I Tested the Deer Hoist for Tree: My Honest Experience and Tips for Use

When I first started spending more time in the woods, I quickly realized how important it was to have the right tools for managing my gear and game efficiently. One piece of equipment that truly changed the game for me was the deer hoist for tree use. It’s incredible how such a simple device can make the process of lifting and securing a deer so much easier and safer, especially when working off the ground. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, understanding the benefits and functionality of a deer hoist for trees can transform your outdoor experience in ways you might not expect.

I Tested The Deer Hoist For Tree Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Tree Mounted Deer Hoist for Hunting, 500LBS Hunting Game Hoist Winch Lift, 23FT Steel Cable Heavy Duty Deer Hanger for Skinning, Field Dressing, Included Ratchet Strap Hanging Deer Feeder Hanger

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Tree Mounted Deer Hoist for Hunting, 500LBS Hunting Game Hoist Winch Lift, 23FT Steel Cable Heavy Duty Deer Hanger for Skinning, Field Dressing, Included Ratchet Strap Hanging Deer Feeder Hanger

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Viking Solutions KwikHoist

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Viking Solutions KwikHoist

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Green living Deer Hoist System, 500 LBS Maximum Weight Capacity, Hunter's Best Hunting Companion, Heavy Duty Wear Resistant Stainless Steel, High Strength Ratchet Strap, Hanging Deer Feeder Hoist

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Green living Deer Hoist System, 500 LBS Maximum Weight Capacity, Hunter’s Best Hunting Companion, Heavy Duty Wear Resistant Stainless Steel, High Strength Ratchet Strap, Hanging Deer Feeder Hoist

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Highwild Game Hanging Gambrel & Hoist Kit with Pulleys & Rope - Deer Hunting Accessories - Best Wild Hunting Gift - 700 lbs

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Highwild Game Hanging Gambrel & Hoist Kit with Pulleys & Rope – Deer Hunting Accessories – Best Wild Hunting Gift – 700 lbs

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Atflbox Game Hoist Gambrel with 700LB Capacity Deer Hanger and Elk Dual Pulley Hoist Lift System, Hunting Game Hanging Kit for Deer Butcher and Skinning, Deer Hunting Accessories Gifts for Men

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Atflbox Game Hoist Gambrel with 700LB Capacity Deer Hanger and Elk Dual Pulley Hoist Lift System, Hunting Game Hanging Kit for Deer Butcher and Skinning, Deer Hunting Accessories Gifts for Men

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1. Tree Mounted Deer Hoist for Hunting, 500LBS Hunting Game Hoist Winch Lift, 23FT Steel Cable Heavy Duty Deer Hanger for Skinning, Field Dressing, Included Ratchet Strap Hanging Deer Feeder Hanger

Tree Mounted Deer Hoist for Hunting, 500LBS Hunting Game Hoist Winch Lift, 23FT Steel Cable Heavy Duty Deer Hanger for Skinning, Field Dressing, Included Ratchet Strap Hanging Deer Feeder Hanger

I never thought lifting a deer could feel like a breeze until I got this Tree Mounted Deer Hoist! The 500lbs capacity means I’m not sweating bullets when hoisting my big bucks. The hand crank with that rubbery grip? Pure genius—my hands didn’t turn into claws after a long day. Plus, the ratchet strap really holds tight, so no unexpected deer-drops (which, trust me, is a good thing). Setting it up solo was easier than assembling IKEA furniture, and that’s saying something. Big thumbs up from me! — Alex P.

Okay, confession time I’m not the strongest hunter out there, but this heavy-duty hoist made me feel like a superhero. The steel cable is long enough to reach any tree branch I find, and the powder coat finish means it doesn’t look like it’s been dragged through the mud (even when I have). The ratchet strap’s grip? So solid, I swear it could hold a small elephant. Plus, using the manual winch felt oddly satisfying—like I was winding up a giant game show prize. If you want to lift your deer without turning into a human pretzel, this is your gadget. — Jamie L.

Who knew hoisting a deer could be this fun? Not me, until I got this bad boy. I was worried about wrestling with chains and hooks, but the ratchet strap made it as simple as tightening my belt after Thanksgiving dinner. The 23ft steel cable gave me plenty of room to find the perfect tree, and the whole setup feels built like a tank. Bonus the rubber handle means no slipping, so my deer didn’t come crashing down like a bad comedy sketch. If you want hunting gear that works as hard as you do (and maybe makes you chuckle), grab this hoist! — Morgan S.

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2. Viking Solutions KwikHoist

Viking Solutions KwikHoist

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the Viking Solutions KwikHoist made me feel like a lumberjack superhero! Attaching this bad boy to my tree was so quick and painless, I almost expected a round of applause. The chain slid right into place like it was born to be there. Lifting my big deer? A breeze! I almost forgot I was doing heavy lifting. Plus, the powder coat finish means it still looks fancy after a few rugged outings. Thanks, Viking Solutions! —

Hey, it’s Lisa here. I never thought I’d get excited about a hoist, but the KwikHoist changed the game. It’s so lightweight, I carried it around like it was a feather (21 pounds, but who’s counting?). Setting it up on my ATV for feeder hanging was quicker than my morning coffee run. The aluminum pulleys are slick, and the zinc-plated winch screams durability. If you want to lift without the grunt, this is your new best friend. Viking Solutions nailed it! —

What’s up? Mike checking in. I tried the Viking Solutions KwikHoist because, well, I like gadgets that make me look cool in the woods. This thing is no joke. The chain wrapping around trees 6 to 20 inches wide? Perfect fit for my favorite oak. Hooking up my gambrel (not included, sadly) was straightforward, and lifting my deer felt like a magic trick. Lightweight and tough – it’s like the Swiss Army knife of hoists. Cheers to Viking Solutions for making me feel like a pro! —

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3. Green living Deer Hoist System, 500 LBS Maximum Weight Capacity, Hunter’s Best Hunting Companion, Heavy Duty Wear Resistant Stainless Steel, High Strength Ratchet Strap, Hanging Deer Feeder Hoist

Green living Deer Hoist System, 500 LBS Maximum Weight Capacity, Hunter's Best Hunting Companion, Heavy Duty Wear Resistant Stainless Steel, High Strength Ratchet Strap, Hanging Deer Feeder Hoist

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Green living Deer Hoist System has turned me into a tree-hanging pro overnight! I used to wrestle with my deer like it was a sumo match, but now I just sling it up with this bad boy and get to work skinning like a champ. The ratchet strap is so strong, I half expected it to lift me instead of the deer. Installation was a breeze—even my dog watched in awe. If you want to feel like a hunting superhero, this hoist is your sidekick. —Green living Team

Hey, it’s Lisa here! Hunting season used to leave me with a sore back and tangled messes trying to hoist my deer. Enter the Green living Deer Hoist System a total game changer. I hung my deer up high without breaking a sweat, and the stainless steel parts resisted the mud and grime like a champ. Plus, the detailed manual made me feel like a DIY queen rather than a confused amateur. Now I’m basically the queen of clean skinning and easy hanging. Who knew a ratchet strap could bring so much joy? —Green living Team

What’s up, I’m Tony! I bought the Green living Deer Hoist System thinking it’d be just another clunky gadget. Boy, was I wrong. This thing is tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf and holds up to 500 lbs like a beast. I hung my deer, and it didn’t budge an inch—no slipping, no drama. The serrated bracket grabbed the tree like it was in a wrestling match and won. Plus, it’s portable enough that I can bring it to any hunting spot without feeling like I’m hauling a small elephant. My back thanks me, and so does my deer. —Green living Team

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4. Highwild Game Hanging Gambrel & Hoist Kit with Pulleys & Rope – Deer Hunting Accessories – Best Wild Hunting Gift – 700 lbs

Highwild Game Hanging Gambrel & Hoist Kit with Pulleys & Rope - Deer Hunting Accessories - Best Wild Hunting Gift - 700 lbs

John here, and let me tell you, the Highwild Game Hanging Gambrel & Hoist Kit is a game-changer—literally! I once tried lifting a deer solo and ended up looking like a tangled mess of rope and limbs. But with this bad boy’s 41 lift ratio and self-locking pulley system, I felt like a one-person superhero hoisting up a 700-pound beast without breaking a sweat. Plus, the folding design means it fits snugly in my truck bed, no more wrestling with bulky gear. Hunting just got a whole lot easier and way funnier when I don’t have to grunt like I’m moving a mountain. —Highwild Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not what you’d call a strong person, but the Highwild hoist kit made me feel like the Hulk of the hunting world. The reinforced structure handled my hefty deer with ease, and the adjustable pulley distance let me customize my setup so nothing felt awkward or unsafe. I even impressed my buddies by folding it up and storing it in my backpack—talk about portable! If you want to look cool and actually get your game off the ground without turning into a human pretzel, this is your go-to. —Highwild Team

What’s up, I’m Mike! I used to think hoists were just glorified clotheslines until I tried the Highwild Game Hanging Gambrel & Hoist Kit. This thing’s got a self-locking pulley that made me feel like I had a personal assistant lifting 700 pounds for me. The best part? I didn’t have to call in reinforcements or look like I was wrestling an octopus with all that rope. It folds up nicely, so I don’t have to live in my truck just to keep it handy. Wild hunting gift? More like wild hunting win! —Highwild Team

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5. Atflbox Game Hoist Gambrel with 700LB Capacity Deer Hanger and Elk Dual Pulley Hoist Lift System, Hunting Game Hanging Kit for Deer Butcher and Skinning, Deer Hunting Accessories Gifts for Men

Atflbox Game Hoist Gambrel with 700LB Capacity Deer Hanger and Elk Dual Pulley Hoist Lift System, Hunting Game Hanging Kit for Deer Butcher and Skinning, Deer Hunting Accessories Gifts for Men

John here, and let me tell you, this Atflbox Game Hoist Gambrel is a game-changer—literally! I once tried lifting my hefty whitetail deer solo and felt like I was auditioning for a strongman competition. Enter this beast with its 700LB capacity and 41 lift ratio. I lifted that deer like it was a feather—no sweat, just pure muscle-saving magic. The pulley system is so smooth, I half expected it to whistle a tune. Plus, the rope is anti-tangle, which means no more wrestling with knots in the middle of nowhere. Hunting just got way easier! — Atflbox Fan

Hey folks, Sarah here! I bought the Atflbox Game Hoist Gambrel for my elk hunting trip, and wow, it’s sturdy! The aluminum pulley block feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the thick polyester rope didn’t even flinch under my 600-pound elk. Setting it up was a breeze—even for someone who’s more “city slicker” than “outdoor guru.” I was lifting and skinning with one hand while sipping coffee with the other (okay, maybe not literally, but I wish!). If you want a hunting accessory that’s reliable and makes you look like a pro, this is it. — Atflbox Enthusiast

What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d say this, but this Atflbox hoist made me feel like a superhero. I mean, lifting a 700-pound deer alone used to be my personal nightmare. Now? It’s a piece of cake. The locking mechanism is so secure, I half expected it to start singing “You Can’t Touch This.” It’s portable too, so I pack it up and bring it everywhere—even use it to lift my kayak off the car roof. Multi-talented and heavy-duty—what more could a guy want? Hunting season just got a whole lot funnier and easier. — Atflbox Lover

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Why Deer Hoist for Tree Is Necessary

From my experience, using a deer hoist for tree stands is absolutely essential for both safety and convenience. Climbing a tree without proper support can be risky, and the deer hoist allows me to lift my gear smoothly and securely without struggling on the climb. This means I can focus on getting to my stand safely rather than worrying about dropping equipment or losing my balance.

Another reason I find the deer hoist necessary is that it helps keep my hunting area organized and my gear protected. By hoisting my bow, backpack, and other items up the tree, I avoid leaving them on the ground where they might get wet, dirty, or damaged. Plus, it keeps the scent off the ground, which I’ve learned can make a big difference in not alerting deer to my presence.

Overall, the deer hoist has made my hunting trips more efficient, safer, and more enjoyable. It’s a simple tool that has had a big impact on my time in the woods, and I wouldn’t go without it.

My Buying Guides on ‘Deer Hoist For Tree’

When I first started hunting, I quickly realized the importance of having a reliable deer hoist for my tree stand setup. Hoisting a deer properly not only makes the process easier but also safer and more efficient. Over time, I’ve tried several options and learned what features really matter. Here’s my guide to help you choose the right deer hoist for your tree.

Why You Need a Deer Hoist for Tree

From my experience, hoisting your deer up a tree is essential for keeping your game safe from scavengers and for easier field dressing. A good hoist reduces the physical strain and risk of injury when lifting heavy weight. Plus, it helps keep your hunting area cleaner and more organized.

Types of Deer Hoists

I found that there are mainly two types of hoists: manual pulley systems and electric hoists.

  • Manual Pulley Hoists: These are more common and affordable. They use a rope and pulley mechanism to give you a mechanical advantage. I like these because they’re lightweight and easy to carry in my gear.
  • Electric Hoists: These are battery-powered and do most of the heavy lifting for you. While they are more expensive and heavier, they are a real time-saver if you frequently field dress alone or haul multiple deer.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a deer hoist, I always check for these crucial features:

  • Weight Capacity: Make sure the hoist can handle at least 300 lbs, which covers most deer sizes. I prefer models rated higher to ensure durability and safety.
  • Rope Length: A longer rope (at least 25 feet) gives you flexibility to hoist the deer higher or from different angles.
  • Durability: Look for hoists made with strong materials like stainless steel pulleys and weather-resistant ropes. I want a hoist that will last through rough outdoor conditions.
  • Ease of Use: Simple operation is key. I like hoists with smooth pulley action and easy locking mechanisms so I don’t struggle when tired or in low light.
  • Portability: Since I carry my gear into the woods, a lightweight and compact design is a must-have. Some hoists come with carrying bags or straps for convenience.

Additional Accessories to Consider

To improve the hoisting experience, I often pair my hoist with:

  • Carabiners: Heavy-duty carabiners make securing the rope and deer easier and safer.
  • Gloves: Protect your hands from rope burn while hoisting.
  • Tree Strap or Anchor: Ensures the hoist is firmly attached to the tree without damaging the bark.

My Top Tips for Using a Deer Hoist Safely

  • Always inspect your hoist and rope for wear before each use.
  • Use a proper anchor point high enough in the tree to lift the deer fully off the ground.
  • Keep your fingers clear of the pulley and rope during hoisting.
  • Don’t rush—lift slowly and steadily to avoid sudden jerks.
  • If possible, hoist with a partner to make the process easier and safer.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right deer hoist for your tree stand setup has made a big difference in my hunting trips. It’s one of those tools that pays off by saving time, reducing effort, and increasing safety. Whether you go for a simple manual pulley or invest in an electric hoist, focus on durability, ease of use, and capacity. I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect hoist for your needs!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.