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Climbing spurs

tgoodson1814

Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2020
Messages
61
I am new to saddle hunting and I have considered climbing spurs I think it will prevent me from packing sticks and just all around be easier but I am new so please give me pros and cons of the spurs I don’t think the sticks will be bad just think digging a spur into the tree and just climbing will be the easiest way to do it thanks for any help


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I have a pair I'm really enjoying them but honestly, I have yet to use them for hunting. I have done a little private tree work with them. I was/am able to use them on a couple of private properties I have permission to hunt. My suggestion is that you not only check the state regs but also with any private property owner. While I have my own personal opinions on how much tree spikes actually "damage" trees, the rules are the rules and some private property owners who manage their woodlots for timber would not be happy if you used them without permission.
 
I almost bought some and with a lineman’s belt it seems like it’d be the ticket. If it’s legal, go for it. Personally I don’t know if it’s legal or not here in GA, but I’d rather not be poking holes in a tree even if it was.I started with sticks, now just one stick. I have a 20 and a 36” stick set up for 1 sticking….I’m liking the longer one w/single step aider, over the shorter one with 2 step aider. I think it’s cause the standoffs are so far apart with the longer one and it doesn’t budge with a cam cleat attachment.
 
I love using them on a scout/ hunt trip where I can stay light but get up a tree and hunt when needed. I have used them where it wasn't allowed. I went back to that tree a year later and it didn't look pretty, I did feel bad. But I was 1.5 miles in on a ridge IMO not a big deal. If I was better at them I think the tree would look better, I am a rookie with them for sure.
 
I like my climbing spurs. I don't use them much as I am on public most of the time where they are not allowed but on private I'll use them here and there. I don't climb the same tree over and over with them so one climb up with the spurs and it doesn't do much. I know it penetrates deeper but even with my wild edge steps it marks up the tree. I can't see how one climb up a tree could be that harmful for it but I certainly am no tree expert either. I would recommend trying a few different climbing methods and giving each time and practice. I hated my WE steps when I first started but now they are my primary climbing method with an aider.
 
Been a lineman for many years so climbing for me is second nature But always wondered what I would do if I dropped a hook putting them back on Starting to play with climbing up and rappelling down Got to say it works pretty dang good Gonna try one sticking but haven’t got an aider put together yet
 
Been a lineman for many years so climbing for me is second nature But always wondered what I would do if I dropped a hook putting them back on Starting to play with climbing up and rappelling down Got to say it works pretty dang good Gonna try one sticking but haven’t got an aider put together yet
Yes rapping is just fun.
and if you drop a hook,no problem.
 
Personally, I think if it were legal everywhere, everyone would use them, there’s not an easier way to get up a tree!! I use them and love ‘em for run and gun. Granted most of my pre sets are bolts or sticks.


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I wish there were actual studies from unbiased sources about the effects of tree climbing spikes on tree health. Although they do puncture the cambium layer of the tree, and depending on the type of tree, bark, etc, Its hard for me to believe an up and down once with spikes in the tree is any worse than WE steps or an aggressive climbing tree stand.
 
...Its hard for me to believe an up and down once with spikes in the tree is any worse than WE steps or an aggressive climbing tree stand.

I think that's the main issue with why the spikes aren't allowed on most (all?) public land. Because it won't be one up and down. It will be several up and downs each season by multiple hunters. Heck, if it's a good tree in a good area, it might have one or more hunters going up and down it almost everyday during peak times of the season. That'd be a lot of holes being poked into those trees.
 
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