A tree stand includes a flat V-bar having an upstanding lip spaced from the tree when the V-bar engages the side of the tree opposite from the tree platform. A strap extends through the lip to secure the platform to the tree. A gun rest bracket enables a gun rest to pivot from an upright position to an inclined position, enabling the gun rest to serve as a support for the individual when climbing the tree. Tree teeth having multiple projections are applied to the platform to afford lateral stability to the platform. In a tree stand having a seat, a pair of clevises connect to a seat bracket for receiving a strap for securing the seat and stand to a tree. A ladder stand includes a plurality of disassembled ladder sections for forming a backpack and which sections, in assembly form a ladder. Quick connect-disconnect clips are secured to rails of one section and releasably couple to the rails of another ladder section to form a rattle-tree backpack of disassembled ladder sections. An anti-lock bushing is provided to prevent lock-up or binding of the sections when assembled to from the ladder.