xbow in tree stand

[Newbi]

This may sound like a stupid question, but ... My wife got me a climbing tree stand for Christmas. As you may remember, I have had some trepidation about getting up in one. Well I am feeling much more at ease, and really fairly comfortable in it after using it a few times. I do find it a bit confining and was wondering how do you keep your crossbow handy while in the stand. I held it the entire time on my first use of the stand, but found that tiring and awkward when I needed to get a drink of water or a piece of jerky. I hung it from a tree step (screw in) that I had sleeved with some rubber hose. This worked, but was a little difficult to get to without a lot of movement. Could you share some tips?

[Sandman]

Newbi

I hold mine while I am in the stand but when I need to stretch etc I use a rubber coated (less noise hanging and taking it down) hook anchored into the tree to hang my bow on.

Regards,
Robin

[brayhaven]

I made a little arm of 1.5" aluminum channel that ataches to the left (I'm right handed) angle brace & extends out about 6-8" from the front of my seat frame. It has a padded U slot that is adjustable for angle that fits the Xbow rail extrusion & the pistol grip area rests across the right side of the padded front of the frame (I have a Summit Viper X4). It can be employed very quickly & quietly with a minimum of movement from this position & it's quite secure. The alum channel also serves as a coffee bar ). Be sure to spray every thing with flat black. I think many of the tree stand makers sell gun rests etc as accessories, but I didn't like the design. I also make little padded aluminum clips to hang all my paraphenalia on around the stand; book, thermos, day pack, deer/turkey calls, hat, coat, porta potti, TV... ) . When I stand hunt, I find it best to stay in it, and the more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to do that.
Greg

[Cousneddy]

I hunt from a older summit climber, believe it's called a shooter. It has the bar all the way around me, like the new viper. I have a pair of gun holders mounted on the bar, they hold a rifle or my crossbow great. Leaves my hands free, yet bow is easy to get into position. They are called pack racks, I would post you a pic but stand is still hanging in a tree.
Ed

[Tom]

I hunt from a older summit climber, believe it's called a shooter. It has the bar all the way around me, like the new viper. I have a pair of gun holders mounted on the bar, they hold a rifle or my crossbow great. Leaves my hands free, yet bow is easy to get into position. They are called pack racks, I would post you a pic but stand is still hanging in a tree.
Ed

This works for me as well. If you have a shooting rail, just mount gun holders on the rail (you know the U or V shapped for ATV's). They will hold your stock of your bow or a gun. I also have a coated hook that I can hang the bow by the sturrup saftely.

Hope this helps.

[ExcalBeliever]

I hunt out of a SUmmit Cobra I got two years ago. I usually let my Vixen rest on the left arm rest and the string is also resting on the upper part of the arm rest.

Never had a problem with the Vixen in a treestand.

[Newbi]

Thanks for the tips. I'll have to get used to the experience of the tree stand, and figure out what works. I appreciate the help.