I have an aluminum ladder stand it’s my go to for travel hunts it’s light weight, portable and solid. Put it up the other day but did not like the set up it needed to be turned more to cover a pinch point to my left better but a limb was in the way. It’s a simple stand with a nice big platform but no foot area like most have but that allows for the bigger platform so it’s tricky getting on top of it it’s just far enough from the tree you can’t grab onto the tree to stand up.

I went back the next day with a reciprocating saw and cut the limb off flush with the tree then loosed the top strap walking the stand to a better position to cover the spot better. On my way back up to tighten things back up the stand rolls off to the side, it’s still attached at the top but lopsided I held on until I was 100% upright and let go. I landed hard on my feet the impact on the bottom of my rubber boots was noticeable a flat footed slam with no support inserts.

I hit the ground like Spider-Man lands and my back let loose popping like going to the chiropractor but the pop as from compression so I’m thinking this won’t be good. LOL Once I got more feeling in my feet I stood up moved around to feel for damages to my surprise alls good no usual nerve pain but some bruised vibes,

To my surprise the nerve pain is gone I still have a “bruised” feeling but it a great improvement over the usual stabbing back pains I get when I over do things. The only thing I can think happened is it cleared/loosened some arthritis from past injuries whatever went on it’s a vast improvement so far.


Same stand I shot my bull from last year for reference.

Makes me think of the “ Simpsons “ episode, where homer was pushing people backwards over trash cans.

Law Dog,
That ladder stand is the type I sat on when I was 16 years old.

Also...if you can shoot a bull elk outta that (when you are sticking out like a sore thumb) then why not a brushed in ground blind?

Glad you didn't injured yourself worse than you did. Just sitting on that is no good for your back.

But, it's past time to move on from that ancient stand.

I have a swivel seat that I binder to the tree with a chain that I usually use I could have used that now if I would have remembered to bring it. You can see that seat in the photo but it’s tough to see, I’m sitting on a 5 gallon pail with a padded swivel seat that fits it fine for now. I’ll bring the chain on seat back with me in Nov it’s a good grab up. Did just fine with that set up for elk worked like a dream.

Are elk oblivious to a hunter perched on something like that?

Is this rifle hunting or archery?

I could see popping an elk at the tree line from there with a rifle, but up close archery....???

Archery season the branches on the other side of the stand breaks up a outline enough my buddy had a stand there the year before with no issues it’s the only tree in the area of the wallow, cattle would tear up a ground blind.

My father had back pain for years. Fell off an extension ladder one day and all pain was gone. Yes he survived.

Had not realized what pain free was like until now it amazing if it lasts

Do you shoot left-handed LawDog?
My wife has back pain...that gives me an idea........

Nope right handed so far so good.