Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Rank Bull on August 27, 2010, 12:13:00 PM

Title: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Rank Bull on August 27, 2010, 12:13:00 PM: Well I did a dry run last evening and having never really hunted from a tree stand I found it a bit uncomfortable. Let's see.

I am afraid of heights.
I felt cramped and fidgety.
The harness kept getting in the way.
I felt like I was always about to drop my brand new bow.
Getting up there is kind of a pain.
I was too loud on that metal contraption.
Drawing the bow is harder when you think you are going to plummet to your death.

But I did see lots of nice birds in the canopy. :D

Here's a picture I took while I was up there. Almost dropped my camera too. I have a feeling most of my hunting will be from the ground this year.

(http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/RankBull1/DSC00550.jpg)
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 27, 2010, 12:38:00 PM: Quote
Originally posted by Rank Bull:
Well I did a dry run last evening and having never really hunted from a tree stand I found it a bit uncomfortable. Let's see.

I am afraid of heights.
I felt cramped and fidgety.
The harness kept getting in the way.
I felt like I was always about to drop my brand new bow.
Getting up there is kind of a pain.
I was too loud on that metal contraption.
Drawing the bow is harder when you think you are going to plummet to your death.

But I did see lots of nice birds in the canopy. :D

Here's a picture I took while I was up there. Almost dropped my camera too. I have a feeling most of my hunting will be from the ground this year.

(http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad172/RankBull1/DSC00550.jpg)
First off Your NOT afraid of heights, Because You made it up that high... Your afraid of falling.

It is something you have to get used to doing to feel OK in a tree stand..

What do Your The harness kept getting in the way??
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: MartinD on August 27, 2010, 12:44:00 PM: Whatever you do don't drop that Kanati. :scared:
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: rabbit_buster on August 27, 2010, 12:57:00 PM: lol.....Too funny, I guess its not for everyone.
I have a cousin that said as much as he loves to bowhunt If they made it a law that he had to do it from a tree. he would eat beef the rest of his life....
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: magnus on August 27, 2010, 01:03:00 PM: Sal is right. I was once afraid of heights. Work got me over that. Afraid of falling is another story. Try a ladder stand to get used to the feeling. Can't beat the visibility especially early season. All that being said, I'll be on the ground this year. Can't afford a climber and nothing like being eye to eye. Good luck.
Magnus
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on August 27, 2010, 01:17:00 PM: You should enjoy your time afeid. There are a lot of accomplished ground hunters. Do what ever you feel is right for you and most of all ENJOY it!!!

:wavey:
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: rastaman on August 27, 2010, 01:21:00 PM: Get something to hang your bow from and an arrow holder to keep your arrow from falling off. A matchstick and rubberband will work for the arrow holder or you can buy a stick on. A screw-in step or a cut limb can serve to hold your bow. Then you won't have to worry about dropping your stuff when you are trying to take pictures. That will make your "sit" up in the sky more tolerable. Good luck to you sir! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: getstonedprimitivebowhunt on August 27, 2010, 01:24:00 PM: You'll turn into a .."MONKEY" real fast... Just never get careless !!!
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: KentuckyTJ on August 27, 2010, 01:44:00 PM: Texas was made for a tripod stand anyway. Go get one.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Pete Arthur on August 27, 2010, 01:45:00 PM: Haha.. my sentiments exactly!
There was a time many moons ago when climbing up on things didn't bother me. Now, I can barely stand to climb a ladder to my roof.
Ground for me!
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Ragnarok Forge on August 27, 2010, 02:36:00 PM: I think being afraid of falling and heights are both misnamed. I think we are all afraid of the landing. :laughing:

I have jumped out of helicopters and other flying craft and always loved the falling feeling. Those landings could be tough at times.

If you give the tree stand some time you will get used to it. I on the other hand have spent enough time up in the air and my hunting is all done on the ground.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Bill Turner on August 27, 2010, 02:40:00 PM: Right on KentuckyTJ. Those tri-pods come in all shapes and sizes. Heck, you can even get a quad pod if that would be more comfy. My favorites are two 7 ft. aluminum numbers. They work great in mesquites, which for the most part are large bushes with thorns. If I happen to find a nice fat live oak with acorns, I'm more inclined to use a stable ladder stand. I started out with a Baker many moons ago. That was before the safety harness came on the scene. I got to tell ya, that was an experience to remember. Still havn't gotten over those Baker climbing stands. Good luck "Rank Bull". I promise you the experience is worth the effort. :banghead:
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Rank Bull on August 27, 2010, 02:41:00 PM: Thanks for the suggestions and sympathy. The problem with the harness can be fixed.

Since I am in such good shape (haha), there is a lot of leftover straps hanging everywhere, which is probably dangerous also. I'll just need to cut them off.

It wasn't easy finding a decent tree to put this thing in either. Trees around here tend to be pretty squat.

I'm sure I will get more comfortable as I get use to it...but I think I will always be a ground pounder in my heart.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Rank Bull on August 27, 2010, 02:44:00 PM: I have a tripod, but it is more of a rifle setup it seems. I don't see any way to draw from it.

Hmmm, maybe I will build an elevated stand. Electric company just replaced the utility poles and left them ther for me. 30' oughta be high enough. lol
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Bowwild on August 27, 2010, 03:02:00 PM: I like, if I can find it, to put my stand (s) in a tree with some limbs. I feel better concealed and more secure if I have a branch beside me or in front. I make sure I have a limb stub or screw-in (if legal) or tie-on bow holder so my hands can be free.

Remember, that deer is on or making a trail. Sometimes I have to remind myself if the perfect (and secure) tree isn't right where I want it, the deer isn't going to parachute in -- he may walk by a better stand location. I also make sure I have my safety harness on. I adjust the harness so it is lightly pulling against my torso when I sit, this way I can confidently feel it supporting me.

It always takes several minutes the first time I hunt a new stand to get comfortable with all my hunting stuff in the tree with me. I hunt turkey from the ground, mulies, antelope and elk. I hunt white-tails from the trees.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: on August 27, 2010, 03:12:00 PM: You could set up your safety harness on a stand just high enough so you won't hit the ground. then to develop confidence in yourself and your safety harness fallout and let the safety harness do its job. However, make sure someone that likes you is standing by ready to call an ambulance, just in case. Kind of like practice rolling with a canoe. You could set up a camo safety net under you, to catch your bow if you drop it as well or just have somebody sit under you and catch it. The few times I set up a stand, I always made sure I had a couple of nearby trees or branches that were good and strong to lean on and balance myself when I had to stand up to get back to that oh so sweet mother earth.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Bowwild on August 27, 2010, 03:28:00 PM: What Paven writes sounds logical. However, be very careful "testing" or trying out these safety vests and tethers. They are not made to withstand multiple falls. In fact, most makers of this equipment recommend you replace the vest or tether if you experience a single fall, no matter how far the fall.

I know that may sound radical (dare I say over-kill?) and very expensive but remember, only 33% of us will fall. Ten percent of those who fall without being arrested (fall halted by a vest) will suffer death or permanent injury. The cost of a $60-150 vest is cheap compared to those outcomes!

Some people have gotten so excited with the sight of game approaching they have simply walked right out of their treestand!
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Crash on August 27, 2010, 03:47:00 PM: I am just the opposite. I feel very predatory in a tree and feel naked and exposed on the ground. Course, I started hunting from a tree many years ago as a kid and have never looked back. I think that I was lucky to a degree though, we didn't know about safety harnesses and had homemade treestands that wouldn't have passed any safety standards.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: mcgroundstalker on August 27, 2010, 04:25:00 PM: Using a tree stand does take getting used to. Lots of fellas like them. I'm a ground lover... Don't gotta carry a stand, wear a life vest, clear shooting lanes, feel tied to one spot.

It's tough on the ground, but so... That's hunting.

... mike ...
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: AdamH on August 27, 2010, 04:57:00 PM: Hope ya like steak !!!
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: on August 27, 2010, 05:10:00 PM: When testing the harness, I would not recommend doing a giant hail mary. More like just let yourself swing out on it without too much shock.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: David Mitchell on August 27, 2010, 05:39:00 PM: I know the feelings you listed, Rank Bull. I feel that same way after years of trying to be comfortable in a tree stand. Sold my last one this spring. Been a ground hunter now for the last 3-4 years, have more fun, more relaxed, see as many deer and have killed just as many. No sweating while hanging on a step trying to hang a stand and no lugging the things around trying to find the perfect tree. I'M FREE!.....Dave
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: ArrowCrester on August 27, 2010, 07:56:00 PM: Treestand hunting can be intimidating… I was once put on a treestand that was preinstalled and must have been 30' up. I don't like hights as I too am afraid of " f a l l i n g ".

My treestands are only between 10 and 15 " off the ground…a comfortable height for me.

I thought that it was redsiculous to be up at 30 + feet as the angle is to sharp and it is unnecessary to be that high. As a matter of fact , even being that High a deer that stopped under my stand looked right up at me. The purpose of treestands is to get you and your scent off the ground and above potential game so as to put the eliment of surprise on your side.

From your pic it looks like you were up pretty high but pic's can be deciving. Anyway, treestand hunting can be very effective… The more you use them the more comfortable you will get with the height thing…and… you really don't need to be way way up there. Just make sure you use safety equipment ( haul line, safety straps, etc.) No need to be up very high.

Good luck.
:archer: :archer: :archer: :archer:
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: sendero25 on August 27, 2010, 09:46:00 PM: Just looking at your bare naked legs has made me swear off tree stands forever! Any deer looking up and seeing that would be heard laughing for several hundred yards in any direction!
Put on some long pants, and build a gound blind!
The deer and I would appreciate it!!!!
On a serious note...I love hunting from the ground because of its simplicity and silence...
But I do enjoy the view from an elevated platform..
(but I do wear long pants so as not to annoy or entertain the local squirrel population)
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Rank Bull on August 27, 2010, 10:16:00 PM: Quote
Originally posted by sendero25:
Just looking at your bare naked legs has made me swear off tree stands forever! Any deer looking up and seeing that would be heard laughing for several hundred yards in any direction!
Put on some long pants, and build a gound blind!
The deer and I would appreciate it!!!!
On a serious note...I love hunting from the ground because of its simplicity and silence...
But I do enjoy the view from an elevated platform..
(but I do wear long pants so as not to annoy or entertain the local squirrel population)
Hey now it was just a dry run so I was in hiking shorts. Come hunting season I will put on the loin cloth. Haha
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: David Mitchell on August 27, 2010, 10:27:00 PM: Loin cloth! :scared: :laughing:
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: Ssamac on August 27, 2010, 10:33:00 PM: Use a ladder stand and wear a harness. I think you'll be more comfortable. Most ladders are in three pieces. For this year, just use 2 sections so you are not as high off the ground -- maybe 12 feet or so. Once you get used to it, you'll want to add the third section, or maybe not and that's ok too.

sam
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: lpcjon2 on August 28, 2010, 09:43:00 AM: Don't sweat the small stuff.if you fall you have a harness,And the more nervous you are about it will make you a basket of nerves and everything will feel uncomfortable from that point. offset the stand to your shooting lane so you can draw without hitting the tree.Take that carpet off.That will give you a false feeling when you stand.instead take some expansion foam and fine the small holes(if not make 2-3 with a small bit the size of the straw) in the stand platform and fill the inside of the tubes with foam(it will absorb the noise).When you place your steps use as many as you need to keep from having to struggle to reach the next step.And place the offset to the stand so the last step from a step is the platform.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: MnFn on August 28, 2010, 10:15:00 AM: I do a lot of my hunting from a treestand. I like the old Loc-ons I have, but I have to say I feel more comfortable/secure using one of my ladder stands.

On the loc-ons, it just takes me a little while to get used to being up there. My safety harness helps me a lot in settling down.

My Dad fell from a tree and never got in another one. A friend fell and broke or fractured several bones, plus had to crawl out of the woods in that condition. He was very fortunate that a passing motorist was observant and saw something odd moving through CRP. He stopped to investigate and found my friend.

I think I am going to try more time on the ground this year, but won't give up on treestands under the right conditions.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: SELFBOW19953 on August 28, 2010, 10:54:00 AM: I hate heights!!! I have a hard time going over high bridges, riding in the mountains, riding in a glass elevator, looking out a high rise window. Believe me I know where you're coming from, Bull. However, I do hunt from treestands, as long as they are no higher than about 15'. If my head gets much over 20', I cannot get comfortable enough to hunt. I traded my last climber away for a bow because I was too scared to use it. I go with cover rather than height. I hunt from or around a holly, pine, or cedar tree whenever possible.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: ishiwannabe on August 28, 2010, 11:16:00 AM: Hey, too each their own! Lol. That being said, being uncomfortable in a situation is not good. I can say that with more time, it gets easier. Either way, its nice to be out there.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: joevan125 on August 28, 2010, 12:10:00 PM: I love being 20-25 feet up a tree strapped in with my backpack hanging on a tree step on my right side so i can just reach in and get everything i need.

Also i have my eezy hanger so that i can hang my bow while i get a chew or eat lunch.

Nother better to me than being up high so i can get away with movement and not have to worry so much about my scent.
Title: Re: Hunting from the trees is for the birds.
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 28, 2010, 12:46:00 PM: DO NOT TEST YOUR SAFETY HARNESS

Tests have shown when people test their harness it weakens it. Some harnesses even have the brake away stitching so if you test that one and you brake the stitching your harness will not work the way it should.