Deer season will soon be here, and with it, the need for quality treestands. Choosing the right stand can be a challenging task, though, especially for new hunters. Sifting through the important factors is involved. Here is the ultimate guide to hang-on treestands.
Why You Need a Hang-On Treestand
A hang-on treestand is like other treestands and hunting blinds — it serves a purpose. The hang-on treestand is especially ideal in certain situations. Some of these include the following scenarios.
Long Pack-Ins: Some deer hunters hike deep into large tracts of property. A heavy treestand makes that entry and exit more difficult. Thus, the benefit of utilizing a lighter model.
Lightweight Pack-Ins: Others might not have a long hike, but they need or prefer a lightweight treestand to carry afield for other reasons. Age or injury can make heavy loads unpleasant, and some hunters just plain don’t like the thought of humping 50 lbs of clanking steel around on a weekend.
Fine-Tuned Treestand Heights: A hang-on treestand is ideal for customizable treestand height. Most ladder treestands can’t do that, and climbing treestands are reliant on clean trunks without big limbs.
Fine-Tuned Treestand Positions: Ladder stands and climbing treestands are great, but the right hang-on stand offers slightly better tunability. This is true for getting the right angle, and the best fit, up against the trunk. When hanging treestands, a hang-on stand can be shifted around the trunk more easily (and more often) than other options.
Better Range of Motion and Shots from the Treestand: A hang-on treestand doesn’t have the restrictions of some climbing and ladder treestands. This improves range of motion and potentially shot opportunities from the stand.
Second Stand in the Tree: Those who already have a single-man primary treestand in place, but plan to hunt with another person, might need to hang a second stand next to it. A lightweight hang-on is perfect for that.
Choosing the Best Hang-On Treestand
There are many lightweight treestands on the market. Choosing the right one is important. Millennium offers three great lightweight hang-ons.
Millennium M7 MicroLite: The Millennium M7 MicroLite is a lightweight, maneuverable treestand that gets the job done well. Its platform measures 20.5 inches by 26 inches. The seat height is 20 inches. It hits the scales at 8 pounds. This model is compatible with the MY CamLOCK receiver system. It also incorporates a unique design (SilentHUNT technology) to improve stealth in the field. MSRP is $224.99.
Millennium M60U UltraLite: The M60U UltraLite is built with the M50 in mind. However, it’s crafted with aluminum instead of heavier steel. The stand blends comfort, mobility, strength, and more. Its platform measures 24 inches by 33 inches, seat measures 20 inches by 16 inches, and seat height is 21 inches. This model even sports InterlockLEVELING system. The stand weighs 13 pounds. MSRP is $256.99.
Millennium M100U UltraLite: The modern M100U UltraLite is 20% lighter than its original release years ago. Now, it comes with the ComfortMAX seat. Its platform is 20 inches by 38 inches. The seat is 20 inches by 16 inches. Its seat height is 17 inches. The treestand weighs 14.5 pounds.
Each of these three treestand models are crafted with aluminum, and are weight rated up to 300 pounds. Seats fold up for standing, and each model has shoulder straps for carrying. Stands come with a safety harness and SafeLink. Learn more about these treestands at millennium-outdoors.com.
Choosing the Best Portable Climbing Sticks
Those who hunt from hang-on treestands must use portable climbing sticks, too.
Millennium M251 Aluminum Hang-On Climbing Stick: This model sports an aggressive design that’s versatile. It can be used on virtually any healthy tree, regardless of its shape. Oftentimes, it’s even compatible with crooked tree trunks. Furthermore, the M251 features lightweight aluminum construction, making it ideal for use with lightweight treestands. It also includes a single tube design. The steps are alternating and angling with great traction. It has a stackable design for easy transport. There are no moving parts or metal-to-metal contact. Sticks come fully assembled. These are 32 inches long, weigh 2.6 pounds, and have a 300-pound capacity. MSRP is $47.99.
Millennium Assassin Speed Rail Hang-On Ladder: Another portable stick option, the Assassin Speed Rail Hang-On Ladder is another route up a tree. This set works well for many odd-shaped trees, too. The ladder has steel construction, powder coat finish, and double-loop connection straps. It does not have metal-on-metal contact points. It comes in three sections. Weight is 15 pounds and weight capacity is 300 pounds. MSRP is $76.99.
Regardless of the portable stick system you choose, consider the M260 Climbing Stick Quiver. It’s ideal for holding sticks together and keeping them nice and neat when moving to and from hunt destinations. Use it to hold four sticks together, if these are 1 inch or smaller. This unit also attaches to any Millennium treestand that uses a CamLOCK receiver. It weighs an additional 2.5 pounds.
The Importance of a Lightweight Hang-On Treestand
There are many different important factors involved with lightweight hang-on treestands. When studying the right treestand, certain considerations should weigh into treestand selection. From hunter to hunter, each of these might be more or less important than others.
Weight: The weight of a treestand impacts ease of carry and how much other gear a hunter can carry.
Portability: The portability of a treestand impacts how easy or difficult it is to carry afield, hang in a tree, and move from one location to the next.
Material: Most treestands are made of steel. However, lightweight models are crafted from aluminum.
Platform Size: A smaller platform size translates to a lighter overall weight. But that leaves less room for feet, and a very small platform decreases safety. Find a happy median.
Seat Comfort: The seat quality matters, especially for longer all-day sits. The seat angle, cushion thickness, and more, impact comfort.
Ease of Hanging: Some hang-on treestands are easier to hang than others. This feature makes a stand safer and more enjoyable to use.
How to Safely Hang a Hang-On Treestand
Hanging hang-on treestands in a safe manner is part of hunting. Of course, all treestand use requires a safety harness. That includes hanging and pulling down treestands.
When hanging or removing a treestand, a safety harness plus a lineman’s belt is required. When climbing a treestand, descending from a treestand, or hunting from a treestand, a safety harness plus safety line is required.
Safety lines are a must when hunting from any treestand, including a hang-on stand. For example, the SafeLink includes a 35-ft rope with a prusik knot and carabiner. Paired with a safety harness, this necessary one-two ensures a hunter remains tied in while:
- Climbing up the ladder
- Stepping onto the treestand platform
- Hunting from the treestand
- Stepping back onto the ladder
- Climbing down the ladder
Using a safety harness and safety line decreases risk of falling to the ground. Follow all accepted and expected treestand safety policies and practices. When possible, and when hanging long-term treestands, bring along a hunting partner. This can increase safety, too.
Go Hunt
With your new treestand gear in hand, it’s time to deploy it. Of course, most treestand users require certain accessories. If that’s you, round out your outfit with needed additions and go hunt.
