This is where SRT with a basal anchor really shines. You get a throwball over one branch then tie off at the bottom of the tree none of the other branches matter…. I’d be happy to shoot a video showing you that if you’d like
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Is one sticking really worth
- Thread starter Apex7
- Start date
How many mature bucks have you killed while one sticking? I 99% hunt from presets and that is the best way for noise and movement. Been archery hunting pressured bucks in PA/OH for 32 years and after taking many mature bucks and 4 being P&Y or bigger it doesn’t have to take me very long to figure out what will work and what will not.
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I just started one sticking for this season so here is my take as a one stick newbie but have used a saddle and multiple sticks for awhile....took a few climbs trying to figure out my method and got pretty confident with it, enough so that i will def use it during the season....I hunt public land exclusively and have some spots that i will have to go a good ways and through some nasty stuff to get to so the weight reduction is a plus for sure. Im in south louisiana where early season will still be 80+ degrees so lighter the better as im going to sweat no matter what i do....this said i do have some spots that are only a couple hundred yards away from access and some trees where multiple sticks might be better,but i decided through one stick testing that i really really love having a shorter stick with a platform as my top step,its awesome....so....in instances where i may still use multiple sticks, im going to carry 2 full size lone wolf sticks with my 18'' stick and use aiders. I consider this a ''hybrid'' method as i can still utilize that 18'' stick to move higher if i need to. Is one sticking worth it? I think,for me personally, yes. Do i think i will still use multiple sticks?...also yes.
I was one sticking up a tree, about 12’ up when I heard a deer walking in the leaves. I turned my head and he was 30 yds out inbound. Walked right under my butt, I could have spit on his back and I manage to get a little video of him as I watched him walk off. One sticking isn’t noisy, people are noisy, difference.
Three seasons one-sticking and about a month ago I read a thread about push stix. I’m thinking no way am I carrying pvc crap in the woods to try that. Then one day I’m talking with Robert Wood Tree Saddles) about the hiking stick I’m carrying for a third point of balance and it hits me…use the stupid hiking stick to push the tether up. Step/ hold tree or stick with one hand and pull slack out of tether with the other. no more slack tether or trying to manage linesman while stepping. Tight line! A push stick, who wouldda thought?
That’s a nice buck for sure. What state was it, public or private? Where I hunt in PA on public deer constantly look up or run at the first unnatural noise they hear. If you read my post I referred to setting up near bedding not when a deer is actively walking through leaves which is totally different. You can get away with a lot more movement and noise. So I’ll still argue that it’s the noisiest way to get up and down a tree.
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Let me preface this by saying i havent full on drank the one stick kool aide so im not one of these ''one stickin is the best thing since sliced bread'' guys...that said, it is my personal experience and opinion that one stick climbing is no noisier than using multiple sticks or any other climbing method. I believe it is the person climbing that is making the noise, either due to a lack of experience or negligence. I myself also dont kill mature bucks so my experience is not in the same ball parks as yours (bear this in mind before you rip me apart lol). Out of genuine curiosity, how are you pre setting near bedding areas? what is your method of climbing?
Arkansas, public. And yes, I did read your post and no, if the deer can’t see me, the deer isn’t going to hear me. And if the deer is so close that he can see me…or you, it doesn’t really matter if he can hear you because he is already gone.. If you are setting up on deer bedded 30 yards away, then you are just better than me. But everyone gets an opinion and a choice. Good Luck!
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On land that I have free permission open to hunting property where the land owner doesn’t mind I use screw in steps. On state land I use climbing sticks. I usually have 10 to 20 presets ready to go by the end of April. I can’t remember the last time I had to wavier from this tactic but I do have a set of Tethrd Skeletors just in case something drastically changes during the season. I typically follow and replicate hunting tactics that have worked for people hunting similar to the way I do and have something to show for it. Over the 30 years of archery hunting I’ve seen a lot of stuff that people promote but have no proven success while doing it. I’m in no way trying to argue with anyone but usually when I call something out people rarely show me proof of how it has successfully worked for them. Good luck to all.
I would say yes it's definitely worth it from my experience especially on public land. You put at least 5 hours of practicing on different types of trees. This just my opinion but I think the best tree saddle system is using a platform with a ring of steps for two reasons. It takes alot of strain of the back. The second reason is you use the tree to block the deer view of you (of course smaller trees would be the exception). Carrying multiple climbing stick is noisy more clunky not for me. I also highly recommend getting a framed backpack it make more because you can quarter out a deer.
agree with the ROS with your platform. Heres what i feel like makes it worth trying and using effectively:
1. use your rappel as your tether (more rope is more weight and more steps) When i started i tried using my tether to climb and pulled my rappel out when ready to get down and doing this i would say i had a similar situation as Noonespecial where i tried it and instantly was like nah this is too much im going back to 3 sticks.
2. have a stick with a cam cleat. Those guys you see fumbling around and making noise are the guys fiddling with straps and versa buttons...with the cam cleat you pull up on your stick and rope comes right out easy peasy and no noise.
3. Having a platform as your top step. When i set that stick at height,thats it,ready to hunt, no fooling with an additional platform. Me personally and depending on the tree, i will probably throw that ROS around with 2-3 steps so i can step to the side just a bit easier and setting that up takes nothing
4. use a linemans belt! Guys, i see all of you using nothing but your tether and letting yourself go higher than its set. I keep my linesman attached to my left loop at all times, quick to whip it around and be rock solid to adjust my tether higher.
These are mine and work for me, lets all share what ever tips helped you make that transition easier as its the little details that help make you more effective and more quiet.
I wouldn't hunt any other way. I love my climbing platform. Go slow, be methodic and it's as quiet as you'll need.
I would love to see the statistic that shows more P&Y bucks are taken within distance xyz of their beds than beyond distance xyz. That'd be an intriguing statistic.
You've mentioned bedding several times. And results.
So, putting one and one together, I'd love to know the percentage of P&Y bucks (a standard you've set as "results") that are taken from a distance that we might all agree is close to their bed.
Since this feat apparently can't be achieved by a one sticker, I'd say that statistic has a lot to do with one sticking and making noise, no?
I mentioned it once and yet no one has showed me any results. By all means then let’s start seeing all the pictures of guys killing mature bucks on pressured land while one sticking.
I bet you think this song is about you.
This buck was taken on a National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas the 2nd day of the season climbing 1 stick. Taxidermist aged him at 8.5 years old he was declined from previous years hunting him. It can be done but as with any mature deer I would rather be lucky than good.