Saddle hunting with platform on a leaning tree

[gameflogger]

I have been saddle hunting for about 12 years, but I have always used a ring of Ameristeps. I just recently bought an OOAL platform, and while practicing in my back yard on a slightly leaning tree (top side of tree), I noticed that i have very little control of movement around the tree once I lean over to the side and try to push off the edge of the platform it seems that I have much less control than I do with a ring of steps....... Any suggestions?

 

[MN_Bowhunter4]

Following. I just completed my first year so no suggestions but I’d like to see what others say.

 

[dalton916]

The cardinal rule of learners is: gravity is undefeated.

When you get on the top side any movement left or right means gravity wants to deposit you 180° out from where you are. It’s a struggle for sure and for that reason I would recommend the under side of the lean if at all possible so gravity will want to put you right back at your starting position.

When I have hunted learners they have always tended to be multi trunk trees and I tie off to one of the high side trunks with my LB to hold me in place. You’d be surprised how comfortable this can be.

 

[cspot]

I have been saddle hunting for about 12 years, but I have always used a ring of Ameristeps. I just recently bought an OOAL platform, and while practicing in my back yard on a slightly leaning tree (top side of tree), I noticed that i have very little control of movement around the tree once I lean over to the side and try to push off the edge of the platform it seems that I have much less control than I do with a ring of steps....... Any suggestions?

Was looking for something the other day and came across this old thread with alot of good suggestions. Does your tree have as much lean as John E's tree in the pic. LOL.

Tether height and other questions?????

Since Saddlehunter is getting so many new visitors and will continue to do so as harness hunting become more popular, my questions are targeted at getting as much useful information as possible for new users from our members that have been doing this for years. So pertaining to how you long...

saddlehunter.com

 

[gameflogger]

Was looking for something the other day and came across this old thread with alot of good suggestions. Does your tree have as much lean as John E's tree in the pic. LOL.

Tether height and other questions?????

Since Saddlehunter is getting so many new visitors and will continue to do so as harness hunting become more popular, my questions are targeted at getting as much useful information as possible for new users from our members that have been doing this for years. So pertaining to how you long...

saddlehunter.com

My tree is not leaning near that much, Just a slight lean and only about a 10” tree, I personally have been able to control my movement a little better with a ring of steps. Im wondering if anyone is using a ROS in combination with a platform.

 

[gameflogger]

The cardinal rule of learners is: gravity is undefeated.

When you get on the top side any movement left or right means gravity wants to deposit you 180° out from where you are. It’s a struggle for sure and for that reason I would recommend the under side of the lean if at all possible so gravity will want to put you right back at your starting position.

When I have hunted learners they have always tended to be multi trunk trees and I tie off to one of the high side trunks with my LB to hold me in place. You’d be surprised how comfortable this can be.

I have tried hunting the underside of a leaning tree and after the hunt I feel like I got gut kicked by a kangaroo!

 

[flinginairos]

With a platform I tend to hunt the topside of the lean if it’s not too severe. I don’t plan on walking around the tree in that situation but I’ll stand up on the platform to take weak side shots. Just have to be careful not to go past “the point of no return” lol


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[gameflogger]

With a platform I tend to hunt the topside of the lean if it’s not too severe. I don’t plan on walking around the tree in that situation but I’ll stand up on the platform to take weak side shots. Just have to be careful not to go past “the point of no return” lol


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I got the platform to try a different approach on weak side shots, but I did not get to hang with it this season and it kinda threw a curve ball at me trying to figure out how to attach it to my run and gun pack. I might be going back to the old tried and true ROS.

 

[BRAVEHEART]

With a platform I tend to hunt the topside of the lean if it’s not too severe. I don’t plan on walking around the tree in that situation but I’ll stand up on the platform to take weak side shots. Just have to be careful not to go past “the point of no return” lol


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x2

 

[BRAVEHEART]

I got the platform to try a different approach on weak side shots, but I did not get to hang with it this season and it kinda threw a curve ball at me trying to figure out how to attach it to my run and gun pack. I might be going back to the old tried and true ROS.

Unless you need the funds to get another fix, I'd hang () onto it and practice during the off season. If after a fair amount of hang time you still aren't comfortable, you can always sell it in the classified section before next season.

 

[gameflogger]

I do

Unless you need the funds to get another fix, I'd hang () onto it and practice during the off season. If after a fair amount of hang time you still aren't comfortable, you can always sell it in the classified section before next season.

I don’t plan on getting rid of it, just thinking of how I can improve it

 

[dalton916]

I have tried hunting the underside of a leaning tree and after the hunt I feel like I got gut kicked by a kangaroo!

Ain’t no doubt about that

The worst thing for about a leaner is climbing it. Definitely have to take a second on the ground to figure out your best plan of attack.

It doesn’t take much lean to eliminate the underside.

 

[Westdesign03]

My tree is not leaning near that much, Just a slight lean and only about a 10” tree, I personally have been able to control my movement a little better with a ring of steps. Im wondering if anyone is using a ROS in combination with a platform.

I’m getting ready to try this myself. Thinking just 2 steps and a strap will hopefully be all I need to reach around the tree a bit if needed.


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[JWP]

Sounds like a time where a larger platform or a small tree stand may be a better tool.

 

[MathewsMan7]

I recently started a post regarding the addition of 2 steps to the strap of my platform. I think it makes too much sense to add two steps in conjunction with the platform. They’re obviously extremely light weight, assist with maneuverability, add to comfort (straddling the tree and resting both feet on each step), and add some stability when maneuvering in a leaning tree. I have no experience with this, but I am certainly adding 2 squirrel steps to my predator platform strap for next year.

 

[Westdesign03]

I recently started a post regarding the addition of 2 steps to the strap of my platform. I think it makes too much sense to add two steps in conjunction with the platform. They’re obviously extremely light weight, assist with maneuverability, add to comfort (straddling the tree and resting both feet on each step), and add some stability when maneuvering in a leaning tree. I have no experience with this, but I am certainly adding 2 squirrel steps to my predator platform strap for next year.

That’s exactly what I was thinking. Where is your thread about this? Curious to see what other people think of this too.


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[MathewsMan7]

Adding Steps to Platform Strap

After perusing here for awhile, it seems as if adding at least a step or two to the strap of a platform on either side seems to be gaining popularity. I hunted with The Predator Platform this year, and I can definitely see how adding a step to either side is a lightweight, efficient option to...

saddlehunter.com

Not sure how to post an old thread #Newbie

 

[flinginairos]

I recently started a post regarding the addition of 2 steps to the strap of my platform. I think it makes too much sense to add two steps in conjunction with the platform. They’re obviously extremely light weight, assist with maneuverability, add to comfort (straddling the tree and resting both feet on each step), and add some stability when maneuvering in a leaning tree. I have no experience with this, but I am certainly adding 2 squirrel steps to my predator platform strap for next year.

I’d like to try that as well. I think it would be the best of both methods and add almost no weight at all.


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[Allegheny Tom]

I have been saddle hunting for about 12 years, but I have always used a ring of Ameristeps. I just recently bought an OOAL platform, and while practicing in my back yard on a slightly leaning tree (top side of tree), I noticed that i have very little control of movement around the tree once I lean over to the side and try to push off the edge of the platform it seems that I have much less control than I do with a ring of steps....... Any suggestions?

Its one more reason to add a step to the strap.
I thought everyone already knew about the benefits of adding a step. IMO its mandatory.
We have a bunch of DIY stands for presets and they are chain-on platforms which obviously don't have straps to attach a step to.
We use bolts for those.

 

[PJC]

Problem with hanging on the down side of a leaner is having your bridge in your face. Also it’s hard to get around to the tree to the uphill side. I only sit under the lean if it’s very slight. Otherwise I’m always on the top side.
I started to incorporate bolts or strap on steps to the side of the tree this season. Like highway pegs on a motorcycle. Very comfortable. Then I put a strap around my knees and let that carry all my weight slowing me to totally relax. But that’s another topic.


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