Tree Saddles... Do You Recommend Climbing Sticks?

[Boswell]

Throw it in a big tupperware box with some scent waffers then leave it in there all the time, comes out smelling like dirt.

[NoCams]

joebuck I want to hunt close to you when you start cranking on that ratchet strap in the morning ! No leaves on, about 20 degrees and dead quiet morning..... best spot will be somewhere other than where you are, haha !!! All I need is to know where the thickest cover is close to your tree ?

Boswell, with all due respect the reason I ditched the ratchet strap was the NOISE, weight, shifting steps, time to set up. With the Woodpecker and bolts you can hold all you need to climb a tree in one hand. If it is a repeat hunt just slip your bolts in and away you go in total silence. Only downfall to this system is if you are hunting where you cannot use screw in steps or drill a tree. JMHO

[mrpenguin]

Great responses here gents... well I found 4 of the climbing sticks on the big auction site for $160.  I know that will get me up the tree high enough.  Using the ratcheting base, that seems like a very mobile option... that said, its a pain to set those things up as you climb though... plus I'd have to have a base set up and some guys are commenting about noise... seems that I should pick my trees and `use screw in ameristeps... gonna cost about the same as the LW sticks in the longrun cause I'll need quite a few to set up all the trees I will hunt this season plus a practice tree in my yard.  So, I guess I am still torn between the 2... I tend to scout when hunting a lot, so mobility may be the deciding factor here... that and final cost.

Boswell, thanks for the idea on the saddle.  It is out on my deck airing out right now and will get a bit of a leaf-rub-down in a few weeks.

[joebuck]

NoCams.....i'll have to be stealth for sure...actually i'll leave it up in the tree....i scatter several platforms across the woods and take down steps sometimes although i'm growing fond of steel ladder sticks..just connect and forget about it...

Mr pehgiun...if you have not bought Ameristeps  yet.........buy the EZ Steps from Cranford manufacturing..the self tapping screw is the bomb....trust me on this

[NoCams]

A stealth ratchet strap, hmmmm....... I have not seen one of those yet ??? Yep, me too on the ladder sticks joebuck.... Only problem with those where we live is they tend to walk off when you least expect it. You are also advertising your spot if you are not on private ground. That is one of the other real reasons I use the Woodpecker and bolts. Never have to make a donation to the crack head thieves that seem to roam the woods these days looking for a easy $$$.

Best case scenario is private land and a BIG ole 25" X 34" Big Game or Gorilla hang on that is nice and comfy ! Hang it Sept 1 and take it down in Jan. Oh well, guess we can still dream.... ? JMHO

[joebuck]

Your right NoCams on that...i'm lucky that i hunt private land.....it's funny the weird looks i get from fellow club hunters from my trail camera standing under my tree peering up at my platform steps......most how ever do not see em.  i got my 3/8 bolts dipped yesterday with Bedliner and they are drying now....hope the woodpecker works for me..i'm 250# with all hunting gear on.....we'll see....i have to wait till late september i guess to drill becasue of sap here in MS

[bicster]

Excellent videos Boswell! I picked up a few new tricks to try.

[Boswell]

Nocams,
I haven't had any problems with noise at all. When I need to set up quiet I will pull it tight and then put my finger infront of the locking part (part with spring that causes the clicking noise) and this will make the ratchet strap almost silent. As for them moving after you tighten them Im a 140lbs and never hand any problems with it when i was hunting. But like you on private ground in arkansas I have pre set stand sights with the old folding style steps (larger are easier on the feet). With a 5 gallon bucket full I can have up to 10 or 12 pre hung stand sights.
The key to getting the height right on a pre hung stand is to put a trail tack to small tac in the tree where the top of your ladder stick contacts the tree before you step on it. This way you put every stick in the same spot each time.

Thanks
Boswell

[joebuck]

Boswell, i noticed you use the Gorilla seat as a base. Your 140 and i'm 240..how rock solid is it? I have toyed around for years with a base idea.....How you tried other TreeSeats for a base?  is Gorilla the sturdiest?  thanks

[NoCams]

well, there is the answer joebuck..... We is just too fat bud, haha !!! I gotta get after it before season gets here and ditch about 15lbs ! Seen a bumper sticker on a huge 4 X 4 truck a few years ago that almost describes me now.... The sticker read..... " Jack 'em up high, fat girls can't climb ! "

[joebuck]

That Boswell can climb around like a spider monkey, I look like a silver back !

Lone wolf makes a platform but at $240 it's stiff. Plus you have to buy the harness too which I do not want.

I wish I could weld. I have the perfect platform in my head

[Boswell]

Joebuck,
The tree seat isn't the most sturdy thing in the world if you are leaning aganist it, If your just standing with your feet on it it is fine. But if you are pushing on the side of it will wiggle just a little bit.

Thanks
Boswell

[Arrowslinger]

TTT for Joel

[cloudbaseracer]

I searched for  ezy-cut hand drill but could not locate this item.  Is this just your name for a Simmons Woodpecker or is this some other item?

Thanks,

James


 

Originally posted by RLA:
I use the ezy-cut hand drill and bolts with my Guidos web

[Ethical Redneck]

No Cams is right, Boswell is from the South and he might not get as many single digit, calm mornings like us Yankees get.  Nevertheless, i've watched all of this dudes youtubes on the TS.  He's a huge with learning to use this product.  I just bought Climb Paws and they actually make steps for the top called Top Paws (imagine that) for use of tree saddles.  I must say, i'm getting itchy about a Guido's Web.  That looks like an awesome product.

[Boswell]

Redneck,
Your are right, If I see a day where there temp is in the single digit, I can tell you my butt is gonna be in the warm bed. Teens is about as low as I can go, Im 6 feet 140 soaking wet so I get cold fast. Thanks for the complements on the videos, I did them for another form and trophyline took notice and made me a prostaff member. Ill do all I can to help you guys and answer any questons.
Thanks
Boswell

[Swamp Preacher]

Use the tree saddle, leather the most comfortable.  Rapid rails, or Lone Wolf climbing sticks.  Also use their Assassin platform for the a base to put my feet on.  Knee pads are a must. Can really swing around.