What's the deal with getting used to treestands?

Question

Okay so I've been flown a plane, ridden rollor coasters, and been very high above the ground in other places. But I climbed into a treestand twice this weekend, and both times i was freaked out by the heights, and just plain uncomfortable with the whole situation. I need to know if it just takes a while to get used to or what, because I really would like to hunt from a treestand.

Answer 1

When you are on a roller coaster, you are given assurances that the ride is inherently safe. Same as it is when you are on an airplane. When you're on a tree stand, you're pretty much left there exposed to everything, and it seems as if there really isn't that much supporting you. I guess it's a psychological thing.

It just takes time. Keep focused on finding that buck.

Good luck and hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hunting from a stand is about being still and quiet. That’s tough to do if you are not comfortable and confident in your stand. If you were in a "climbing tree stand" - you could start at a lower elevation and gradually work your way up until you gain confidence. If you are in a "ladder tree stand", it may be that you need a larger sitting area. In any case, a safety harness or vest is the best way to gain confidence while hunting from a stand. The most comfortable climbing stand I have tried is a Viper made by Summit. It's like a "lazy-boy" in a tree.

You can get more information on treestand safety here: http://www.tmastands.com/

Hope this helps... bp

Answer 3

Personally, I had the same issue.

I wanted to begin to use a treestand, but I am afraid of heights. My solution? I used a ladderstand.

Ladderstands are a bit more stable than climbers or hang-on stands. I was still quite scared of using it, but prior to the first deer season I used it, I back packed it to the local forest preserve and practiced assembling it and taking it down. After a few days, I was quite good at it. I spoke to people who had used them before and got several tips on how to get it up the tree easier and how to make it even more stable.

After a few years of using it, I would be ready to use a climber or a hang-on stand. I have learned to trust my equipment. I still plan on using my ladder stand, even though it is heavy and it is a long walk with the thing on my back.

I figure I trust it, so I am sticking with it.

Answer 4

I have the same problem. Well, not with treestands, but with what I call "little heights". Rock climbing, roller coasters, cliffs, airplanes - none of that bothers me. But put me on a ladder and I get all shook up. I think this is the issue - with "big heights", if you fall, that's it, you're dead. With "little heights", if you fall, you're fine but in a lot of pain. I think the best way to deal with it is "exposure therapy". Just keep climbing up in the treestand and sit there. Eventually you'll get used to it and be fine.

-Amy

Answer 5

Some people are fine when when moving at heights but have a natural fear of "stationary" heights. Since you were inside a plane and inside a roller coaster, perhaps adding a railing on your stand would help and making sure you can readily feel the strap which is securing you. Probably takes a while to be comfortable.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

I guess I would take it on in two steps -- one, the tent aspect of the treestand, and two, the height. Try sitting in a duck blind on the ground and see if that's giving you claustrophobia at all (if it makes you feel trapped). If that's comfortable, think about why the height is scary -- are you worried about focusing on the game and accidentally falling out? Or is it just disorienting?

Maybe you can try going to a rock climbing gym and testing out your fear of heights -- one of my friends has no trouble jumping out of planes as part of his job, but he is petrified when about 20 feet off the ground. If you can narrow it down to a more specific problem it might make it easier to address.... good luck!

Answer 7

I'm new to it as well. I guess it takes some getting used to. We can't just expect to be used to it just after a couple times. And I have a self climber, it's a pain in the ***. I think I'll just stick to still hunting. Plus it's cheaper that way lol. Definitely get a harness, a good one! And get used to the swaying of back and fourth, the further you go up the more there is. And remember the number one hunting accident involve tree stands, so please, be very careful! Good hunting.

Answer 8

yes they can take a bit of getting use to. i would recommend using a ladder stand with a bigger platform and a shooting rail and always wear a safety harness or at very minimum a safety belt. the harness a lot safer. i had the same problem starting out. or if hunting on private land build a permanent stand with walls if permitted. a stand with walls or a rail will make you feel a lot more comfortable. it gives you something to hold on too and lean against calming the nerves that make you think if you tip one way or the other you will fall out also my climber had a rail that went all the way around me too had the same effect eventually i just got comfortable bein up there. remember always too wear a safety harness it WILL save you someday. best of luck

Answer 9

Yes, it does take some time. Try getting a bigger platform treestand that might help and it's better in a lot of ways.

Answer 10

make sure the stand is stable and wear a harness. just sit up there for a wile, then start handling your gun as you would in any real hunting situation. stay up there til you get comfortable. also, take comfort in the fact that your harness isn't going to let you fall far enough to get hurt, and the fact that your stand is stable, so its not going to fall either. the safer you are, the more comfortable you will be.