anybody climb with tree gaffs?

[joebuck]

Every year I contemplate using some. Did in my youth but that was 80lbs ago.  I have a friend that uses them everyday cutting trees and he's 62!  Anyone uses them and what is your setup.. Thanks

[ron w]

If you use them all the time, maybe. If you don't, my guess is you shouldn't!! Not worth getting hurt.

[njloco]

I have to agree with Ron, I sort of climb all day but would not use them.

If you are looking for a pretty good system that I have been using the last few years, try this if you want, I have a Loc On Light fixed stand, weighs around 7 Lbs. Iuse this with two Lone wolf climbing sticks which I attach to the stand for carrying and my pack goes on that. I mostly spot and stalk with the gear on ( it's very light ) but if I come across a good ambush spot, I'll climb a tree, it puts me up between 10' and 12 ' which is just above the bottom canopy early season, works great.

Good luck.

[bornagainbowhunter]

All the time, I like them better than steps for sure. I use a LocOn Windwalker and a set of sport climbers. You can go as high or low as you need to and never have to tote a bag of steps.
If you don't use them, you might want to get some and climb around in the yard with em.  I hunt a few places where my strap style steps won't reach around the average tree. Gaffs were my solution. I have been using them for about 5 or 6 years without incident.
God bless,
Nathan

[Owlgrowler]

I used em in my youth too- great for going up- coming down was always more difficult. I suppose if you repel down like tree surgeon would... And, it was hard on my knees then, now forget it.

[Kip]

I used them in my 20's actually pole gaffs until I grabed a branch and it snapped off and I fell backwards about 10'/12'landed on my back and only my pride was hurt.I got up and climbed the tree again just so I would not be afraid to ever climb a tree again and that was the last time I used the gaffs.I then used climbing stands after and now at 62 my wife wants me to buy ladder stands or increase my life policy to a couple million for her to enjoy.I would leave them alone
if I were you.My .02 Kip

[reddogge]

Used to in the 60s and 70s. No more. Still have pole gaffs and belt though.

[Widow's Son]

Used them for a couple of seasons until I got a good climber. I do like them better than the screw in steps. That was a long time ago.

Ross

[jonsimoneau]

Joey I think you could climb the tree just fine. The problem for you will be carrying up three DSD decoys. I've heard of setting up close to the roost but never heard of setting up IN the roost!

[RC]

Chris Spikes uses them and does good. I`m purty sure Mr. Warren still uses them too.

[Swinestalker]

Been using them for many years. I worked for the power company and use the whole commercial rope and harness system which I have modified to be silent and hunting friendly. If you are not professionaly trained, I would be very careful indeed.

[JPE]

We used them for removing dead trees only. They leave wounds in the trees that make them pron to diease and insect damage. If you climb a dieased tree it will also help spread the diease from tree to tree . In my opinion if you want a healthy forest stay away from them and screw in steps.              Jim Pyles

[Hoyt]

I used them for about 30yrs..best thing I ever used to get up and down trees for hunting out of loc on stands.

All the people I hunted with in Ga. used them also back in the 60's, 70's and early 80's when I left. I never knew anyone who got injured with them unless it was stepping on the other foot with the gaffs.

I've been real tempted to try them again, but most places I hunt now it's not legal. I very rarely use a loc on stand anymore just because I haven't found any means of getting up and down the tree or carrying whatever you are going to use, that comes close to the old pole and tree climbers.

I did try the short Sports Climbers once..as in one time. Almost killed my shines..get the long commerical climbers with the upper pads if going to use..in my opinion.  I saw a pair on another site for sale last wk..for $50..a steal if any good.

[Landshark160]

Originally posted by Hoyt:

I did try the short Sports Climbers once..as in one time. Almost killed my shines..get the long commerical climbers with the upper pads if going to use..in my opinion.  

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