Question for Tree Stand Hunters

[Gunslingergirl]

So, I was reading a DNR web site, I don't remember for which state, and it recommended using a rope to raise and lower your gun when entering and exiting a tree stand.

Now I realize this was written before the DNR knew about the Gunslinger :D , but it got me thinking. What do all of your who tree stand hunt use to raise and lower your gun when entering and exiting your tree stand? Do you really use a rope?

I'd really like to hear from anyone who uses a unique contraption to raise and lower their gun, or to secure their gun when hunting. I've been wanting to put a page on our site about the unique ways people used to raise and lower their guns before the Gunslinger existed. If you've got a good story, please share.

Thanks,

GSG

[petey]

I use a thing called a sling! ;) Even when using a climber, I'll pull the sling over my head so my firearm is across my back, safely unloaded of course. No different then me climbing manually or in a lock on with a daypack on.

I know where my gun is all the time (on my back, unloaded) so it's not going anywhere. I personally don't want any of my high dollar guns or optics banging on limbs, metal tree steps, or anything else on it's way up or down. Just my preference I guess. I suppose some may think that's not the safest thing in the world, but that's what a saftey belt is for.

I'd rather not damage my gun or optics and most of you know I'm a stickler about accuracy. That bullet will hit where my crosshairs are every time when my gun never leaves my body. Now I have no problem using a rope for a bow, in fact I know of no other way to do it without being totatlly unsafe.

I think your product is an awesome idea and would use it once I got into my stand just for the fact that it would save a 20' drop if I accidently let my rifle go. I don't use ladder stands and RARELY use lock-ons, in fact I only own 1! Most of my climbing is done manually with my Loggy Bayou and my gun is always on my back going up and down. I'll be buying a few of your products for family and friends b/c it's a great idea and a good stocking stuffer for this Christmas!

[Gunslingergirl]

I'm glad you emphasized the safely unloaded in your post. Every year you hear of hunters who thought their gun was unloaded and it wasn't and someone was shot as a result.

Thanks for your comments about the Gunslinger. We think that the added security it gives hunters while they are shooting is a good thing too. We are also in the process of designing a bow adapter for product, so pretty soon those who bow hunt will be able to use a Gunslinger as well.

So far, we've got one person who uses a gun sling and carries the gun across his back. What do the rest of you use? Does anyone really use a piece of rope?

GSG

[Steverino]

I personally use the same parachute cord tow-rope that I use to haul my bow up during archery season. I keep two attached to each end of my hanging Gorilla lock-on foot rails or the bottom bracked of my Lone Wolf Sit n Climb.

My process is essentially the same though: I am extremely meticulous about ensuring that all limbs are clean below me (to minimize having your gear whacked around) My backpack is secured first to one end of the tow ropes on either my bow or firearm (also unloaded) They are stood on end atop the backpack and secured through either running the riser or sling. I then make my ascent. At this time, I will note that either my linesman prussic knot or Fallguy belt retractor (depending on stand, of course) are secured to my four-point safety harness carbinger prior to any climbing.

When I have safely safely stepped down unto my stand platform or reached my desired height in the climber, I will then hoist up my firearm or bow first, off of the first tow line, (which is then secured to a screw-in gear hanger-firearm is then secured with an additional bungee cord) immediately followed by the second line with my backpack.

To go down, the order is reversed-first backpack goes down followed by firearm (again unloaded) or bow stood on line prior to my descent back down to Earth.

When firearm hunting, my guns are NEVER loaded until safely in my stand, gear situated, ready to hunt and likewise are unloaded IMMEDIATELY after the decision has been made that my hunting day has come to a conclusion. I have followed this practice religiously for over 20 years and it seems to work well for me.

I do understand folks like Petey and others, that are accuracy fiends that go through seperation anxiety :D with their firearms though!

[Gunslingergirl]

The most important thing is, of course, that the gun or bow is not loaded when it is being raised or lowered from the stand.

I know a lot of hunters who are very meticulous about their optics and sights. I imagine keeping those from getting banged around is a big priority.

Sounds like you have a pretty good procedure there.

Thanks,

GSG

[petey]

Steve!

You may look at my gun but NO TOUCHY!! ha ha. ;)J/K there bud.

I'm more of a still hunter after the first few hrs of gun season anyhow! Those old slug guns you guys have to use aren't exactly built for speed and accuracy, as far as I know? I never really had much of a chance to hunt with a shotgun. While I lived in MD I always used my in-line b/c of the range and accuracy issues. As far as I know it's still primarily a shotgun only state too. Of course, most shots from a treestand in PA ar going to be well under 100 yards anyhow, unless you're sitting along the edge of a field. I guess my freakish need for sub-MOA groups just comes from years of reloading my own rounds and expecting the best each rifle could perform.

If I ever run into you the next time I'm down there, I might even let you hold my gun for a few seconds! ha ha

[Steverino]

Believe me Petey,

With what a good shooting iron,and optics cost, and the time invested in obtaining load data at the bench to optimize cartridge selection, I completely understand!;) I'm just messing with you.

You are correct that the overwhelming majority of my firearm hunting is now done with shotguns. (Not typically known for MOA groups-although that is starting to change with some of the newer sabot and rifled barrel offerings)

When I did more rifle hunting up North some years back, I too used to just sling them across my back but found this cumbersome and sometimes dangerous when climbing some "less than ideal" trees from which to hunt-probably more of an issue with my tree selection criteria than anything but that's when I switched to hoisting my gear up.

Next year, I am planning on muzzleloader rifle hunting. I unfortunately did not have muych time at all this past year to spend much range time with my new ML's and therefore opted to wait until I am more experienced and thus proficient. Who knows, perhaps these will be slinged across the back going up next year!:D

I've also never varmint hunted Petey-something I thought that you partook in and have found to be the starting point where alot of accuracy buffs begin their obcessive compulsive shooting disorders!:D

Whattya think GSL, should we facilitate an intervention here for Petey, get the poor soul some help. We'll use the HC support group resources at our disposal. There's hope, my friend. Do not dispair.:p

I will fondly think of this topic as I am hoisting my slug gun up from high atop my perch at 4am tomorrow morning looking for Bambi's great grandpappy!

[Gunslingergirl]

Steverino,

If you think intervention is the way to go, I'm with you.

GSG

[deermeister]

I'm with Petey on this. I usually carry my rifle slung across my back (unloaded) when climbing into a stand. I had one stand that I couldn't do this in, so I used my deer drag rope, and hoisted the rifle up (don't laugh) in the soft case to cushion it, and was darn careful in doing so. With shotguns, I haul them up with a cord sold for that purpose. In looking at your product, though, I am seriously thinking of getting a couple-- for me, and as Christmas gifts. I would like to see it offered in 24 ft, though.

[Gunslingergirl]

Deermeister,

We are working on designing an extension strap for those that hunt from higher treestands. We want to make sure it integrates seamlessly with the established product, so it has some testing to go through.

You all will be the first to know when the extender strap is available.

GSG