Revisions to ur system

[THill202]

I spent the last two or three years heavily revising my system and now this is year I finally don't have much urge for further revisions. I spent enough time on this site and didn't cheap out on my saddle stuff so I'm pretty ready to rock on that. The single best revision I made over the last couple years was removing cotton from my vocabulary. I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but switching to a wool -> fleece -> windproof outter layering system has probably been the single most effective revision I've made (aside from switching to a saddle).

 

[Westdesign03]

Sending pins on googles is easy and I've gotten pins that are from some apple/iphone thing I don't know what it was....

I use a free app that will record tracks and allow 3 pins and I can save 3 tracks. Useful for a weekend hunt....but when he pulls up his maps there's hundreds of pins from different woods he's hunted in the past. The way our quota system works u may go years in-between being able to hunt certain wma. Remembering spots from 4 years ago on a wma u may have only hunted once or twice is difficult. Shoot....the spot im trying to remember is in my favorite wma I have the most time in...I should be able to go right back there from memory but when u got 30-40 good spots to remember on that property sometimes they mingle and merge in the mind....." I member theres a spot over yonder but is it the palmetto flat or the persimmon trees? Dang I can't member.".... "Yeah, that island was full of sign....member, we walked all those islands and that was the only 1 with any deer sign....which island? Hhmmmmm, maybe that 1...or maybe it was that 1...it had a creek by it, I think member"

You’re gonna get the full gamut of why you should get about every app out there. So I’ll add mine too. Spartan Forge is awesome and I don’t know if any hunting specific app that beats its imagery and how up to date it is. SF is climbing in price though I think. (I’m locked in to the early adopter price). But I would also give HuntStand a hard look. It’s like $25 for the year for the entire country and you get a lot of tools for the money. What I like about it most is your pins and all your work is broken up into hunting zones you set up. So the map isn’t insanely cluttered as you add pins etc. You just select the zone you’re wanting to work with and it loads that area and it’s pins. But you can still see the whole map at the same time. They also have the pro whitetail version that has some additional tools but it’s considerably more expensive IMO and I’m still on the fence as to whether it’s worth the higher price or not. I have found their public land layer to be quite accurate and on par with OnX. SF is missing quite a few public land spots at least in my area. OnX is good too especially for the public land markings. But for the price of HS, you get the whole country and the similar price of OnX, you only get 1 state. Got to weigh the pros and cons I guess for yourself in the end.

 

[The_Fit_Ness_Monster]

What I did last season and continue to do this season is with my JRB method I’m throwing the throwball each time on new spots but I haven’t been able to scout like I want to, so I use my summit bottom as my platform and climber and saddle and tether for the top and just climb that way, once up if it’s a good tree and I see a lot of sign/movement I’ll set a paracord preset in order to climb with my ropes easily in the future. And I’ve always paid for Xhunt and it’s legit I mark all my spots as I go good or bad.

 

[Westdesign03]

What I did last season and continue to do this season is with my JRB method I’m throwing the throwball each time on new spots but I haven’t been able to scout like I want to, so I use my summit bottom as my platform and climber and saddle and tether for the top and just climb that way, once up if it’s a good tree and I see a lot of sign/movement I’ll set a paracord preset in order to climb with my ropes easily in the future. And I’ve always paid for Xhunt and it’s legit I mark all my spots as I go good or bad.

Just curious what you do if the summit bottom drops on you? If you take weight off of it for instance while resting in the saddle, that platform will be insanely loose on the tree (in my experience) and you could loose it. Do you strap it to the tree before you settle in or just take the chance?

 

[elk yinzer]

Nothing. Probably won't carry a throwball this year and just stick with either one or multi sticks. Carried a throwball around last year and only used a couple times. SRT is more of a novelty for run and gun. Still hanging from my Flex and .5. Still rappelling. Need to build a few arrows and I'm ready to roll.

 

[Maverick1]

I'm thinking really hard about paying for 1 of those apps like onx or equivalent .....I can remember areas from last year I want to revisit but can't remember exactly where they are on the map. I asked my hunting partner and he know right where it is with a pin dropped.....that's valuable info....hard to remember all of ur spots once u really start learning those woods

Google maps and create a Microsoft excel spreadsheet is the answer. For me.
google maps is free.
you can create different folders within google maps for different hunting areas.
you can add different points of interests (drop a pin) in google maps, save and label those pins in your saved places, and do so from a desktop computer, tablet, or your phone in the field.
I use excel to tie it all together. Group and sort public hunting land spots in one file on the desktop computer, with links to the places on Google maps, and videos and pictures. Put wind information and stand locations into excel, along with driving distance and hiking distance to each stand location. I know when to leave home, how long it will take me to drive then hike or canoe into each and every spot, and add in how long it takes to setup. No more screwing around and being setup in the tree 45 minutes later than I wanted to be because I couldn’t figure all the logistics out. No brainer on the travel piece.
fixes the “I can’t remember or find it” issue.
I have hundreds of stands sites on public saved this way. More places to hunt than I could hunt In a year. Or two really.
Makes quick and easy decisions of the ongoing dilemma of: “it’s 2:30, I think I can get out of work and squeeze in a hunt, where should I go?” Look at wind direction, pull up spreadsheet, filter on wind information and total travel time, and go.
and, it’s free.
did I mention it’s free? LOL.

edit: am also incorporating daytime trail camera picture information of larger deer now that I have a library of pictures to go off of. Correlation the above information with the trail camera patterns and hunt. It works. Really well

 

[Weldabeast]

Google maps and create a Microsoft excel spreadsheet is the answer. For me.
google maps is free.
you can create different folders within google maps for different hunting areas.
you can add different points of interests (drop a pin) in google maps, save and label those pins in your saved places, and do so from a desktop computer, tablet, or your phone in the field.
I use excel to tie it all together. Group and sort public hunting land spots in one file on the desktop computer, with links to the places on Google maps, and videos and pictures. Put wind information and stand locations into excel, along with driving distance and hiking distance to each stand location. I know when to leave home, how long it will take me to drive then hike or canoe into each and every spot, and add in how long it takes to setup. No more screwing around and being setup in the tree 45 minutes later than I wanted to be because I couldn’t figure all the logistics out. No brainer on the travel piece.
fixes the “I can’t remember or find it” issue.
I have hundreds of stands sites on public saved this way. More places to hunt than I could hunt In a year. Or two really.
Makes quick and easy decisions of the ongoing dilemma of: “it’s 2:30, I think I can get out of work and squeeze in a hunt, where should I go?” Look at wind direction, pull up spreadsheet, filter on wind information and total travel time, and go.
and, it’s free.
did I mention it’s free? LOL.

edit: am also incorporating daytime trail camera picture information of larger deer now that I have a library of pictures to go off of. Correlation the above information with the trail camera patterns and hunt. It works. Really well

How much u charge ?.....

 

[bigmike23]

I switched to single bevels this year. I'll be doing more saddle hunting this year. It probably be close to a 50/50 split between the saddle and beast stand. Last year was 99% beast stand.
And the biggest and most important change is getting an Ebike before the start of season. My normal bike is a slog going in. It's all uphill.
Finally, if things go to plan I may not get much if any hunting time this year. Might be headed to State Police Academy later this year

 

[Cotehex]

Adding a Beast stand 1.0 mesh seat.

 

[Arrowsquirrel]

Well I managed to not spend a dime on hunting last year besides batteries and tags so I spent all year making notes and deciding what I wanted to work on this offseason.

This is a pic of my setup with the mods and tweaks I've been working on.






I've been hunting mostly private the last couple years with a few sits on public and as long as I'm on department land here in Kansas I can still use my drill and pedals for climbing method and platform. I've been loving this setup. I switched out my modified dump pouch to a redhead pouch and have a couple test sits with it and it seems to work well. I never liked how the sides of the dump pouch weren't securely closed. I wear the pouch in the center in the front and it doesn't seem to be in the way. It comes off once I'm at height. It can be slid around to the back to climb but I quit doing that because it wasn't necessary.






I've been using a bino harness and really like it not much to mod on it but I did switch out my harness to a new fob this year.


The other mods I've been working on have been 3d printed. My brother has a 3d printer and is a bit of a wizard with cad. We mangaed to make a release holster that mount to my bow and a nipper holster that mounts to my saddle. Both of these mods are things I've wanted to address for years. I always hated my release not having a place that was always with my bow and secure and I haven't been able to modify or find a holster that is both secure and easy to use for nippers.




The last thing I've been working on is getting a .5 hybrid system for some of my full day or long sits. I've kind of quit self filming and am enthused about using a hybrid system to try it again on some days when I have time. It looks to my like I can use the stand to pack camera gear in easily and will have more room in the tree to mess with it all. The only mod that this takes for me is putting the straps in my front pouch and removing the paddle steps.

 

[Horn]

Well I managed to not spend a dime on hunting last year besides batteries and tags so I spent all year making notes and deciding what I wanted to work on this offseason.

This is a pic of my setup with the mods and tweaks I've been working on. View attachment 86429






I've been hunting mostly private the last couple years with a few sits on public and as long as I'm on department land here in Kansas I can still use my drill and pedals for climbing method and platform. I've been loving this setup. I switched out my modified dump pouch to a redhead pouch and have a couple test sits with it and it seems to work well. I never liked how the sides of the dump pouch weren't securely closed. I wear the pouch in the center in the front and it doesn't seem to be in the way. It comes off once I'm at height. It can be slid around to the back to climb but I quit doing that because it wasn't necessary.



View attachment 86430View attachment 86431


I've been using a bino harness and really like it not much to mod on it but I did switch out my harness to a new fob this year.View attachment 86438


The other mods I've been working on have been 3d printed. My brother has a 3d printer and is a bit of a wizard with cad. We mangaed to make a release holster that mount to my bow and a nipper holster that mounts to my saddle. Both of these mods are things I've wanted to address for years. I always hated my release not having a place that was always with my bow and secure and I haven't been able to modify or find a holster that is both secure and easy to use for nippers. View attachment 86432View attachment 86433View attachment 86434




The last thing I've been working on is getting a .5 hybrid system for some of my full day or long sits. I've kind of quit self filming and am enthused about using a hybrid system to try it again on some days when I have time. It looks to my like I can use the stand to pack camera gear in easily and will have more room in the tree to mess with it all. The only mod that this takes for me is putting the straps in my front pouch and removing the paddle steps.

Definitely trying to steal the release holster idea! I also shoot a BT , and can design/ print stuff!

 

[Just_Hangin_N_GA]

I’m afraid I’m in the deep end now.

Oh yes, and isn't it a great feeling!!! I too am amazed at the skill set that the SH members have. I feel inspired and inadequate at times with all the knowledge and creativity oozing from this forum. I just hope that I can learn all the acronyms at some point.

 

[Nosaj]

I'm thinking really hard about paying for 1 of those apps like onx or equivalent .....I can remember areas from last year I want to revisit but can't remember exactly where they are on the map. I asked my hunting partner and he know right where it is with a pin dropped.....that's valuable info....hard to remember all of ur spots once u really start learning those woods

I really like Huntstand for all their different icons that you can put on a map to mark different features and for their huntzone wind indicator. I have found the wind direction indicator to be about 90% accurate where I hunt unless I am in a unique feature such as a ravine. The paid version has a ton of maps like the others including monthly satellite maps. The resolution on the monthly satellite maps is not a good as the regular satellite map however it is good enough to let you know about recent changes and they go back 4 or 5 years. I have been using Huntstand for close to 10 years and they are constantly making improvements. When Onx started making a big marketing push 4+/- years ago it did not have enough different icons so you could not see at a glance, zoomed out the difference between a scrape, trail crossing, pinch point, food source on and on. I assume that onx has improved it variety of markers now. I would do a trial on several of them and see what works for you. If your main reason for using it is to drop pin's on features/food/cameras/bedding/runs/kills/sightings I can't recommend it enough. This year they added a guy in a Saddle icon to indicate places you want to hang as compared to a blind, stand, ladder stand or climber. The lines below are traces I saved. Some are routes in, some are runs the red ones are blood trails. Good luck

 

[woodsdog2]

I'm thinking really hard about paying for 1 of those apps like onx or equivalent .....I can remember areas from last year I want to revisit but can't remember exactly where they are on the map. I asked my hunting partner and he know right where it is with a pin dropped.....that's valuable info....hard to remember all of ur spots once u really start learning those woods

You will not be disappointed with this decision!

 

[GeoFish]

1. I’m going from using 4-5 sticks with aiders to 3-4 sticks with aiders and using the versa-aider. Lighter weight. Fewer sticks to bring with me up the tree and hanging off my saddle when climbing. Fewer sticks to hang. Fewer sticks to take down. Fewer sticks to pack up.

2. I now have a complete hybrid system setup and ready to go. Now have treestand system, saddle system, and hybrid system. Just grab backpack and go. No more swapping gear or equipment around between different packs.

3. Finally ditched the traditional shoulder style safety harness for treestand hunting. Modified the shoulder harness by cutting off the shoulder straps and had some sewing done, turned out very similar to a RCH or dryad killdeer but with better leg straps and has options to attach dump pouches. Much more streamlined. Will have option for dump pouches. Really looking forward to it.

4. Drew an elk and bear tag for this fall. With inspiration from @Red Beard I will be 2TC up an aspen tree over the elk carcass and hunting bear. Better than hauling sticks 2-6 miles back into the mountains.

I would like to see some picks of your pack setup.

 

[Maverick1]

I would like to see some picks of your pack setup.

No problem! I’m fishing at the moment though! Remind me in September or October.

 

[woodsdog2]

Halfway through season last year I started using the Gen3 One sticks. Plan on using them again along with the BWMG GC 1 aider and the super light Pursuit Platform. Although I had no problems with the Gen1 Platform, I did add a Gen 2 to my arsenal along with their rubber knee pad. Going to try that in lieu of the TL knee pads. Lays flatter in my pack and takes up much less room and cinches around the tree. I am also trying out 8 cranford rope steps. All fit in a standard saddle pouch. @valerio024 showcased an even lighter method using 5 of the ropes reps and a climb rated daisy chain or versa style strap. By hanging it off of the rope steps to advance. Tried the former last year and I kinda liked it!!

 

[Jammintree]

I'm thinking really hard about paying for 1 of those apps like onx or equivalent .....I can remember areas from last year I want to revisit but can't remember exactly where they are on the map. I asked my hunting partner and he know right where it is with a pin dropped.....that's valuable info....hard to remember all of ur spots once u really start learning those woods

Gaia GPS has a free version that is quite good. I’ve been using it for years now. There is a paid upgrade that allows you to see property markers and is worth the cost of admission.

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

Yup. Sure do. New saddle, probably pretty similar to yours from Wood. Excellent choice so far, no reason to doubt it staying excellent.

Currently playing with shikar minis, I catch on everything I walk by . Liking them a lot with aiders, which I like anyway.

Looking to lose bulk more than weight too. Experiments in progress. Smaller diameter, and less length because I don't use the 40' I carry, are on the list

Catching on everything is my biggest issue with the sticks I’ve been playing with this year. I love the sticks and ease of climb weight ect… but packing them in and catching on stuff is rough.

 

[Islandshooter]

Catching on everything is my biggest issue with the sticks I’ve been playing with this year. I love the sticks and ease of climb weight ect… but packing them in and catching on stuff is rough.

Tight to the pack vertically is my answer. But since you’re here, best thing I’ve added for this year is the Spider Stick to push my tether up the tree 10-12’ at a time for climbing safety. Especially one-sticking.Thank you for the no-slack idea/solution, Stalker!