ladder stands

The two man that academy sells is nice and safe

I have 2 partner plus stands from Big Game Tree stands...

Best on the market IMHO

500 lbs capacity big platform, cushions, strong

LINK

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The two man that academy sells is nice and safe

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We use these, they work just fine. We added a backrest and extended/cushioned seat to one of them and it's as comfortable as can be. My dad also built a roof for one.

Haven't hunted 2 people out of one in a while, it would probably be pretty cramped.

There is some good advice above, I use Big Game stands. Since you will be hunting with your son get one with high rails around it so you can add a cloth or burlap blind. Some come with a shooting rail that can fold back making it easier to get in the stand. Some also have a floor that stops at the front edge of the seat while others will have a floor that goes all the way to the tree. I like the second for a double stand. When choosing a stand look at the weight limit, and the height. You pay more for a taller stand.

A few tips,

1. Assemble the sections before going in the field the wrenches they supply make it much slower to complete vs. socket wrenches.

2. Buy the additional universal feet by ameristep ($10-15) at Wal-Mart and other stores. They make it very easy to level the stand and will prevent the legs from sinking to the first rung of the ladder in soft soil. They also add an extra foot to the height of the stand.

3. Choose a fairly large stout tree that won’t move much in the wind. Since the stand has two contact points (ground and tree) movement will create stress on the stand and un-needed noise. The wider trunked tree will also provide a better backdrop for more concealment.

4. Once on location and the tree has been chosen, assemble the stand on the ground. Bring a soft mallet and a bar of unscented soap as the sections may not go together easily. When putting in the pins place them so they hang off the backside of the ladder so they will be out of the way.

5. Plug any open ends of the tubing with a piece of closed cell foam (pool noodle) to prevent water and insects from getting in.

6. Follow the instructions for putting the stand on the tree; they are designed to protect you. Make sure you have an adult friend with you to put it up. The scary part is when you climb the unsecured stand to place the straps, and is the point you want someone holding the ladder for you. Do not neglect the ladder stabilization bar, the one between the lower part of the ladder and the tree, and make sure to wrap it too to prevent noise.

7. Once in place wrap the connections and pins with a good outdoor vinyl tape, heavy duty plastic wrap, or vet wrap to prevent rattling.

8. I have hunted from stands with the commercial blinds with zippers for entrance and found them cumbersome. I prefer to use burlap folded over the top rail and secured with zip ties. Leave a gap in the front and you can slide it open like a curtain.

9. Some modifications you might want to add:
cup holders, a few hooks to hold accessories or a pouch for accessories that will hang on the top rail or from the seat, and 1/2 " pipe insulation on the shooting bar/top rail and on the front vertical supports to reduce noise and make them more comfortable to lean your legs against. I know one guy who adds traction tape to the steps but I think that is over kill.

10. Don’t forget a pull up rope for your gun/bow, and harnesses for you and your son. A large eye bolt in the tree above your head when seated makes attaching harnesses quick and easy. Teach him the three points of contact way of climbing a ladder and he will never fall.

11. I don't leave my seat pads on my ladder stand because they provide a good spot for wasps to build nests under unless the seat folds up and coons and squirrels seem to really like tearing them up. You can now buy single seat closed cell foam stadium seats for about $4 each and two of them stacked will provide all the dry padding you can ask for. Just carry them into the stand with you. By not leaving your pads on your stands you discourage others from hunting from your stands also.



Good luck

You had me at "ladder stand for me and my son"

Be safe, good luck and remember that the hunt is about having fun and is over when he is ready to go.

you may have to either modify or remove the front rail for him to shot a bow over it comfortably.

My Big Game brand has the handle that falls out of the way for bow hunting and can be put back in place for rifle.

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Maybe it's just me but I try to sink the legs up to the first rung just for the added stability, especially when climbing up the first time.

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Only problem with this is it can cause premature rusting of the legs depending on the soil type and amount of moisture in an area...

True, but you have the first rung stopping the ladder from sinking any further and possibly making your ladder come apart on you, and the 6"+ sections of ladder past the first rung stuck in the ground stopping it from moving laterally. Pretty stable I would think.