- Joined
- Sep 28, 2014
- Messages
- 3,096
Speed matters but the differences between methods really don't matter in my opinion. Spurs, Stepps, SRT, sticks are all sub 10 minute methods to 25 feet at a stealth pace. We subcontiously analyze the risk when we climb a tree. It is one of the few times we relinquish our weapon while in the woods. We are all success driven so we feel vulnerable when our weapon is at the base of the tree. Speed is one way to mitigate that risk.
How big is that risk to begin with? Let's say 2% or 1 out of 50 hunts a target animal walks by while setting up during a 10 minute window. This is likely a very conservative number if you target mature bucks. Usually, a lesser buck will pass by but that is a different conversation. Regardless, climbing a 2x speed (i.e. 5 minutes) cuts that risk in half to 1%. But it's a small risk to begin with and the tangible benefit is relatively small.
This brings another option in risk mitigation. Can you comfortably execute a shot with your climbing method/setup system BEFORE reaching your platform? Can you remain motionless for a long period of time while hanging from only your linemans belt? This is where aider based system get really questionable as executing an ethical shot requires use of both hands on the weapon. Spur/Stepp/Step Comfort also come into play here. When I pick a tree usually 70% of my realistic shot opportunities are on my strong side. So unless understory cover is an issue, the risk is better mitigated by picking a climbing method that allows me shoot rather than climb fast.
Spurs still shine here. You can shoot fine from spurs. Especially a compound. Trad shooters may struggle and do better with a shorter lineman's belt and a stepp/stick.
Slower stepp and stick methods also shine. Even slower methods as long as your weapon is available and shot opportunties are sacraficed for long periods of time.
Methods where you can't shoot? Well you're vulnerable and it's a risk you have to be willing to take.
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How big is that risk to begin with? Let's say 2% or 1 out of 50 hunts a target animal walks by while setting up during a 10 minute window. This is likely a very conservative number if you target mature bucks. Usually, a lesser buck will pass by but that is a different conversation. Regardless, climbing a 2x speed (i.e. 5 minutes) cuts that risk in half to 1%. But it's a small risk to begin with and the tangible benefit is relatively small.
This brings another option in risk mitigation. Can you comfortably execute a shot with your climbing method/setup system BEFORE reaching your platform? Can you remain motionless for a long period of time while hanging from only your linemans belt? This is where aider based system get really questionable as executing an ethical shot requires use of both hands on the weapon. Spur/Stepp/Step Comfort also come into play here. When I pick a tree usually 70% of my realistic shot opportunities are on my strong side. So unless understory cover is an issue, the risk is better mitigated by picking a climbing method that allows me shoot rather than climb fast.
Spurs still shine here. You can shoot fine from spurs. Especially a compound. Trad shooters may struggle and do better with a shorter lineman's belt and a stepp/stick.
Slower stepp and stick methods also shine. Even slower methods as long as your weapon is available and shot opportunties are sacraficed for long periods of time.
Methods where you can't shoot? Well you're vulnerable and it's a risk you have to be willing to take.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
