Yes, that’s called the alternate lanyard method, easiest is to climb the branches, if too big a gap than climb with the help of rope, either Moving Rope, or SRT.
For tree work I now use Yale’s 11mm Kernmaster for a climb line, because of its smooth cover for easy hitch operation, and Bluewater 9mm Canyon Line for a lanyard, used 10mm HTP before the Kern. For recreational climbing I used 9mm HTP for climb line but recently switched to the Swift Pro Protect, which doesn’t harden up like the HTP. Also use dynamic ropes, theres stretch but they’re not bungee cords, also twin 6mm to change it up. I really like the Elite for staying flexible unlike most statics. No Platinum for me, it’s not sliceable!
I don’t hunt so no platform, I have been thinking about using one or two of the aluminum steps for use when needing something to stand on to make a cut in tree work, can use a loop but not very stable.
That’s kinda cool that you’re on here talking climbing and such without being a hunter. I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts.
I’ve also been eyeing that edelrid 8.9 swift pro rope. When you say recreational use, what are you referring to? Things like rappelling and srt? Any experiences on how that dynamic rope performs compared to static for those applications?