Best way to get rifle up in deer stand?

[Flash79]

Was wondering the best method to hoist your rifle up into a ladder stand. I’ve used a pull rope for a bow, but on a long gun it seems to me it may swing around too much and bang into the tree or metal ladder. They always tell you for safety reasons not to have anything on your back when climbing, although I have done this had the rifle on a sling but it was a short ladder and much smaller climb up and down. Just wondering how some of you did it without damaging your rifle. If you used a pull rope where did you attach it on your rifle?

 

[Spikebuck]

I use a pull up rope tied to the stand and hanging off the ground high enough that when attached at the back of the trigger guard the gun muzzle (pointing down) is off the ground. I make sure, when I set the stand, that I have a clear pull up path...no branches, twigs, vines, etc. I just slowly and carefully pull it up and haven't had any issues with it hitting anything.

If you have a case with a loop or handle in a position that will keep the gun muzzle down, that's another option if you're afraid of banging it against the stand.