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Saddle hunting in Ontario

I bought my ropeman's and carribeaners from MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-oP)

I cant remember where I purchased the rope

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Leadpipefill said:
I agree the prices are pretty outrageous, I've made the commitment to try and source as many of my saddle setup components here in Canada (i.e. ropes, steps, platforms).
The only thing I see myself buying from the US is the saddle itself (I'm thinking the Mantis).
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One thing I would add is that bolts are legal in some/much of Ontario's crown land. You should look at the specific county forests and municipal regulations that might apply, but where I hunt (which is let's say Yonge & Bloor) bolts are legal - I have spoken to the forest manager directly on the point. If that is true, then they are the cheapest and lightest way to go. I run bolts and a ring of bolts on trees where they are legal so I don't have the need for a platform. That saves a lot of money.

I also have WE stepps and a strap on ROS for areas where bolts are not legal. That does not save money.

In terms of which saddle to buy, that is really hard to say. If you are around the Hamilton area, you are welcome to meet up and give my Kestrel a try (no farting allowed).
 
PatG said:
Where in Canada did you purchase all the climbing gear? Eveytime I look online for a ropeman1 I get redirected to Amazom.com (USA)...
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I buy from MEC


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PatG said:
Where in Canada did you purchase all the climbing gear? Eveytime I look online for a ropeman1 I get redirected to Amazom.com (USA)...
Click to expand...

I got my mad rock safeguard from madrock.ca directly. I did have an issue where they didn’t ship and a couple weeks later I poked them and they apologized and upgraded the shipping and got it to me in 2 days.


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MJH said:
One thing I would add is that bolts are legal in some/much of Ontario's crown land. You should look at the specific county forests and municipal regulations that might apply, but where I hunt (which is let's say Yonge & Bloor) bolts are legal - I have spoken to the forest manager directly on the point. If that is true, then they are the cheapest and lightest way to go. I run bolts and a ring of bolts on trees where they are legal so I don't have the need for a platform. That saves a lot of money.

I also have WE stepps and a strap on ROS for areas where bolts are not legal. That does not save money.

In terms of which saddle to buy, that is really hard to say. If you are around the Hamilton area, you are welcome to meet up and give my Kestrel a try (no farting allowed).
Click to expand...

I have looked at the county forest policies around my area and there’s nothing specific about screw in steps etc. I’ve never once seen any enforcement. I’m also know my local forest manager as I used to work with her and she lives across from my parent’s place.


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PatG said:
Where in Canada did you purchase all the climbing gear? Eveytime I look online for a ropeman1 I get redirected to Amazom.com (USA)...
Click to expand...
From what I understand, the Ropeman 1 production was stopped because they are making some upgrades, we should see a new version of the Ropeman 1 in early 2020, with a 15 kN force rating.
 
Has anyone been able to find a suitable hunting platform here in Canada?
I managed to find good ropes, steps, ascenders, and carabiners, but I'm started to run into issues when it comes to the platform.
 
Leadpipefill said:
Has anyone been able to find a suitable hunting platform here in Canada?
I managed to find good ropes, steps, ascenders, and carabiners, but I'm started to run into issues when it comes to the platform.
Click to expand...

I drove to Buffalo for a family trip and picked up a set of Hawk Helium sticks and use the top step along with a ring of steps an American on the Facebook group graciously gave me for the cost of shipping.

I have also experimented with using the bottom of my Hawk self climber along with my tether to climb and that worked well.

I too really wish there was a good option for us Canadians.

Word of caution: I bought a Boyd’s stock and a couple parts. It was $240 USD and in the door to my house was $520 CDN. That’s exchange on the product and shipping, brokerage and duty at the border. I love the stock but damn.... that hurts.

I wish that they sold some of this saddle gear in stores. If they did I would do a trip and go to a store, try some stuff on, and stay a couple days so it would come in under my import allowance.

I was thinking as I type this, isn’t there some sort of a saddle hunting trade show!?!


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I was reading that other thread about how much money Tethrd probably makes and it really bugged me.

Specifically I went into my local mom and pop shop (Wolf’s Den) and suggested they resell some of this gear. They looked at me like I have two heads as they’ve never even heard of it.

I get it. Small business. Cost of imports. Return on investment. Etc etc etc.

It still sucks to be this side of the border. I talk to basic people who don’t do anything unique or special or interesting and all their wants and needs can be provided by Walmart in their small Canadian town. I’m not like that. I have lost track of the number of times I’ve seen this product or that product and wanted it but found out it’s only in the US.

I’m done ranting. Lol


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robstewart said:
I was reading that other thread about how much money Tethrd probably makes and it really bugged me.

Specifically I went into my local mom and pop shop (Wolf’s Den) and suggested they resell some of this gear. They looked at me like I have two heads as they’ve never even heard of it.

I get it. Small business. Cost of imports. Return on investment. Etc etc etc.

It still sucks to be this side of the border. I talk to basic people who don’t do anything unique or special or interesting and all their wants and needs can be provided by Walmart in their small Canadian town. I’m not like that. I have lost track of the number of times I’ve seen this product or that product and wanted it but found out it’s only in the US.

I’m done ranting. Lol


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Click to expand...

It's true. I have a friend who makes products here in Canada ( not hunting related) and he constantly reminds me about the population size difference. They just have the market size to grow, we don't.
Best case is someone near a border get a P.O. box.
 
robstewart said:
I was reading that other thread about how much money Tethrd probably makes and it really bugged me.

Specifically I went into my local mom and pop shop (Wolf’s Den) and suggested they resell some of this gear. They looked at me like I have two heads as they’ve never even heard of it.

I get it. Small business. Cost of imports. Return on investment. Etc etc etc.

It still sucks to be this side of the border. I talk to basic people who don’t do anything unique or special or interesting and all their wants and needs can be provided by Walmart in their small Canadian town. I’m not like that. I have lost track of the number of times I’ve seen this product or that product and wanted it but found out it’s only in the US.

I’m done ranting. Lol


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Click to expand...

Only Ernie and Greg know what they make it is all speculation . They take the risk they deserve whatever they make. If they charge too much We consumers do not have to buy and there is competition

Free enterprise and capitalism is fine by me.

Our weak dollar makes stuff expensive. We have a weak dollar because liberals won’t build pipelines. If we sold more oil our dollar would rise and our hunting gear would be cheaper.



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Any quality hang on stand in Canada will not cost any more than an imported saddle.


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Ontariofarmer said:
Any quality hang on stand in Canada will not cost any more than an imported saddle.


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Click to expand...
Yeah I'm not getting into saddle hunting because of price, I like the flexibility of tree options.

I'm almost done getting my set up complete for next year.
Ropes, ascenders, sticks, gear hanger
Working on a platform now (could just use the top step for the first bit), which is proving to be hard. Might just cut down an old hanging stand I have.
I'll be getting my saddle later this winter.
 
Ontariofarmer said:
Any quality hang on stand in Canada will not cost any more than an imported saddle.


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Click to expand...

Guess again. Assuming by a “quality” stand you’re taking in the $200 CDN range, and assuming my experience bringing in a $240 USD item was an accurate representation, then buying a saddle and platform from the US should probably run about 3 times the cost of a quality hang on stand.


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robstewart said:
Guess again. Assuming by a “quality” stand you’re taking in the $200 CDN range, and assuming my experience bringing in a $240 USD item was an accurate representation, then buying a saddle and platform from the US should probably run about 3 times the cost of a quality hang on stand.


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Click to expand...

I'll probably just order the saddle and an extra hip pouch.
I can probably have something like the predator stand made in Canada for less then importing it
 
I hunted today with my fleece saddle for the first time. It was fantastic! My rock climbing harness was $60 at MEC. My fleece saddle was less than $5.

Platform is a harder issue to deal with here. So far I’ve been ok with using the top of my stick. I would love a lone wolf hand climber to use as a climbing base.

The best I could do there so far is to buy the whole climber off amazon and just use the seat. I can’t find anyone in Canada who just sells the seat though.

Making a platform wouldn’t be too hard and possibly you could start with a cheap hang on and cut it down.


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robstewart said:
Guess again. Assuming by a “quality” stand you’re taking in the $200 CDN range, and assuming my experience bringing in a $240 USD item was an accurate representation, then buying a saddle and platform from the US should probably run about 3 times the cost of a quality hang on stand.


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Click to expand...

A Lone wolf with sticks. Comparable


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robstewart said:
I hunted today with my fleece saddle for the first time. It was fantastic! My rock climbing harness was $60 at MEC. My fleece saddle was less than $5.

Platform is a harder issue to deal with here. So far I’ve been ok with using the top of my stick. I would love a lone wolf hand climber to use as a climbing base.

The best I could do there so far is to buy the whole climber off amazon and just use the seat. I can’t find anyone in Canada who just sells the seat though.

Making a platform wouldn’t be too hard and possibly you could start with a cheap hang on and cut it down.


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Click to expand...
I have some cheap hang ons that I'm going to chop up. I do like the aluminum platform though.
 
Ontariofarmer said:
I am in Ontario. Several other here too. Where are you from

We have guys all over Ontario

I am from Huron County
Other are near Newmarket Hamilton Ottawa Kincardine Coburg
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Hi

Anyone around Newmarket or within reasonable drive who would be kind to let me try your saddle.
Just want yo a get a feel for it before committing for order from States.
I would greatly appreciate it..


Thank you

Alex

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