Tree stand "skirts"

[Gunslingergirl]

O.k., so I'm still learning about all this stuff. So I've been doing some research and I've seen pictures and read about tree stands that have what I would call a skirt on them. It goes around and hides the legs of the person in the stand.

I've got to ask, what is the purpose of these? Is it warmth? Does it help hide movement? Do a lot of people use these?

I'm asking because I'm a bit concerned that this skirt, for lack of a better word, might interfere with hooking a Gunslinger to the stand properly.

Anyone use a skirt on their stand.

Also, if there is another name by which I should be calling these, please let me know.

Thanks,

Gunslingergirl

[fabsroman]

I don't use one, but I have seen several stands at one of the farms I hunt with burlap camo draped around them. I just don't see the need for one, but I will be willing to bet that some people swear by them.

If you are hunting with a firearm or blackpowder and the range doesn't have to be super close, I see absolutely no need for one.

By the way, I am glad to see that you are a huntchat sponsor now. Would gun safety innovations be your company? It is based out of Michigan so that would be my guess.

[Gunslingergirl]

Fabsroman,

I would guess concealment might be part of why people drape material around their stand, but it just seems weird to me. The drape looks flimsy enough that it wouldn't keep you warm. Maybe it conceals movement?

Yes, Gun Safety Innovations is my company. We signed on as a sponsor yesterday. Petey has been very good to us.

GSG

[Jack]

On some of the stands I use- permanently built stands, sometimes burlap or mosquito netting is used. The stuff doesn't add any warmth, it's to conceal movement.
I would agree that at any significant distance, it's likely not needed. When a deer is 20 feet away, and looking at you, the screening helps. Or I think it does, anyway.
I don't know for sure what the term for the screening fabric is.

[BILLY D.]

Originally posted by Gunslingergirl
O.k., so I'm still learning about all this stuff. So I've been doing some research and I've seen pictures and read about tree stands that have what I would call a skirt on them. It goes around and hides the legs of the person in the stand.

I've got to ask, what is the purpose of these? Is it warmth? Does it help hide movement? Do a lot of people use these?

I'm asking because I'm a bit concerned that this skirt, for lack of a better word, might interfere with hooking a Gunslinger to the stand properly.

Anyone use a skirt on their stand.

Also, if there is another name by which I should be calling these, please let me know.

Thanks,

Gunslingergirl

GSG

your use of the word skirt is perfectly apropos. Just ran into a couple of dinosaurs I know at the drug store and one said they are skirts and the other said they are blinds.

Flip a coin, both are correct.

Placed incorrectly. both you and the game are blind. had to laugh at that one.

[petey]

Just another gimick in my book!

One of those things that once you see, you say...now why didn't I think of that?

Not to bash anyone's products or to hijack the thread but watching the Outdoor channel the other night I saw A-Way outdoors had made scent cans out of that silly string spray they use for parties. Another, "now why in the world didn't I think of that" idea, because you know someone is going to buy it!

That being said, I myself have an invention that is being engineered and quoted for manufacturing that will revolutionize the hunting industry. My first prototype works well, but I'm getting the help of a company to add some neat features and manufacture something I can market. I'm not going to get into it, but be looking for it in the future! Just one more "I'm glad I thought of that ideas" because I know people are going to buy it.

As for your product gunslingergirl, I wouldn't worry too much as I haven't seen any of the local-yocals around my neck of the woods use skirts. I'd say the percentage of usage is minimal (well at least for my demographic area) I'm sure mid-western states or places that don't have quite the forage cover, you could see a lot of these being used.

[Gunslingergirl]

Scent cans with silly string? I'd hate to be around if the kids got hold of those.:D

Glad to hear that skirts won't interfere with attaching the product. Also good to know that "skirts" is an acceptable word. I felt like such a girl when I typed the first post. I figured guys would have a more macho name for it. :)

Thanks.

GSG

[Steverino]

I personally like "Camo Concealment Netting" Sounds downright manly, in a sinperish type of way. One could pair it up with a 3D Ghillie suit and one of those overhead stand umbrellas for a dandy X-Mas package!:D

[Gunslingergirl]

There you go, that sounds much better.

Camo Concealment Netting. See I knew someone would have a name for it.

:D

[BILLY D.]

BUT the netting is still a skirt or a blind.

[Gunslingergirl]

Yes that is true. And I suppose it doesn't really matter what you call it.

I guess when I was first trying to describe it the only thing I could think of was a Christmas tree skirt.

GSG

[kt]

i wont say they are necassary, i am in love with the leafy scent lok suit i got, two bucks walked by tuesday within in five yds and looked strait through me, however in a stand with one of those skirts when you get cold you can move your feet around a little easier, turn the pages in a book a bit of care free its pretty nice as far as that. just the one thing that infuriates me with them is this PA state law says 250 sq inches of orange to be seen from 360 degrees. so i see guys walking into box blinds or this skirted stands head to toe in orange and once they sit you can maybe see the hat. its just not right
kt

[Gunslingergirl]

That does sound a bit unsafe. Seems like the less orange you can see, the more likely you might be mistaken for a deer.

GSG

[petey]

I believe the law say's "visible" which is open to interpretation by the arresting WCO. The WCO's around here, I'm sure would nail you, which could easily be fought...but I'd wager you'd still get fined if this was the case.

Deer, Bear & Elk Firearms Seasons
A minimum of 250 square inches on head, chest
and back combined, visible 360 degrees. This
includes archers during bear archery season.

No different than me jumping in a ground blind with no visible orange. More than likely the use of a blind for deer is not allowed seeing as how they just allowed use of "certain" blinds for turkey season.


The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a proposal allowing turkey hunters to use certain turkey blinds.

The new regulation, which was given preliminary approval at the January meeting of the Board of Game Commissioners, was prompted by a change in state law. On Dec. 20, Governor Tom Ridge signed into law House Bill 1393, sponsored by Rep. Dick Hess (R-Bedford), which amended the Game and Wildlife Code (Title 34).

Under the new law, turkey hunters may use any artificial or manufactured turkey blinds consisting of all manmade materials of sufficient density to block the detection of movement within the blind from an observer located outside of the blind.

"Safety was the driving factor behind my legislation," Rep. Hess said. "Most of the hunting-related shooting incidents during the turkey seasons involve individuals shooting at movement. By allowing hunters to use a blind that blocks detection of movement, we hope to see a reduction, if not elimination, in the number of these types of incidents."

To make the Game Commission's rules and regulations consistent with state law, the Board of Game Commissioners removed its prohibition to the use of turkey blinds in Title 58, Section 141.45. Turkey hunters this spring will be able to use those turkey blinds that meet the definition of the new state law.

Ross noted that the law permits hunters to use artificial or manufactured turkey blinds consisting of all manmade materials, such as plastic, nylon, canvas or plywood, and must fully conceal and enclose the hunter within the blind. Blinds may not be completely made of mesh-like materials, and they may not be made of rocks, logs, branches or other natural materials.

Ross said hunters still are prohibited from using dogs, drives, live decoys or electronic callers to pursue wild turkeys

[Andy L]

I have some two man ladder stands that I bought specifically to take my kids hunting. I use the "camo skirts", not burlap, but some type of material that has no holes in it, dont know exactly what it is.

The main purpose is to conceal movement. Kids are kids. They arent going to sit for two or three hours without moving. This way they can get away with some. Also warmth. The ones I got do break the wind and although the bottom is open, it does add some warmth for the short guys. I think they are great for taking kids hunting.

I am concerned about other hunters not seeing the orange though. I take an extra cheapy hunter orange vest with me and tie it around the tree above the stand when we are in it. Cant miss that.

Andy

[skeeter@ccia.com]

Pa law says if you are in a blind, you must be enclosed completely. Those 'skirts' that leave just the head show are illegal in pa. If you do use a blind such as a doghouse or outhouse or tree house, I would suggest during rifle season, the 10mile orange tarp over it. That way not only would you up the chances of someone seeing you sitting on the next hill and not shooting in your direction but you would also satisfy the orange laws....Safety first! I know of a gent that got written up when he removed his orange jacket, hung it on a limb, removed his heavy shirt under it, put the jacket back on. Reason, Not wearing 250sq in of orange at all times...He didn't have to pay the fine after proving almost impossible to remove a shirt without first removing a jacket.....Those tree houses with a roof and sides leaving the head to look around are illegal but nobody seems to bother them much. ... You can have an enclosed tree house with all the fixins of home...if were me, the orange tarp would be used...I do use a blind in cold weather with my heater in it or a candle under my chair while covered with my poncho...about 70* under there. Still getting the doghouse blind and selling my outhouse one...reason is the band of wire for tension is only on 2 sides of the outhouse.