I'm new to bow hunting and was wondering which kind of tree blind should work best and not too costly? And also how hard is it to climb the trees and setup the blind? And can I also shoot a rifle from a tree blind? Thanks fellas!

You can build one with a few 2 x 6's and a pc of 1/2" plywood. Use 2 x 4"s for the steps or build a ladder. Put removable rails that you can put on during rifle season for a rest.

well this year I don't have the funds for a lease where I can do all this. Most my hunting this year is going to be on public lands and national forest. So there would be no way where I would be able to put nails in the tree or build anything on. Mostly portable and a good walking distance as well.

Well, that is different. There were a few of them for sell here in the forum. Yes, you can shoot from the same stand with a rifle. Climbing trees? Get one with a built in ladder, don't know much about the self-climbers.

If you have tall enough trees, I recommend this.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores...0007000_400-7-1

I have hunted out of ladder stands (a pain to move), pop up blinds(not bad), and climbing stands. I like climbing stands the best if you have the trees in your area to hunt out of them. This one is comfortable and easy to carry.

Henny,

Bought that exact one that Cajundave has there. First time to use a climbing stand. Sets up quick and once I used it a couple of times at my lease became quite easy. Good stand.

Most public hunting doesn't allow you permanent blinds (nails or anything screwed into a tree). I've had tree stand ladders and lock-ons stolen before. Ladder stands are the same...likely to be gone next time you go hunt them. I've walked right past other stands on public land, but other hunters aren't so kind. In your situation, if you can't find straight trees to climb with a climbing stand, your best bet would be a pop-up ground blind.

Deer will usually be uncomfortable around new blinds, but so many people claim they work fine just popped up in a new area. I have experienced the opposite, I guess. I use a climber on public land. Not too hard to figure out, and it's a great addition to your arsenal once you become familiar with setting up and using one. It's just like anything else...practice, practice, practice.

There are some lightweight ladder stands that I know some guys use. They strap it all onto a game cart, wheel it to their area, set up, hunt, get down, break it down and rolll it back out. Lot of trouble, if you ask me. I'd rather just take a chair and back up into a cedar or heavy brush and hunt.

All my buddies in New Jersey, where climbers are the way to go (plenty of great trees for them) swear by the Summit Viper SS. These guys have had many different ones and all swear by that one, not the cheapest though. You can get a gun rail/rest for most climbers. Make sure your area has the trees to use one. Many of the ones I've seen on sale here are because "can't find a good tree for it where I hunt"

I have a Summit Viper SS and love it too!

I was actually eye'n that one at basspro shop the other day
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores...0007000_400-7-1

Just waiting for it to come on sale! lol If I could find a cheaper one that would be the best one.