Anybody use Treehopper steps?

[JV NC]

I'm thinking of using these in conjunction with a LW Alpha lock-on in 2012 (maybe the end of this year, also). I figure I can leave the straps up in a few select trees and have multiple setups for one stand.

I'm interested in the treehoppers - because they're "kind of" theft resistant. My only concern with the steps is the fact they don't actually screw into the tree. I'm wondering how secure they are for my +/-200# self.

The above does make them easy to remove the bottom "several" on the descent....to hinder theft (of the rest of the steps and the LW strap.......yeah....I have to worry about that). Hence my interest.

Anyone use these or something similar? Another (better?) option?

Thanks.

[Scot]

I have just begun to use them from time to time. Screw in's go in faster IMO. The Tree Hopper Bolts are short so you wont have as much of your foot on them. I will pre drill trees in the pre season and use them more often that way.
It will make getting up the tree that much faster.

[Zap]

Use em, they are safe.

Drill in at a small angle down.

[JV NC]

Drill in at a small angle down.

I thought about that a while after I posted. Makes perfect sense.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the info..

[Zap]

If you pull the bolts and want to set up again, keep in mind that in the early am dark the holes will be hard to find.

[JV NC]

I got a little "tip" from the Treehopper folks. They said to put Q-tips in the open holes to aid in finding them in the dark.

Makes sense.

[wmihunter]

ive used em a couple times. less work than screw in steps plus you can prep multiple trees easily. they seem less safe though

[Ack]

I have a set but never used them much. Now their linesman belt on the other hand gets used a lot......one of the best you can buy!

[bowhunter15]

I have two sets of these but have never used them. For those who have, how long do the holes take before they grow back in and you can no longer insert the bolt? What if I predrill holes in the spring? Will I still be able to put the pegs in come fall? What about consecutive years? Do the holes need to be redrilled each year?

[bowhunter15]

I've done a little more research on these. Looks like if you drill in the spring, the holes grow back in by fall. Redrill every year. To keep the cost down guys go out a buy a bunch of heavy duty bolts to slide into the holes instead of the 10 pegs that come with the kit. Some guys use pieces of rebar.

[Black Squirrel]

I've done a little more research on these. Looks like if you drill in the spring, the holes grow back in by fall. Redrill every year. To keep the cost down guys go out a buy a bunch of heavy duty bolts to slide into the holes instead of the 10 pegs that come with the kit. Some guys use pieces of rebar.

That's what I do. I bought a 5/8 wood drill bit for my Milwaukee cordless drill. I drill the holes at a slight downward angle. I cut the rebar at 8 inches and drill in about 3" deep. Of course I only use this set up on private land where I have permission to do this. works pretty well. The rebar can be screw out, too if need be. I suppose if they were left in for more than a couple years, they may not be able to be removed.

[rudy78]

I got a little "tip" from the Treehopper folks. They said to put Q-tips in the open holes to aid in finding them in the dark.

Makes sense.

I take branches & do the same thing if I pull pegs out I put branches in the holes so I can find them back. More natural looking & easier to find in the woods if you forget/run out of q-tips

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