blan37

Member
1,795
72
SW Ohio
hickslawns said:
For the record, the site hasn't been updated for a couple years. I have many more available options than what is shown on our website. The main lines we carry are Rivers Edge and Big Dog. That is the bulk of our inventory. You can always jump on their websites to see newest products since I have been too lazy to get the website updated.
Click to expand...

Good to know, Phil. I was looking at the Big Bud 15 or 17 on your site but will be calling you here hopefully in the next few days to discuss.

Mike said:
Last season I hunted almost exclusively from the ground and had the best encounters of my hunting career.
Click to expand...

I hear you, Mike. I like being on the ground and have had good success there. I'll probably end up in a ground blind late season over a corn pile, but early season I thought it would be fun to try getting up where I'd have a better view. Hopefully I'll see them a lot sooner and have more time to calm down and stop shaking before I (hopefully) shoot one LoL
 
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