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Golden Rules of Saddle Hunting

DB4x4

DB4x4

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2018
Messages
1,870
With hundreds of new saddle hunters hitting the woods this year, I thought it might be a good idea to start a reminder thread with quick, easy-to-understand safety tips. Similar to the Golden Rules of Firearm Safety... (Treat every gun as if it is loaded, etc)

Here's a couple off of the top of my head:

* Use only appropriately rated gear from trustworthy manufacturers (preferably rated in kN - carabiners, webbing, rope, etc)

* Always be connected to the tree with either your lineman rope or tether (or both) once you leave the ground.

* Use locking carabiners for all main/safety connections

* Make sure to lock the gates on carabiners prior to loading

* Orient carabiners with gate facing toward you so that you can visually verify that gates are locked

* Only climb live, healthy trees

* Have a backup plan (or 2, or 3) for self rescue if something goes awry


Any other good ones? Whatcha got?
 
Always have at least stopper knots on all tethers or lineman's lanyards or better yet attach the main rope back to your saddle so that if the hitch fails then you stay attached.

Slow down and take your time with the mess of ropes before you. Always consider your order of operations and the consequences of detaching a rope.

(here's a silver rule: in case things go sideways, keep these items on your person (not in pack): spare headlamp, small folding knife, cell phone/communication device)

edit: always tell someone where you are hunting and when to get worried (as far as time).

edit: silver rule: probably a good idea to tie a temporary stopper knot right below your maximum tether length once you are set up. that way you will only slide down a few inches if your hitch/ascender fails, I always did this as a stand hunter with my safety line...just used an overhand pulled tight
 
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DB4x4 said:
With hundreds of new saddle hunters hitting the woods this year, I thought it might be a good idea to start a reminder thread with quick, easy-to-understand safety tips. Similar to the Golden Rules of Firearm Safety... (Treat every gun as if it is loaded, etc)

Here's a couple off of the top of my head:

* Use only appropriately rated gear from trustworthy manufacturers (preferably rated in kN - carabiners, webbing, rope, etc)

* Always be connected to the tree with either your lineman rope or tether (or both) once you leave the ground.

* Use locking carabiners for all main/safety connections

* Make sure to lock the gates on carabiners prior to loading

* Orient carabiners with gate facing toward you so that you can visually verify that gates are locked

* Only climb live, healthy trees

* Have a backup plan (or 2, or 3) for self rescue if something goes awry


Any other good ones? Whatcha got?
Click to expand...

To echo everything you said....

PRACTICE with your gear 2-3 feet off the ground PRIOR to hunting with it.

Begin with a SHORT tethr until you are comfortable extending it.

And most importantly...TAKE. YOUR. TIME. while getting set up.

Good luck out there guys!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
DB4x4 said:
With hundreds of new saddle hunters hitting the woods this year, I thought it might be a good idea to start a reminder thread with quick, easy-to-understand safety tips. Similar to the Golden Rules of Firearm Safety... (Treat every gun as if it is loaded, etc)

Here's a couple off of the top of my head:

* Use only appropriately rated gear from trustworthy manufacturers (preferably rated in kN - carabiners, webbing, rope, etc)

* Always be connected to the tree with either your lineman rope or tether (or both) once you leave the ground.

* Use locking carabiners for all main/safety connections

* Make sure to lock the gates on carabiners prior to loading

* Orient carabiners with gate facing toward you so that you can visually verify that gates are locked

* Only climb live, healthy trees

* Have a backup plan (or 2, or 3) for self rescue if something goes awry


Any other good ones? Whatcha got?
Click to expand...

Regarding checking carabiners, I love Petzl screw lock 'biners. They have a red indicator so if you see read you are not locked, just like a gun safety. I have to think it is patented because it is such a good idea that everyone should do it (but it probably adds to costs). You can then do a quick visual check multiple times during setup and your hunt, for safety and peace of mind. You hardly ever see Petzl 'biners go on sale, so you are paying over 10 bucks a piece.
 
I'll add a couple:
-practice in the dark or with your eyes shut. Get a feel for your equipment and how it works. Should your light source fail you need a plan.
-don't cut corners or buy that cheap piece of equipment. Your life literally depends on your gear.
-plan your work and work your plan. Build a step by step process in your mind and work it every time.
-smooth is fast.
 
Pre-check gear PRIOR TO EACH USE during the season. Knots, links, webbing, ropes and hardware. If you stealth strip everything, check that it hasnt "slipped" or wadded up where it might cause a blockage (had a bit of a scare with stealth stripping a ropeman, got caught in the teeth after a rain and had a slip). Check lists are good,
 
raisins said:
Regarding checking carabiners, I love Petzl screw lock 'biners. They have a red indicator so if you see read you are not locked, just like a gun safety. I have to think it is patented because it is such a good idea that everyone should do it (but it probably adds to costs). You can then do a quick visual check multiple times during setup and your hunt, for safety and peace of mind. You hardly ever see Petzl 'biners go on sale, so you are paying over 10 bucks a piece.
Click to expand...
I like autolockers although many people don't. Most of the concerns seem to be that if you get used to them you will forget to lock the screw lock type. I guess that is why in the arborist industry only autolockers are allowed.
 
bj139 said:
I like autolockers although many people don't. Most of the concerns seem to be that if you get used to them you will forget to lock the screw lock type. I guess that is why in the arborist industry only autolockers are allowed.
Click to expand...

I haven't used autolockers. Watching videos, etc my concern is that if rubbed against tree, clothes, etc that they could come loose. A screw link has to be turned several times to come open and also if you give them an extra crank when tightening then they aren't moving.
 
Auto locking carabiners have to be twisted and pull down to unlock. They are harder to accidentally open than screw lock ones.
 
raisins said:
I haven't used autolockers. Watching videos, etc my concern is that if rubbed against tree, clothes, etc that they could come loose. A screw link has to be turned several times to come open and also if you give them an extra crank when tightening then they aren't moving.
Click to expand...
They will autolock so if they roll against a tree they will relock ,something manually locking carabiners will not. I usually use the double locking carabiners not triple locking. I use the manual lockers as well but I sometimes find them unlocked while I'm climbing. You see videos and pictures people have posted with them not locked all the time.
Screw links are good too, although heavier and cannot be opened as far to get things clipped.
 
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