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How heavy is your scouting or hunting setup?

I wish thehuntingbeast would get on Tapatalk it's the only reason I don't frequent that site as much as I would like.


Sent from my
Sit drag, Ernie's outdoors linesman belt,
At 20' up
 
I wish thehuntingbeast would get on Tapatalk it's the only reason I don't frequent that site as much as I would like.


Sent from my
Sit drag, Ernie's outdoors linesman belt,
At 20' up

Me too! I hate that the site isn't on tapatalk. Other than that there is a lot of great info over there and I talk about saddles as much as I can


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I wish thehuntingbeast would get on Tapatalk it's the only reason I don't frequent that site as much as I would like.


Sent from my
Sit drag, Ernie's outdoors linesman belt,
At 20' up
Me too! I hate that the site isn't on tapatalk. Other than that there is a lot of great info over there and I talk about saddles as much as I can


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I agree. I remember reading a post where they were adamant that it will never happen though. I don't know why they feel that way but its unfortunate.
 
I agree. I remember reading a post where they were adamant that it will never happen though. I don't know why they feel that way but its unfortunate.
I'm with you guys. I'm a regular on the forum, but the latest upgrade to forum was a step backwards. So much harder to navigate. Talk is kinda stagnant so I've been hanging out elsewhere. I wish the beast was on tapa talk so I have my forums all in one place. I'd also be able to kick photo bucket to the curb. I often host my images on tapa talk and share on the beast since photo bucket is a PIA.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
I often host my images on tapa talk and share on the beast since photo bucket is a PIA.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Totally didn't know you could do that...

I have noticed that the same 10-20 threads have been in the new post section for weeks... I think it's the spring lull. I remember it getting slow this time last year.


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Totally didn't know you could do that...

I have noticed that the same 10-20 threads have been in the new post section for weeks... I think it's the spring lull. I remember it getting slow this time last year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It gets slow every year but it's getting worse. The first few years were awesome. Everyone was contributing. It redefined Dan's beast style. Experiences in every terrain harmonized as one. Truly awesome.

The site needs a couple new veteran hunters every year to share opinions without getting offended to keep it lively. Otherwise, it's the same 20 guys regurgitating the code of the beast. I can't wait for velvet rut. That is usually the end of the lull.

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I like the Beast because it is still fresh information to me but eventually there is nothing new under the sun... King Soloman
 
thehuntingbeast.com website is garbage. Really hard to use, navigate, and read. They need to update their forum software or just go full tapatalk.
 
If you split your scouting / tree prep into two different sessions you could considerably lighten your load. Since I rarely have time to do both in a day I keep my scouting setup simple:
  • 2200 cu.in. daypack
  • leather work gloves
  • hand pruners
  • garmin GPS
  • 1L nalgene water bottle
  • roll of hivis tree tape
  • trail marking tacks
  • Extra puffy layer ie: vest if it's still cold enough out.
  • Baby wipes/roll of TP in a ziplock
  • Snacks ie: fruit, clif bars, etc.

This bag is considerably lighter than my tree prep pack. But the tree prep pack comes out lighter than it goes in.


My tree prep pack contains the following:
  • Same 2200 cu.in. daypack
  • dewalt 20v LiOn cordless drill (not compact, or light)
  • 1L nalgene water bottle
  • leather work gloves
  • safety glasses
  • 3/8" drillbit
  • rubber mallet (used to get those precious few extra turns on screw in steps).
  • medium-sized canvas bag with 30-40 tree steps (extra bag is to protect my daypack), along with accessory hooks
  • 24" pruners/loppers
  • hand pruners
  • small camp hatchet
  • pull cord
I will also either pack in or wear in my saddle, along with bringing a 7ft extendible pole saw for tree prep.
 
thehuntingbeast.com website is garbage. Really hard to use, navigate, and read. They need to update their forum software or just go full tapatalk.
Derek You have probably hunted a lot longer than me so your opinion of the Hunting Beast may be valid. As a fairly new hunter I have learned a lot from Dan. Another one who has taught me a lot is John Eberhardt. Seems like they have different ideas about many things but learning from them I have probably gained 20 years of hunting experience in two years. This site is also great for a variety of ideas. One thing I have learned on this site is that everyone seems to have a different idea of the perfect setup. Some want comfort, some want light, some want quiet and speedy setup but mostly we want it all. I put finginairos post from the hunting beast on this thread because it spoke of how light his set up is and I liked the exposure he gave to saddle hunting. I really did not intend to invite comments on Dan's site which is imperfect but still useful. Perhaps the web site is poorly organized but the information on it can sometimes be valuable.

Back to the point of the thread. My setup is presently two muddy sticks with aiders and then I use the one stick method to get higher. I also have Ernie's platform. I also use a guidos web and aerohunter and have a sit drag to try for this fall. My set up probably still weighs about 16 to 20 pounds which I would like to reduce. Weight will vary depending on how cold it is and what saddle I use. If I can ride my fat bike close to a set up I will carry more weight. I think I probably bump less deer going close to a setup on a fat bike because it is fast and quiet and I am past deer before they know what went by. Nothing extraordinary about my setup. I have thought about spikes but I don't think I can use them in local conservation areas where I hunt, otherwise I would probably be spending more money.
I have purchased rope and a lifeguard belay unit to try to rappel down the tree. I will wait until my older kids are home so they can instruct me on how to properly use the equipment. They are very experienced ice and rock climbers and I am not.
 
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As a fairly new hunter I have learned a lot from Dan. Another one who has taught me a lot is John Eberhardt.

Perhaps the web site is poorly organized but the information on it can sometimes be valuable.

I'm not talking about the content on the site. No argument that it's incredibly valuable. But the overall design, layout, navigation, legibility, and experience is a huge deterrent IMO. It kind of reminds me of visiting late 90's BBS websites.

My bar is much higher than most though as I design websites and software for a living. There is a direct correlation between the 'experience' someone has with your website and if they ever return or not, regardless of the value of the content.
 
I completely agree with @d_rek about THB.

Concerning this thread, I'm going to weigh my setups soon. I'd like to be under 10lbs, but I don't think that's possible for a mobile setup. My spurs probably weigh 7 or 8lbs.
 
I haven't bothered to weigh my hunting bag setup. It varies considerably throughout the year depending on weather and where i'm hunting.
 
My scouting pack is definitely much heavier than my hunting setup. I carry everything to set up a tree because I sometimes won't come back before season after scouting. I currently only have use of the kayak in the cooler months when my relative doesn't use it, so summer prep is out for water access locations. The power drill, extra battery, saws and a good portion The water will get removed for the actual season.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I'm not talking about the content on the site. No argument that it's incredibly valuable. But the overall design, layout, navigation, legibility, and experience is a huge deterrent IMO. It kind of reminds me of visiting late 90's BBS websites.

My bar is much higher than most though as I design websites and software for a living. There is a direct correlation between the 'experience' someone has with your website and if they ever return or not, regardless of the value of the content.
Yup the site could be better organized. I guess I really never think about site organization.
 
I agree with d_rek on pack weights. My scouting pack is very light, basically carrying water, extra batteries, maybe a trail cam. I like to set up a tree separately because it allows me to thoroughly analyze the spot better than just setting up where it first looked good. When I go back to set up the tree I have what ever I need in it whether it is steps, tree step tool, etc and my pole saw and that is usually heavier. Hunting pack weight depends on my climbing method for that tree and is most influenced by the time of season and how many clothes I need.
 
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