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Buckingham Tree Spurs

Hmmm i dnt have superpads but the bigger pad goes in front on shin. Yeah spurs cant be beat for saddle hunting. Nothing can come close. I dont take mine off cuz i use no platform. Just branches. I do have a spot with a lock on stand. If i hunt that i take spurs off so they dont clank on the stand.
 
Hey All,

This is an awesome thread. I'm thinking about getting into the saddle next season (I've only hunted from the ground till now). for climbing I was imagining going with pre-set bolts (like a treehopper system), and sticks for when I'm on public land, but now I'm thinking spurs might be the way to go. Being nimble, lightweight and mobile matter a lot to me.

One question for spur-climbing saddle users: What do you use for your platform when you use spurs to climb a tree that is not pre-set? Can you use the spurs to move around the tree, and to support yourself, or do you need some other system?

Thanks all!
 
Parsnip. I use at least one branch as my platform to take weight off my spurs and give legs a break. I look at all shot possabilities when i get in tree. Then i stick my spur in tree and wiggle back and forth makeing small holes that i can later silently place my spike in to change position for a shot if needed.
 
parsnip said:
Hey All,

This is an awesome thread. I'm thinking about getting into the saddle next season (I've only hunted from the ground till now). for climbing I was imagining going with pre-set bolts (like a treehopper system), and sticks for when I'm on public land, but now I'm thinking spurs might be the way to go. Being nimble, lightweight and mobile matter a lot to me.

One question for spur-climbing saddle users: What do you use for your platform when you use spurs to climb a tree that is not pre-set? Can you use the spurs to move around the tree, and to support yourself, or do you need some other system?

Thanks all!
Click to expand...

I tried using my step platform with them, but didn't like the noise the made against the spurs. The last 6 hunts I have just stood on the spurs and maybe a branch if ones available. Only down side is that its harder for me to go around the tree without having my ring of steps, but I'm getting better at it.
 
Hey NWFL,

I take my spurs off once I get set up. I know it seems unrealistic but it is actually simple. With one foot still on your step platform, hoist your opposite knee to your chest. Now back to the leg that is anchored to the platform, bend at the knee and kneel down against the tree. From this position you can comfortably remove your spur. Then do the other leg. I have an additional bow hanger ( small one ) already in place on the tree that I hang the Spurs from. I hang them from the split rings that the buckles are attached to. Practice a bit and get used to it. It's much better than wearing them during your hunt. Just my opinion and my personal method. At first I was afraid I would drop one of the Spurs and have to figure out how to climb down without it or jump. But perfect practice makes perfect. Give it a shot!!!!!
 
Alright. This makes sense. I'm worried about spearing myself, and being uncomfortable, but it seems like a pretty sweet way to be able to go out super light weight, and improvise without presetting anything... Gonna ponder it some more. thanks all.
 
Few things that I have changed with my setup in the last couple weeks. First, I have found no need for knee pads, the super pads on the spurs are large enough to protect you from the tree. Second, I have decided leaving the spurs on is the best option and ditched the ring of steps. The spurs don't really bother me any more than standing on the steps. Few things I'm still working on is being stable while rifle hunting and long shots. Second is the occasional squeaking the leather makes against either the buckles or the spurs while shifting weight. I'm not real sure which is causing the sound. We still have a month left in the season, so I'll get it figured out.

Overall, this is an awesome setup. I throw my saddle on, strap my spurs to my backpack and walk in. Still plan on using a static line once at top to repel back down over the summer. My hunting budget is shot for this season thanks to this site!
 
I wrapped the entire shank in cammo tape so no metal is showing. Also i wear my pants outside my rubber boots then put spurs on. Works for me.
 
rr79 said:
I wrapped the entire shank in cammo tape so no metal is showing. Also i wear my pants outside my rubber boots then put spurs on. Works for me.
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That's on my to do list and I will try putting my pants on the outside of my boots, although, they are neoprene so I don't know if they are actually making any noise. I think its where the spur slides into the leather padding causing the noise, or the strap that goes around your heal. Its one or the other or both.
 
Well I just made my first attempt at climbing with my saddle using spikes. I must say it wasnt as easy as I thought it would be. First off the top strap was too small, and I barely got it on. Walking up the tree using my old linemans belt wasnt the easiest to do. It nice flip line would probably help that. I am just hoping a little practice will bring things together.

Anyone mind making a short video of them climbing in their saddle? I think it would help seeing someone else do it.
 
Bumping this great thread back up to the top but also wanted to ask if any of the guys new to hunting with spurs could chime in about their experiences this season. How'd it go?
 
No better way to get it done. Trees take a beating from it so you have to decide if you wanna be that guy. Takes some practice but once you get it right, it is so simple , light and effective. I guess there was a time that it was intimidating but that's been some time ago. If I can offer one piece of advice , it would be;
Once you reach your hunting height and put your platform on, just be careful climbing up onto it and especially be careful climbing down from it. If you have a kick-out with a spur, you can go chest or leg first onto your platform. But this can always be avoided with a little attention. I think rr79 is a spur guy also. Am I missing anything rr?
 
Thanks huck. Are you a new spur guy or been doing it forever? Hoping to hear about the learning curve and how they liked it from some of the guys new to it...


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I would certainly use tree spurs if they were legal to use on public land here in FL...
 
huck72412 said:
Am I missing anything rr?
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Nahhh ya know just takes time and practice. Its like anything else. Once you have confidence you dont think about it. Ya just walk up tree. Fear and improper technique is holding you back. I have tought guys how to climb over the years. And everyone does the same thing. They are all crouched over and hugging tree. Its fear. Its normal. They are out of breath and sweating after 10 ft. Dont give up on it. Practice and soon you will just walk up tree without even thinking or breaking a sweat. Its most deff the easiest and fasted way to get up any tree.
 
The word harvesting is for vegetables. i kill things.
 

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For those that keep their Spurs on and use them as a platform, are you able to rest your knees on the tree easily or do you have to keep your legs straight the whole time?
 
clint6760 said:
For those that keep their Spurs on and use them as a platform, are you able to rest your knees on the tree easily or do you have to keep your legs straight the whole time?
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You cant stand on the spurs for hours. Your shins would die! You need at least one branch to stand on. Alternate legs for rest. You can put knees against tree but not in normal fashion. Kinda twisted legged. I was never into the knee thing. I kinda turn sideways and put outer thigh aginst tree sometimes.
 
I know earlier in this thread it was said to use tree spurs rather than pole spurs (tree spurs are longer to get through the bark). I read elsewhere that tree spurs are harder for beginners because you have to balance on them (so to speak). Any thoughts from the experts?

Thanks guys


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