Using a climbing treestand in pines?

[Screwtop.243]

Hi everybody,

I just acquired some acreage and there is a 40+ year old stand of pines on it, which border hardwoods. I have traditionally hunted hardwoods but there seems to be a lot of deer sign along the transitions between the pines and hardwoods and I have identified a lot of pines that might be nice for stand locations. Is a pine of decent girth safe to climb? I'd be using my summit stand and I tip the scales at a bone crushing 175 lbs.

Thanks,

ST243

 

[6Den]

Sounds like a perfect setup. I'm about your size and never had a problem using climbers on pine trees. I rather prefer them since they tend to be straight and bare up to where they offer a lot of cover. Love the smells too. If it's a stand of pines, you can situate your stand so that the "wall" of pines completely hide you. Very stealthy and quiet. Good luck!

 

[mark71211]

I hunt on land that's about 90% pine trees and I have never had a problem climbing them. Really I prefer to climb a pine over a hardwood cause I think the climber bites into the tree better. The only thing I have noticed it you just got to dig into the tree good before you move cause some pieces of the bark will fall off as you climb.

 

[Franklin]

you'll be alright.

 

[DaveP]

Had a homemade, Bakers style climber 25 years ago that I went for some pretty exciting rides on. pines and hardwoods.

Worse was a pine: stand dropped, I stayed.
For a few seconds.
Then SLOWLY I started sliding, gaining speed as I went.
Half the skin on my forearms and both my nipples is still stuck in the bark!

 

[remrug]

i hunted in some pines a few years ago the whole bow season.In November I went to draw on a nice 8 pt.I barely pulled back and my release opened and the arrow flew about 10 feet.The deer took off.I was WTF?Sap had gotten into my release and cost me a mounter buck.It never happened before or since I used mineral spirits to clean it out.Figures.......it couldnt have happened with a doe

 

[Screwtop.243]

Thanks guys. The primary reason I was asking is because I was wondering how solid the root system of the pines were compared to the hardwoods. I see a few of them blown over here and there on my property and I'd hate to be 23 ft. up one of them when it decides to go "timber!"