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Climbing stick as Platform

K

Kon

New Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2019
Messages
4
Location
Wisconsin
I've heard some guys saying they've used this method before they get their platforms, just wondering who has done it and is it viable, compared to the strap on ring of steps? While I'm waiting on my platform, not sure if i wanna go ahead and buy the steps or just stand on my stick while waiting. Will I still be able to get enough room to take a shot behind a tree? Is it comfortable enough for a 4hr sit?
 
New guy here, getting adjusted to trying different things, here's my 2 cents.

I don't have a platform, and probably wont this year either. Tonight I used the tops of my Helium stick and it was good grip, but a bit uncomfortable because of the way the foot rest flairs up at the end. It was a bit narrow, but it worked. Not much room to spin around but do-able. Since its legal here to use screw in steps, I might go ahead and bring 4 with next time to go around the tree, see how I like that
 
I had 2 hunts recently that I used the top of the Helium sticks before I got my Predator. I sat for about 3 hours both times. It was doable, but not the most comfortable for my feet. I found that I adjusted myself a lot in the tree to stay comfortable. An issue that I ran into was if I had a shot on the opposite side of the tree (11-1 o'clock) it would be very difficult, but any shot from 6-11 would be easy. I also modified one of my climbing sticks. I did the rope mod for my sticks, but the top stick, I used the original strap and drilled a hole in the stick closer to the bottom and put the metal piece on. Then used that strap to wrap around the tree so there would be no chance of the stick slipping out with side pressure.
 
I do it but I am in a JX3 Hybrid so I don't put much pressure on the stick. If you are going to use the stop of the stick look into the Stacked Outdoors sticks. They have wide steps and they grip the tree very well. To date they are my favorite sticks. They stack like a dream and if you hit them together they sound like rattling antlers.
 
I've been standing on my sticks while I wait for my platform (shipped this week!).
It works ok.
However, I am hoping the platform greatly improves comfort.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys, I guess ill be standing on my sticks while i wait. Hopefully the kneepads will add to some comfort.
 
I’ve done it plenty, not preferred but doable add 2 cranford rope steps it makes a world of difference...
 
I too am new to saddle hunting and this site. This year I've been using the top of my Hawk Heliums with a ameristep on either side. I went this route because it was the cheapest intro to saddle hunting and becuase I can throw the steps in a pouch on my saddle and is quite minimalistic. That said I can see myself upgrading to a platform sometime. I don't find it too uncomfortable when wearing thick soul boots but I've not hung for more than 4 hours. I did set up in a crooked tree my first night officially hunting from a saddle and wished then that I'd had a level platform.
 
I have a podium platform by Out-on-a limb and I like it, I put it about 2-3 inches higher than my last stick and 1/4 way around the tree then you can use the stick to help get around the tree if need be. Instead of knee pads a bought a seat cushion for walmart, cut a slit in each side a run a bungee thru the slits and hook behind the tree, really like it. Also I put the cushion between the platform and my back(in the backpack) so u don't feel the platform at all.
 
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