headin out today for a few quick repairs/changes on 2 ladder stands I'll be using tomorrow. if allowed I like to screw a big eye bolt into the tree at about eye level when standing on the platform ,and just snap your safety harness into it with a carabiner. also to zip tie some camo netting around the sides, and attatch some palmetto fronds or leafy branches to the tree trunk to help break up the outline. and lastly an adequate sized pee bottle, nothing worse than overflowing one thats too small.
went to work today on that ladder stand where I almost comitted hari kari. put some vinyl covered cable. to the ladder support and attached to tree with a big eye screw and tightened up real good with a turnbuckle. then used a nylon ratchet strap snugging the platform into the tree. replaced the seat with 3/4 plywood and am going to use 3/4 ply for the backrest but use 4" lag screws to attach the upper frame to the tree as well. all the foam and fabric ( what was left ) I removed and will need new pads as well. Carlos didn't think it would hold my mass. when I'm done it should even support his weapon of ass destruction.
After all that work on the stand while it was up you better let that spot cool way down....
Starting to fix up my jig for my ladder stands. The boring bees got a hold of a couple sections of the jig, so I'm gonna hafta rebuild it. Will be good though, cus I'm gonna modify the layout a bit to make it a bit lighter and stronger and attaches to the tree a little better. The current model holds well and doesn't move much, but there's a LOT of weight in metal where it wraps around the tree and such, and I think my mods will decrease some of the weight and make it grab the tree tighter.
For those of us who uses and leaves their climbers in the woods these waterproof covers work great, Here is mine in use in Ohio it rained all day the day before and it was 26 deg that morning. I was the only one that was not miserable that morning. It also should make your seat last longer.
