Hanging tree stands in big trees

[cattailcrusher]

Wondering what you guys do when you run across a tree that you want to hang a stand in that is to big, (3'+ Diameter), for the straps on the treestand, currently using a lone wolf assault with just the top strap and cam locking the stand. Do you guys just use a longer ratchet strap, or put an extension of some sort on the existing strap?

[Dewey]

Lone Wolf sells extensions that attach to your current strap. I carry two of them and use them for sticks often especially the first few since the trees usually taper down after that.

https://www.lonewolfhuntingproducts.com ... __RBE.aspx

[Ishi Spirit]

If I can’t get my arm half way around the tree.... I move on

[purebowhunting]

I did rope mods on all my sticks and stand with 8ft ropes. Seldom hang in a large tree but often do in a split tree and have maxed out the ropes on the first 2 sticks on multiple occasions.

[brancher147]

I run into that frequently hunting the mostly mature forests of WV. I usually move on or find a ground setup-those big trees are great for ground setups. I don't worry about the treestand straps, as I can easily get longer ones, I don't like using a linemans belt in a tree that big and my typical rope will not fit a tree of that size. Not going up any tree if I can't stay connected, especially a big one I can't get my arms around. Everything is also more difficult if you can't get your arms somewhat around the tree.

[muddy]

I'll use a homemade extension if need be but have found it's really hard/unsafe to try and get into some of the really big trees. If I cant get my lineman belt around it I dont climb it.

[tgreeno]

If I can’t get my arm half way around the tree.... I move on

X2..Too much of a PITA...I'd rather set-up next to that big tree and use it for cover.

[Dewey]

If I can’t get my arm half way around the tree.... I move on

X2..Too much of a PITA...I'd rather set-up next to that big tree and use it for cover.

I actually prefer trees a little larger and like them as wide as my shoulders. They better hide my profile when on stand and I can blend in much better. Nothing worse than sitting skylined in a bean pole.

[greenhorndave]

If I can’t get my arm half way around the tree.... I move on

X2..Too much of a PITA...I'd rather set-up next to that big tree and use it for cover.

I actually prefer trees a little larger and like them as wide as my shoulders. They better hide my profile when on stand and I can blend in much better. Nothing worse than sitting skylined in a bean pole.

Yeah, getting skylined is one of my pet peeves. It really grinded my gears the first time it happened. But, it’s sure instructive.

I have some big trees in my backyard to practice out of, so I’m either going to get an extender or do the Beast stick rope mod.

[jporcello]

i have had problems with larger trees only when i try to use my first beast stick at the base of the tree. i just ordered at 10 or 12ft replacement strap for those larger tree bases. if your talking about having an issue in the top of the tree while setting your stand i would think same plan should work although i can honestly say i have never try to hang a set in a tree so big i couldnt set my stand do to the tree being too big.

[Lockdown]

Only time I’ve ever had to get into a monster tree like that was on private, so I bought some monster nails and drove them in in lieu of steps. If you’re on public that’s probably not an option.

[cattailcrusher]

Thanks for all the replies guys! The reason I asked is that this past weekend I scouted what looks to be a pretty secluded/overlooked very small (5 acre) piece of public land, can only access by kayak. As most of you mentioned I would usually try to find a different tree or sit on the ground nearby, but from what my gut was telling me and what I found while scouting I have to be setup up in this very big cottonwood tree, granted it could change when I show up during the season and don't see what I am looking for. Another question I have for you guys who run saddles, are you able easily get set up in these large trees, or do you have to add extensions to your lines also?

[stash59]

I use to set up alot in larger diameter trees. It helped that screw in steps were still legal even on public back then. Often ended up setting the actual tree stand up on one of the trunks after it divided. Sometimes a larges branch. But I did carry an extension for when the trunk was still too large. Those were usually oaks. The problem with cottonwoods is they often don't split their trunks until 35+ feet up.

Maybe get a couple of extensions for a couple of sticks. Then find a large tree to practice on. Getting the extension flipped around the tree will be the hard part. You will find out if it's worth the effort to you personally! Or not.

[Wlog]

I haven’t tried it on the stand but have hooked two LW straps together before to get my bottom stick on.

[Dewey]

I haven’t tried it on the stand but have hooked two LW straps together before to get my bottom stick on.

That works too.