More info on Tree Climbing

[WMAn]

I want more details on your buddy's set-up. How does he pull the platform up as he climbs? Also, has he ever had someone walk up on him in the woods? Both you're set-ups are unconventional, but his is bound to freak people out.

 

[AllOutdoors]

Awesome info and pics.

 

[cozy23]

How long does it take for you guys to set these up? Seems like it would take a while. Escecially in the dark.

 

[BlountArrow]

Dude, that is freaking awesome! Like you I've never been too impressed with most conventional stands, they're bulky, loud, heavy (no matter how light they are), some aren't even that comfortable. I'll take portability and practicality over "perceived" comfort any day.

I don't want to be miserable, but there is not one stand on the market that I find practical - just my opinion and I know I'm in the minority so no one has to try to convince me otherwise. I'm definitely saving this thread.

Poser,
Would I really be reaching if I asked you to take a video of this setup so we could watch how you and your buddy climb and exactly what all is involved?

 

[BlountArrow]

That would be awesome to see it in action. I'm thinking I likes.

 

[Tomahawk]

To each his own.

For trees I find on the fly, I simply put on Sport Climbers (climbing spikes made for trees) and shimmy right up the tree (25-30 ft). I then screw in 3-4 steps for my base (EZ screws), tether to the tree, screw in a hook for my bow and I'm hunting. This normally takes about 5 minutes total, give or take a minute. I keep the screw in steps in a pouch attached to the saddle on my right side so it is very easy to reach down and pull one out when needed.

I also have many pre-setup trees with climbing sticks already on the tree. I use the top stick as my foot base with 2-4 screw in steps permanently in the tree (not necessary, you could bring the screw in steps with you each time) around the rest of the tree to allow for movement. I also already have hooks at the top to place bow and gear pack on so I can be up the tree and hunting very quickly with very little noise or disturbances.

It seems like you guys could really make it a simpler process if you just got you some sport climbers. Provided you have the physical ability to use them, their not for everyone. You seem to be a young fellow so you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[BlountArrow]

If I may, I believe Poser shys away from the Sport Climbers due to the gashes they put in the trees. I'm pretty sure I read that in a post of his a week or two ago.

It does sound easier though.

 

[Tomahawk]

To each his own.

For trees I find on the fly, I simply put on Sport Climbers (climbing spikes made for trees) and shimmy right up the tree (25-30 ft). I then screw in 3-4 steps for my base (EZ screws), tether to the tree, screw in a hook for my bow and I'm hunting. This normally takes about 5 minutes total, give or take a minute. I keep the screw in steps in a pouch attached to the saddle on my right side so it is very easy to reach down and pull one out when needed.

I also have many pre-setup trees with climbing sticks already on the tree. I use the top stick as my foot base with 2-4 screw in steps permanently in the tree (not necessary, you could bring the screw in steps with you each time) around the rest of the tree to allow for movement. I also already have hooks at the top to place bow and gear pack on so I can be up the tree and hunting very quickly with very little noise or disturbances.

It seems like you guys could really make it a simpler process if you just got you some sport climbers. Provided you have the physical ability to use them, their not for everyone. You seem to be a young fellow so you shouldn't have a problem.

Note: this is mostly on public land or on private land where we are not allowed to use screw in steps for sport climbers. I do have screw in steps in place on some private land that I have access to and that is my preferred way for perennial setups . I also have a pair of sport climbers that I use for extreme pruning jobs, though I've never actually hunted with them.

Public land would certainly be a no go for the spikes. Too bad the private land won't allow you to remove the screw ins after each hunt. I'm sure you are efficient with your method, I was trying to hip you to how I do it.

 

[Tomahawk]

If I may, I believe Poser shys away from the Sport Climbers due to the gashes they put in the trees. I'm pretty sure I read that in a post of his a week or two ago.

It does sound easier though.

If used incorrectly or if using pole style spikes, this could happen. The ones I'm speaking of are designed for trees and actually slip just under the bark into the outer layer of wood. If used correctly they will not damage the tree very much and often can't not see the marks at all. It's all about the angle of entry, most people will try to jam them straight down and get as deep as possible. This will cause gashes and peels off the bark.

The exception to the rule would be thin layered barked trees.
Trees such as oaks, pines and persimmons etc.. would be the preferred tree selections.

 

[AndyW]

I like the fact that you're able to go up whatever tree you want. When a couple yards make the difference between shooting or not shooting, thats an impressive advantage over a climber.

 

[deerslazer]

I'm thinking you didn't include the requirement of being part monkey in your explanation. The pictures of you all in stand freaks me out. Don't let the bigfoot hunters see you.

 

[BlountArrow]

I'm thinking you didn't include the requirement of being part monkey in your explanation. The pictures of you all in stand freaks me out. Don't let the bigfoot hunters see you.

Actually neither big foot nor sasquatch are able to climb trees according to the exports and the studies I have read at length.