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A year without buying hunting gear?

bowhuntr09 said:
I went many years, probably 12-15 without buying anything new. Then I discovered saddle hunting...... :fearscream: :tearsofjoy:

ETA - Now there is hardly a saddle, climbing method, platform, or pack that you could mention that I either haven't owned or currently own. :blush:
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Yep!!
 
I got into saddle hunting last year. I got a couple of climbing systems and will stick with them. I ordered some unvented Broadheads the other day and new string and some arrows for my bow. That will be it for me for hunting related purchases.
 
Plebe said:
Besides, this is the year of all the new "game changers" lol.
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I think that's the problem, there will always be something newer, lighter, faster, etc. People get caught up in the annual cycle of purging and buying to try to gain an edge on deer. People kill deer sitting on a tree stump or a 5 gallon bucket. One might argue that the 5 gallon bucket is more mobile than a tree stand/saddle and they're <$5 at a hardware store. I'm guilty of it. I should be spending more time scouting public areas and trying to gain permission on private spots. Also traveling out of state if that's what it takes to get on deer. All the fancy gadgets won't make a difference if you're not in an area that holds deer.
 
When saddle hunting exploded a few years ago and big changes and discoveries were made to our hunting systems, I tried quit a few things. Lately the market has been just small tweaks or reinventing the wheel. Same stuff, just a little lighter and a lot more expensive. Hard to get excited about much when I’m already happy with my system. But I’m gonna try one sticking this summer. Still using my same 15 year old LoneWolf stick but with added scout on top. Just the thought of dropping my additional sticks to go up would make a significant enough change that makes me want to explore one sticking. And it’s not a weight issue or packability issue because I got that dialed in pretty good. It’s just less fiddle factor (like having sticks hanging off my side going up and packing them all up once I get down) that makes it look appealing to me. It may just be a equal swap of fiddle factor once I get into it. We will see.
 
swampsnyper said:
When saddle hunting exploded a few years ago and big changes and discoveries were made to our hunting systems, I tried quit a few things. Lately the market has been just small tweaks or reinventing the wheel. Same stuff, just a little lighter and a lot more expensive. Hard to get excited about much when I’m already happy with my system. But I’m gonna try one sticking this summer. Still using my same 15 year old LoneWolf stick but with added scout on top. Just the thought of dropping my additional sticks to go up would make a significant enough change that makes me want to explore one sticking. And it’s not a weight issue or packability issue because I got that dialed in pretty good. It’s just less fiddle factor (like having sticks hanging off my side going up and packing them all up once I get down) that makes it look appealing to me. It may just be a equal swap of fiddle factor once I get into it. We will see.
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It's easier than one thinks. I use my platform with a two step aider and it felt weird at first,but after some practice it is my go to climbing method for the mornings. For afternoon sits i will use DRT unless i am really close to bedding,no sticking is quieter.
Last year was my first in the saddle and i had never even used sticks before.
 
BuffaloBill said:
I think that's the problem, there will always be something newer, lighter, faster, etc. People get caught up in the annual cycle of purging and buying to try to gain an edge on deer. People kill deer sitting on a tree stump or a 5 gallon bucket. One might argue that the 5 gallon bucket is more mobile than a tree stand/saddle and they're <$5 at a hardware store. I'm guilty of it. I should be spending more time scouting public areas and trying to gain permission on private spots. Also traveling out of state if that's what it takes to get on deer. All the fancy gadgets won't make a difference if you're not in an area that holds deer.
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I cant imagine carrying a 5gal bucket all the way to some of the spots I hunt. (Someone left one on a finger ridge though and it helped me navigate some thick fog, thanks).

My post was of course tongue and cheek, but I know there are folks who turn over gear every year. I don't look down on that, but its not always necessary.

I have taken nice deer stump hunting. Before I was of legal hunting age, my father would take me and my brothers on some of his hunts and we would stand the whole time with our backs to trees in the freezing cold. I reflect on that and know my successes have roots in those hunts where we suffered and saw nothing, just as much as when we saw the rare buck and the singular chance we put eyes on a world class deer.

But, sometimes the fancy gadgets make all the difference as well.

For those who don't have the ability to make the time to scout better, hunt more, travel to better areas...if you have the means to do so, spending to tip the odds isn't something to necessarily frown upon. It can add to the anticipation and fun of those few hunts you carve out each season, and fiscally may be less painful than pushing limits at work and at home.

I've many years where I've no hunting expenses, and some where I splurge. Some of the gear I've purchased I've found revolutionary and some just felt luxurious and economics were in my favor at the time.

To each there own, I suppose. I'm glad to have succeeded from log loungers to tree loungers.

I sometimes think, wouldn't it be cool to get a deer using this new contraption...and when I do, it makes it feel like money well spent, when in reality I may have done just as well without....or maybe not.
 
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I didn't change a darn thing in my setup last year and still spent quite a bit of money . . . all on "essential" backup equipment. :tearsofjoy:
This year there are new arrows (both for the compound and long bow) and broadheads in my future. I'm also going to have to give consideration to the EDP platform.
 
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