API Outdoors API Outdoors
API Outdoors
From humble beginnings in a six thousand square foot building in Tallulah, LA, an outdoor giant was born. API Outdoors was the brainchild of Paul Meeks, a devoted enthusiast and a very persistent businessman. For eight years prior to API, Meeks worked with a company that built steel treestands. The market was crying out for lighter treestands and in late 1986, Meeks branched off to make a better treestand. API was off and running.

At the SHOT Show in 1987, Meeks displayed hand-painted prototypes of his aluminum stands. In spite of the rough appearance of the stands, buyers saw the potential and one of the greatest success stories in the history of the hunting industry was started.

Paul Meeks
What happened in the next few years was a phenomenal period of growth for API. The treestand market was hungry for new ideas. One of Meeks's first and most functional innovations was the T-screw stabilizer: a treestand hanging device for fixed-position stands. When he combined this user-friendly device with added size and comfort, the API "hang-ons" soared. A short time later, the incredibly effective industrial roller-chain holding system took the Grand Slam climbing stands to the front of the pack as well.

Beginning in 2000, API realized that hunters needed an extra dimension of protection from accidents and responded by including a full-body safety harness with every treestand. In 2004 the Treestand Manufacturers Association put its seal of approval on our decision by requiring all TMA members to include a certified full-body safety harness with each treestand.

In recent years, coming up with a new treestand concept has been something of a chore, but API's new Packmaster stole the show when it was introduced in 2003. It's unique "all-in-one, do everything" design promises to make it a favorite for a long time to come.

Now we've gone back to the drawing board, added some size and "horsepower" to the Baby Grand, increasing the platform size to 30" X 30", adding a contoured, innovative seat design, a moveable shooting rail, and a double ratchet holding system. The Super Baby Grand may well be the best fixed-position stand in treestand history.

API will continue to put safety and quality at the forefront. As we continue on, we will be there to keep a watchful eye on things - contributing and critiquing, refining and tweaking. You can be assured that we are committed to keeping API the premier treestand line. We will set the pace for others to follow.