In recent decades, hunting has reached a completely new level of development. If in primitive times hunting was practiced surviving in difficult conditions, i.e., when there was no other choice, then today hunting is a part of the culture of almost every society. Moreover, the development of hunting activities took place quite gradually. From hunting in groups using primitive spears, the use of dogs to facilitate the work of hunters in night light and from the point of view of safety, and to the use of the latest scientific advances in hunting. These include night vision devices, thermal imaging equipment and other optical devices that allow you to see things that the human eye cannot perceive.
Hunters have always had the need for auxiliary equipment or other external influence during hunting. In primitive times, people used moonlight as an aid in hunting at night, which relatively illuminated a certain area on the terrain, allowing to see animals that lead a nocturnal lifestyle. In the Middle Ages, the first lanterns appeared, which were used by hunters for night hunting. Of course, the lanterns of that time were not as efficient in use as those that exist today, but they also helped hunters feel more comfortable on the hunt. After the third scientific and technological revolution, everything changed a lot and humanity moved to a new level of development. The use of infrared radiation, the latest optical and thermal imaging technologies has flooded the hunting business as well. However, each hunter has his own tricks and techniques that he uses regardless of the use of scientific achievements. They are passed down from generation to generation and are constantly being improved. This also applies to the use of a lifting stand for hunting. We will discuss what a lifting stand is, what its main advantages are, and what types of stands there are.
What is an elevated stand?
A lifting stand is a mechanism that is mostly used by hunters who do not use any weapon for hunting, but a bow with arrows or a firearm. This is explained by the properties of such weapons the importance of the sight to achieve the result. Such a stand is usually placed on a tree or other surface that is stable, to be able to see the area well and navigate it better. Usually using a stand is much easier than walking directly behind the animal and constantly knocking your scope off. Such stands began to be used in the 20th century, when hunters realized that to hit the animal as accurately as possible, it is necessary to see the entire situation in the area to consider external factors when shooting.
Different types of elevated stands
The first type of lifting stands that are actively used in hunting are hinged stands. The mechanism of their installation and use is simple. First you need to decide on which tree it will be placed and at what height. The height should be optimal to have a good view of the area. A small lifting surface is installed at a certain height and safety equipment must be worn, which should ensure a safe descent of the hunter.
The next type of stand is a stand, which is climbed thanks to a special additionally installed platform. The principle of operation of this stand practically does not differ from the previous one, except that this one is considered safer to use. The fact is that under the main stand, from which the hunter shoots, there is an additional stand, thanks to which the descent from the first stand takes place. Also, you can use the lower stand to shoot in an area that is not very wooded and where visibility is better. That is, in essence, the installation of two stands performs both a safety function and an additional place for sighting.
Another stand that finds its active use in hunting is a stand with a ladder. It is the most popular because of its ease of use. In addition, it is easier to install since there are two points of attachment to the tree – through the platform and through the ladder. Naturally, climbing a ladder is much easier than using a rope that rubs your hands and from which you can easily slip. In addition, hunters who have a certain fear of heights perceive such stands better because of the lower probability of falling when descending from the platform.
The last type of stand used by hunters is much more expensive than the previous ones, as they differ not only functionally, but also externally. This is a lifting stand that looks like a small house. It is quite convenient to use for the hunter, but attracts more attention than the previous stands, because it is more difficult to disguise. Such stands are mostly used for hunting deer because these animals are very sensitive to the smell of humans, and it is necessary to isolate them as much as possible. This is achieved thanks to the camouflage of the house, which is on a height, which allows the hunter to avoid the possibility of being seen in the forest. Such houses are usually placed on trees that are wide and have many thick branches, so that it is easier to disguise the platform.
Safety precautions to remember when using an elevated stand
A hunter must always put his life first. That is why following safety techniques is a must for any type of hunting. The first thing you should pay attention to when using a lifting stand is its technical condition and the fixing of all components. It is necessary to make sure when buying a stand, if of course the hunter did not make it himself, that it has been tested and that all its characteristics correspond to reality. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the instructions for installing and using the stand and carefully follow it throughout its operation. It is recommended to use such stands during the day to protect the hunter from possible injuries. To check the completeness and integrity of the platform, it is necessary to make sure that the platform can withstand the weight of the hunter while still on the ground. For the platform to be fixed in such a way as to protect the hunter from falling, it is necessary to tie its beginning near the lower part of the tree with ropes, and gradually wrap the rope around the tree to the lower part of the platform. Due to this, the platform becomes more reliable and will accurately withstand the weight of the hunter together with the equipment. It is also necessary to move carefully on this platform to prevent possible human injuries. Safety equipment must be worn and hands free when lifting. Attention should be fixed only on the ascent to the platform. If you follow these rules, the platform will come in handy when hunting and help make it more productive.
What Is One Advantage of Hunting from an Elevated Stand?
The main advantage of using a lifting platform is improved visibility of the terrain. The hunter will avoid the possibility of being noticed. This is especially important with those animals that have hypersensitive organs of hearing and smell. While on the stand, a person will become unreachable for animal perception and will be able to aim as accurately as possible.
Therefore, the use of a lifting stand during hunting makes the hunter’s work much easier, but it also imposes certain additional duties on him. These responsibilities include observing safety techniques when operating the stand and installing it on a tree that will support it and provide the best visibility. If everything is done correctly and well prepared, you can achieve the desired result on the hunt without much effort. But with any hunting equipment you need to be careful because the life of a person on the hunt is more valuable than any achievements or achievements of the hunter.
