I am planning trying to do some draw hunts next year, as well as doing some out of state hunting in Ohio. On my properties here in TN I hunt out of mostly ladder stands, with a few ground blinds. My Question is does anyone recommend a good climber that is light weight, but allows me to sit as I climb? I was looking at a Muddy brand stand, it weighs 15lbs but the seat is netting. That might get old siting 4-6hrs at a time. Just looking for ideas. I also thought about getting a tree seat and just sitting next to the ground, but am afraid that may spook game, since I will have little time to pattern these deer. Just looking for ideas and options. Trying to stay under 20lbs on a climber if possible Thanks

I've found the lightest and most compact climbers are not sit-n-climb models but open front models. These will require some upper body strength to use. I'm continuing a search for the lightest (and well-made) models for hunting public lands for next season myself and so far narrowed it down to 2 models, the Summit Open Shot and the X-Stand X-1.

Check out the Summit Viper, think it's 18-20 lbs with a bar in the front.
Simmit stands ate comfortable too.

You can turn any hand climber into a sit and climb with a nylon strap affixed to the hand climber.  Reduces weight and less cumbersome.  I like a Lone Wolf hand climber modified this way.

Lone wolf assault with an accessory sit and climb strap.  I use my upper body to climb and usually use the sit strap to come down--- had the base slip off big winter boots once and getting the bottom underfoot again was dicey while trying to balance with my elbows on seat section.  Unless you have a really good area in ohio i wouldnt spent cash on out of state tag.  In my area deer numbers are way down.

QuoteOriginally posted by the rifleman:
Lone wolf assault with an accessory sit and climb strap.  I use my upper body to climb and usually use the sit strap to come down--- had the base slip off big winter boots once and getting the bottom underfoot again was dicey while trying to balance with my elbows on seat section.  Unless you have a really good area in ohio i wouldnt spent cash on out of state tag.  In my area deer numbers are way down.

We where just going to try and hunt Brush creek or Shawnee forest, never been to the state before.

Check out the treewalker treestands, I've owned a few summits and  a couple of the lonewolf stands along with a few others, they all got the job done but really like the treewalker. I believe it's made around Memphis.

Ohio div of wildlife had too liberal limits (9 deer per year) for too long.  Now 6 deer per year, encourages killing does so the herd size continues to be down in many areas.  The southeastern part of the state as youre planning would be the best bet.  I limit myself to no more than two per year now, as i feel the herd needs to recover.  I dont believe the numbers the dow reports.  I know of few that were killed gun week and they claim higher numbers.