sqrew in steps

[the turkey guy]

i have a question up here in canada we can use sqrew in steps any-ware, and after reading some post here does any one know why you can't on public land in the USA. thanks and merry x mas all rob.

[Goose]

I've always been under the impression that its because they damage the trees, We're not supposed to cut or trim any trees as well.

[paulie]

My guess, (and it is just that, a guess) is that they cause damage to the tree. here in Michigan, on "state land" (same as your"crown land"), you can not use any screws, nails, or anything else that penetrates the cambium layer of the tree, to hang your stands.

[DeanoZ]

Yeap..agree with the others, thats what we've been told in our state.  I'd also be interested i hearing how everyone actually screws these in..any tips or tricks to it?  I've ssen some use a hand corkscrew to get the hole started, I;ve also seen some use a cordless drill to make a starter hole, and I've also seen an attachment for sale that is a collar for a cordless drill that fits around the screw steps.  would be interested to hear what works best in your experience?

[deerhunter713]

Last time I put them up, I used a cordless drill.  Worked like a champ.  First time I tried using a hammer to get them started...never again. 

[Washburn]

Screw in steps are bad for trees. Back in the day (when I used them) I just screwed in my hand.
Today I only use climbing sticks; much faster to install, no tree damage, and safer/easier to climb than steps.

Washburn

[buckhunter21]

I use screw in steps and have used them for the past 18 years when I first started hunting.  When I first started hunting I'd climb a tree, screwing these in as I go w/out any harness or rope support...AND I would hang my stand up this way as well.  Not times have changed and I've gotten wiser and I use a harness which allows me to use both of my hands when I climb the tree as well as put the stand up.  I just screw them in with my hands...Don't use anything else! 
 
Also, I haven't seen any real damage to the trees that I use either, so I'm not sure what kind of affect they have?! 

[PrairieShadow]

ORIGINAL: buckhunter21

I use screw in steps and have used them for the past 18 years when I first started hunting.  When I first started hunting I'd climb a tree, screwing these in as I go w/out any harness or rope support...AND I would hang my stand up this way as well.  Not times have changed and I've gotten wiser and I use a harness which allows me to use both of my hands when I climb the tree as well as put the stand up.  I just screw them in with my hands...Don't use anything else! 

Also, I haven't seen any real damage to the trees that I use either, so I'm not sure what kind of affect they have?! 

 
Im with you 21,
 
Ive always used these steps and never saw any real damage to the trees. some have been in trees for 5-7yrs and the nothing has happened to the trees?
 
Do people think that these steps actually kill the trees?

[shadow]

Its also illegal to use them here in Conn., but only on state owned lands. From what I am told... the use of the screw in steps as well as any nails, spikes, screws etc., even though they don't damage the trees, they sometimes are forgotten and left in a tree and they could cause injury to the forester that cuts that tree down if he hits it with his saw. And also if that doesn't happen and the tree gets to the saw mill it could then possibly cause serious injury if the blade were to hit one and shatter, or in the very least, ruin the blade. 

[the turkey guy]

thanks shadow that make since as for steps in trees i would say no as i have had some step in trees for ten years where the tree grows around the step thanks again rob.