RG, that's the very reason I sold my climber stands. I lost the bottom climbing down and had to literally hang from the top to get my tiptoes back into the bottom. I use fixed permanent stands now. I learned how to shoot my crossbow left-handed so I dont have to stand up in the stand.
 
BH

I dont use the climber now either -for other reasons-- used to tie a rope between the bottom and top sections just long enough to allow the climb up without gettin in the way --if there was a slip on the bottom it could only go down a short distance.
 A lot of us have been left up there clinging to the top half -lol.
  Seems that all tree stands have their 'issues'  I HATE the first trip up that shakey ladder stand to affix the top to the trunk. Now tie a rope around the tree and the top section and kinda try and slip it up the trunk when setting up. Felt like it was gonna tip over more than once on that first trip up.

When setting up a fixed ladder stand, try tying two long ropes to the back of the stand. Erect the stand and than tie off the ropes to a tree on the ground, spreading them out behind the tree your setting up in. It makes things a whole lot more stable when buckling your stand to the tree.
 
BH

Great idea-thanks

I'm picking up a new Hoyt CRX 32 tonight. I'll be getting the itch really bad soon.

Just checked the pictures on my trail cam. Its been up for a week. I got pictures of deer everyday and evening. No bucks tho. I'll be knockin the rust off the bow this weekend. Picked up some carbon bolts I need to try.
 
BH

To say I'm ready is an understatement. I cannot wait to get back in a tree. I don't use trail cams. I'd like to but can't justify spending that much on one plus I am successful without them this far.

I've been shooting a lot. And the bowtech and rages are ready to draw some blood.

How do you guys hunt? Do you try and fill a doe tag the first week or two of the season and then buck hunt?

Josh7388

How do you guys hunt? Do you try and fill a doe tag the first week or two of the season and then buck hunt?

Buck or Bust! Got all of rifle season to fill a doe tag. Just when you decide to shoot the doe with the bow, thats when you see Brutus take off after you release your arrow on her.
 
BH

Josh7388
How do you guys hunt? Do you try and fill a doe tag the first week or two of the season and then buck hunt?

 
I hunt in the moment. When it feels right I take the shot. No rhyme or reason. Honestly I consider a mature doe every bit as much of a trophy as a 2.5 y/o or older buck.

dpms

Josh7388
How do you guys hunt? Do you try and fill a doe tag the first week or two of the season and then buck hunt?

I hunt in the moment. When it feels right I take the shot. No rhyme or reason. Honestly I consider a mature doe every bit as much of a trophy as a 2.5 y/o or older buck.

Right on, I've easily been busted by more mature does than bucks. Im with ya on the time of the moment, some day I'll let to doe walk, other days I feel the need to kill the first mature one I see.