360 shooting video

[Sparrowhawk]

I've seen some platform 360 shooting claims and I've seen some videos that make the motions but don't fire an arrow. I sure would like to see some actual 360 shooting from a platform. There are at least four ways to shoot to the right from a ring of steps, and with a ring of steps, I can easily change my setup mid hunt to the back side of the tree in seconds by just walking my treestrap around the tree. I know this site is hard core about pushing platforms, but I'm from Missouri, you've got to "show me" what the plus is--and really isn't a platform just a mini-treestand?

Ring of steps videos:

 

[g2outdoors]

There's nothing wrong with either setup in my opinion. Both have pros and cons. You pointed out an important one like walking around the tree. You lose that with a pivot style platform. That' the big downside of that style.

On the other hand, I hunted exclusively on a ring style platform for my first 6 years saddle hunting. I've only recently added the pivot style to my arsenal. FOR ME, the pivot style is much more comfortable, and works a LOT BETTER with the spur climbing method.

But at the end of the day, whatever works for your hunting style is what you should use. I find that unless a hunter is willing to try both, he/she can't really understand the pros/cons of each system.

I use a pivot style platform when I'm hunting mobile, and I use a ring style platform when I preset spots. I really like them both.

I did a video demonstrating the shots from pivot & ring style platforms. I didn't actually squeeze the trigger, but I could have.

 

[BassBoysLLP]

Dave covers some additional techniques in this video with reference to shooting to the weak side. I use many of these.

I prefer a pivot platform but use both methods. The pivot platform keeps movement to a minimum, especially shooting to the weak side. I dont always have the luxury of hunting high and this helps in the red zone. I also find it easier to hunt leaning trees with a pivot platform.

Walking around the tree is definitely less with the pivot platform but even so, I can't walk around much. I prefer a low tether for comfort reasons and I don't have a lot of rope to work with in the end. I'm not opposed to adding a step or two on the opposite side of the platform if I need the additional mobility but I rarely do.

Best thing for any saddle hunter to do is try both and develop their own style.

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[Sparrowhawk]

Yea, if you're going low treestrap and decent circumference on tree, then a ring of steps won't add value--there is not enough rope to get around the tree. The other thing to consider is that when going in cold to a spot, often times the deer don't cooperate on anticipated direction of travel. In some of my set-ups I've been able to shift 90 to 120 degrees from the original setup from the moment I see the deer coming to themoment of the shot. Dave T does mention another step that video, and I think I could live with a platform and up to four steps, depending on the circumference of the tree. Can't use spurs on public here, so that's a non-issue for me, but do see how it might be a better option if using them. Another one that you guys missed is that might be easier to use boot blankets with a platform. Not sure about shooting with one foot higher than the other and the leg wrapped around the tree, though. But with practice, it looks like it would be doable. I recently acquired some wild edge steps and plan to make that DIY platform I saw on the U tube..

I think I saw something on here about somebody coming out with a new platform too...

 

[EricS]

Each platform option has its positives and negatives. I don’t archery hunt much after rifle season opens. It’s easy to shoot 360 with a rifle using a ring or platform. With a bow it’s tougher but I am almost always tight against some kind of cover during archery season. Rarely will I have the opportunity to shoot 360.

 

[Jefferson10940]

Yea, if you're going low treestrap and decent circumference on tree, then a ring of steps won't add value--there is not enough rope to get around the tree. The other thing to consider is that when going in cold to a spot, often times the deer don't cooperate on anticipated direction of travel. In some of my set-ups I've been able to shift 90 to 120 degrees from the original setup from the moment I see the deer coming to themoment of the shot. Dave T does mention another step that video, and I think I could live with a platform and up to four steps, depending on the circumference of the tree. Can't use spurs on public here, so that's a non-issue for me, but do see how it might be a better option if using them. Another one that you guys missed is that might be easier to use boot blankets with a platform. Not sure about shooting with one foot higher than the other and the leg wrapped around the tree, though. But with practice, it looks like it would be doable. I recently acquired some wild edge steps and plan to make that DIY platform I saw on the U tube..

I think I saw something on here about somebody coming out with a new platform too...

I decided to combine both, but I can’t effectively shoot 360 w just the platform. So I either use the platform w 2 ameristeps as in pic, a ring of steps or WE steps.

Also I am eagerly waiting for the WE platform, the XOP platform and the predator! I like options!


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[flinginairos]

I hardly ever walk around the tree to shoot with the platform. I will lift the bow over the bridge and shoot to my right that way and I will also turn around and face away from the tree with the bridge and tether going over my left shoulder. I'll post some pics to hopefully show what I am explaining lol

 

[flinginairos]

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[Sparrowhawk]

In that first pic, if the deer moves back to the left as you come to full draw, aren't you locked up between the tree and the bridge? Hard for me to see what's going in in the second pic b/c all the camo and light colored bridge. Looks like you're leaning against a branch on that one, but it could be the way the photo is taken.

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[Sparrowhawk]

I can see that working out nicely.

I decided to combine both, but I can’t effectively shoot 360 w just the platform. So I either use the platform w 2 ameristeps as in pic, a ring of steps or WE steps.

Also I am eagerly waiting for the WE platform, the XOP platform and the predator! I like options!


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[g2outdoors]

bGood thread. I also hunt out of a hybrid platform a lot. I'll use the top of my climbing stick as a "base" and then put a couple sticks on either side.

I used this style exclusively on an out of state hunting trip to IL last year because my DIY platform broke.

Talk about a HUGE downside of a DIY pivot style platform...I broke mine on the first hunt, on the first afternoon! It's way easier to find a replacement ratchet strap for a ring of steps than a post or bracket for a platform.

 

[flinginairos]

In that first pic, if the deer moves back to the left as you come to full draw, aren't you locked up between the tree and the bridge? Hard for me to see what's going in in the second pic b/c all the camo and light colored bridge. Looks like you're leaning against a branch on that one, but it could be the way the photo is taken.

Yeah that could happen for sure. If the deer was moving from left to right I could shoot that way no problem, if he was going from my right to left I’d shoot from the other side of the tree. As he walked by. Every situation is different and I’ve shoot them from every angle on the platform without any issues


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[ImThere]

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What kind of bow is that? Looks super light weight!!!

Seriously, though if the deer moves back to your left coming across in front you would just shift to the other side.


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[Tracker15]

I decided to combine both, but I can’t effectively shoot 360 w just the platform. So I either use the platform w 2 ameristeps as in pic, a ring of steps or WE steps.

Also I am eagerly waiting for the WE platform, the XOP platform and the predator! I like options!


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This is how I have my platform setup(3 ameristeps on belt). Let’s hear some ideas on how best to mimic this method with the new predator platform since the attachment point is above platform height etc.


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[swampsnyper]

Pulling the trigger is definitely different that pointing the bow at the target. Prime example, and it’s only magnified with a trad bow:
This year I had an 8pt at about the 1030 position. Perfect spot I thought. I was using ring of steps. I didn’t move my feet. Figured I was good. Drew my bow and shot and made a bad shot. I had my bow arm a little pulled in toward the tree and not inline with my shoulders and release arm. Bow torqued on shot and arrow didn’t go where I was looking. Deer lived but I cut him. All I had to do was take that one step over to line my body up but didn’t under pressure.
Another time practicing in the yard I slapped my forearm because I wasn’t lined up. Sometimes all it means is twisting more at the waist or sometimes you need to take that extra step to clear the tree.

Practice practice practice

I started with ring of steps, went to the platform for a year, back to the ring of steps for a year, now wanting to try that predator platform.
With the ring of steps I use a knee against the tree to swing with some control. I remember with the platform I felt like when I leaned out and started swinging, I wasn’t sure I would stop until I hit the tree.
I too would like to see some shots all around the clock with the platform. I might pick up on some footwork tips for better control.

 

[Jefferson10940]

This is how I have my platform setup(3 ameristeps on belt). Let’s hear some ideas on how best to mimic this method with the new predator platform since the attachment point is above platform height etc.


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I don’t think without the camming action like in this style platform we will be able to utilize this method. Can’t see the strap getting tight enough to snug the ameristeps.


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[Tracker15]

I don’t think without the camming action like in this style platform we will be able to utilize this method. Can’t see the strap getting tight enough to snug the ameristeps.


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Agree, so what’s next best option? For those that like to have a few steps in conjunction with platform how do you envision your setup?


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[BassBoysLLP]

Yeah, you can make the same argument when you run out of tether walking around the tree.

Honestly, easiest solution is to just make the transition before the shot and get yourself position so you can shoot all the way to 10 o'clock if needed. You just need to do a bit of hot potato with the bow

What kind of bow is that? Looks super light weight!!!

Seriously, though if the deer moves back to your left coming across in front you would just shift to the other side.


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[Jefferson10940]

Agree, so what’s next best option? For those that like to have a few steps in conjunction with platform how do you envision your setup?


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I’m hoping that with the new platform and the Wings will make it easy to stretch out around the tree. I’m not eliminating my other platforms. Also 1 WE step would really help on opposite side of predator


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[BassBoysLLP]

I don’t think without the camming action like in this style platform we will be able to utilize this method. Can’t see the strap getting tight enough to snug the ameristeps.


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This is true. If you want to utilize the camming action of the platform it is best to weave the second strap through the platform if you want the steps at the same level. This is how it has been classically done with this type of platform.

Honestly, for me, the same level for the secondary steps is overrated in my opinion. They are extensions and secondary pivot points for the primary platform. If you have a lower tether, you have a real solid anchor on the tree on the backside of the tree with one foot on the predator wing. Greg demonstrates knee on the tree but often I'll just push off to the back side and toe hook with my other foot. Even on a leaning tree, it's stable and you aren't going to peel off uncontrollably. All of the force is on the platform. Not your leading leg in the direction of travel. A peg on the primary cam strap could be used to toe hook off but it isn't necessary. On most trees I hunt (<12" dbh at hunting height), I can shoot almost to 8 o clock coming from the weak side with just the toe hook and my short tether. The wings on the predator platform make this move so much easier since you are no longer relying on friction but a positive anchor to push off and move around the tree.

In the end, this becomes an odd scenario. Running out of tether length on ring of steps or running out of rotation on a platform doesn't happen much in the woods unless deer are running laps around your tree.

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