Deer Contest/Safety Concern

[boyne bowhunter]

It was correctly brought to my attention that I posted a comment in a locked thread that didn't give any chance for an explanation post. For that I apologize and am unlocking the thread at least temporarily.

 

[Dcomer55]

Thanks @boyne bowhunter

I should provide some clarification before this conversation resumes.

I did not do the best job with my first post and I belive that potentially sent this conversation in an undesirable direction.

I'm my original post i stated that anyone who participates in the contest that doesn't 100% hunt out of the saddle and instead hunts out of a stand essentially has two options:

1. Lie and say they did
2. Potentially do something unsafe (use a tree saddle as a fall arrest harness.)

There was an assumed third option - don't enter it. However, there's is an old saying about what assuming does and it was proved to be true.

Many of you pointed this third option out and I agree with you. It is actually the one I exercised when I killed a nice buck out of my stand on 10/18. I did the right thing, which was not submitting it to the contest. I also did however share it with my team, all of which were very happy for me. They also, as any good hunter should do, gave me a hard time saying "are you sure you weren't in your saddle?". Obviously it was all in good fun and was received as such.

That got me to thinking that while the site is "SaddleHunter" it has really evolved passed that. So many of the conversations on this site - and honestly some of the most valuable info I have gained - isn't even about saddle hunting. (Case an point is how FL Canopy Stalker talked to me about safety and could well save my life because of it) It seems to me that its more of a general hunting site anymore. If I'm in the minority- or even if everyone agrees with me but would rather the contest rules remain intact - that's 100% good with me.

I agree it doesn't matter who wins or loses the contest and that the biggest benefit is the camaraderie 100% with all of you who have made that point. Where we disagree is that I feel you further enhance that by modifying the rules. I'm certain there are several people on this forum who rarely if ever hunt out of a saddle. In my opinion it is a net positive - regardless of this sites name- to allow them to participate and submit all kills. More participation = more camaraderie in my mind. If that isn't how most feel then thats still fine awesome and I'm still going to participate

Just remember you felt that way when you see me on your team next year and remember that there is an 80% chance I'm going to be deadweight to your team lol

 

[HaunSolo]

Thanks @boyne bowhunter

I should provide some clarification before this conversation resumes.

I did not do the best job with my first post and I belive that potentially sent this conversation in an undesirable direction.

I'm my original post i stated that anyone who participates in the contest that doesn't 100% hunt out of the saddle and instead hunts out of a stand essentially has two options:

1. Lie and say they did
2. Potentially do something unsafe (use a tree saddle as a fall arrest harness.)

There was an assumed third option - don't enter it. However, there's is an old saying about what assuming does and it was proved to be true.

Many of you pointed this third option out and I agree with you. It is actually the one I exercised when I killed a nice buck out of my stand on 10/18. I did the right thing, which was not submitting it to the contest. I also did however share it with my team, all of which were very happy for me. They also, as any good hunter should do, gave me a hard time saying "are you sure you weren't in your saddle?". Obviously it was all in good fun and was received as such.

That got me to thinking that while the site is "SaddleHunter" it has really evolved passed that. So many of the conversations on this site - and honestly some of the most valuable info I have gained - isn't even about saddle hunting. (Case an point is how FL Canopy Stalker talked to me about safety and could well save my life because of it) It seems to me that its more of a general hunting site anymore. If I'm in the minority- or even if everyone agrees with me but would rather the contest rules remain intact - that's 100% good with me.

I agree it doesn't matter who wins or loses the contest and that the biggest benefit is the camaraderie 100% with all of you who have made that point. Where we disagree is that I feel you further enhance that by modifying the rules. I'm certain there are several people on this forum who rarely if ever hunt out of a saddle. In my opinion it is a net positive - regardless of this sites name- to allow them to participate and submit all kills. More participation = more camaraderie in my mind. If that isn't how most feel then thats still fine awesome and I'm still going to participate

Just remember you felt that way when you see me on your team next year and remember that there is an 80% chance I'm going to be deadweight to your team lol

Why not set up your configuration to use your saddle as a fall prevention device instead of a fall arrest system?

 

[Bowmanmike]

I shot a doe from the ground and the thought of entering it in the contest has not occurred to me. Contest is for fun and I hope to contribute with two deer from the saddle,but if it doesn't happen I will be ok too.

 

[Dcomer55]

Why not set up your configuration to use your saddle as a fall prevention device instead of a fall arrest system?

My understanding from those who have more knowledge on the issue state that the two main risks with using a saddle as a treestand safety harness are that:

1. In the event of a fall I would likely insure a violent twist

2. The issues with the fall factor on a static system

To say more than that it would be for me to speak im ignorance. I'd welcome someone more well versed to chime in

Also, am I even saddle hunting if I do that? Still seems like I'm just using a treestand and circumventing the rule by wearing a saddle.

 

[Dcomer55]

I shot a doe from the ground and the thought of entering it in the contest has not occurred to me. Contest is for fun and I hope to contribute with two deer from the saddle,but if it doesn't happen I will be ok too.

As I have tried to state i agree the contest is for fun

Where i disagree, and the root of my question, is if it is just for fun where is the harm in allowing non-saddle kills to be entered?

 

[HaunSolo]

My understanding from those who have more knowledge on the issue state that the two main risks with using a saddle as a treestand safety harness are that:

1. In the event of a fall I would likely insure a violent twist

2. The issues with the fall factor on a static system

To say more than that it would be for me to speak im ignorance. I'd welcome someone more well versed to chime in

Also, am I even saddle hunting if I do that? Still seems like I'm just using a treestand and circumventing the rule by wearing a saddle.

The whole idea of a fall prevention system is to prevent falls in the first place. We use these in industry sometimes as an alternative to fall arrest systems.

A fall arrest system catches should you fall. A fall prevention system ensures you don't fall in the first place. When properly used a saddle and tether can act as a fall prevention system.

 

[Dcomer55]

The whole idea of a fall prevention system is to prevent falls in the first place. We use these in industry sometimes as an alternative to fall arrest systems.

A fall arrest system catches should you fall. A fall prevention system ensures you don't fall in the first place. When properly used a saddle and tether can act as a fall prevention system.

How would this be accomplished with a saddle when using a treestand in a traditional fashion? Genuine question.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

Thanks @boyne bowhunter

I should provide some clarification before this conversation resumes.

I did not do the best job with my first post and I belive that potentially sent this conversation in an undesirable direction.

I'm my original post i stated that anyone who participates in the contest that doesn't 100% hunt out of the saddle and instead hunts out of a stand essentially has two options:

1. Lie and say they did
2. Potentially do something unsafe (use a tree saddle as a fall arrest harness.)

There was an assumed third option - don't enter it. However, there's is an old saying about what assuming does and it was proved to be true.

Many of you pointed this third option out and I agree with you. It is actually the one I exercised when I killed a nice buck out of my stand on 10/18. I did the right thing, which was not submitting it to the contest. I also did however share it with my team, all of which were very happy for me. They also, as any good hunter should do, gave me a hard time saying "are you sure you weren't in your saddle?". Obviously it was all in good fun and was received as such.

That got me to thinking that while the site is "SaddleHunter" it has really evolved passed that. So many of the conversations on this site - and honestly some of the most valuable info I have gained - isn't even about saddle hunting. (Case an point is how FL Canopy Stalker talked to me about safety and could well save my life because of it) It seems to me that its more of a general hunting site anymore. If I'm in the minority- or even if everyone agrees with me but would rather the contest rules remain intact - that's 100% good with me.

I agree it doesn't matter who wins or loses the contest and that the biggest benefit is the camaraderie 100% with all of you who have made that point. Where we disagree is that I feel you further enhance that by modifying the rules. I'm certain there are several people on this forum who rarely if ever hunt out of a saddle. In my opinion it is a net positive - regardless of this sites name- to allow them to participate and submit all kills. More participation = more camaraderie in my mind. If that isn't how most feel then thats still fine awesome and I'm still going to participate

Just remember you felt that way when you see me on your team next year and remember that there is an 80% chance I'm going to be deadweight to your team lol

Speaking for myself @Dcomer55 you can be dead weight on my team anytime!
In reality I'm picky enough about what I'll shoot I'm just as likely be equal deadweight even though I hunt 95% from a saddle. No worries from me.

 

[Dcomer55]

Speaking for myself @Dcomer55 you can be dead weight on my team anytime!
In reality I'm picky enough about what I'll shoot I'm just as likely be equal deadweight even though I hunt 95% from a saddle. No worries from me.

Well next year in stead of team last chance we'll have team deadweight. You and I can be the captains

They'll never see us coming

 

[Swingin' Free]

My understanding from those who have more knowledge on the issue state that the two main risks with using a saddle as a treestand safety harness are that:

1. In the event of a fall I would likely insure a violent twist

2. The issues with the fall factor on a static system

To say more than that it would be for me to speak im ignorance. I'd welcome someone more well versed to chime in

Also, am I even saddle hunting if I do that? Still seems like I'm just using a treestand and circumventing the rule by wearing a saddle.

I consider it "saddle hunting" when I find a ladder stand and muddy up the seat using it as a platform. It's kinda nice having the lower platform to store my pack too.

 

[Horn]

One issue that could come up with expanding the contest is... fairness or equality... I'm bad at words so please don't take offense.

Is sitting in a heated shoot house equivalent to saddle hunting? I'm not for or against any legal hunting but not all things are equal in that situation, so it wouldn't make for a very good competition.

 

[skell]

I've been the team boat anchor the past two years and I hunt 100% saddle! (sorry to break that to you team 2)

I see what you're saying about opening the contest beyond saddles but you have to remember there is a hidden component of encouraging people to spend more time in the saddle. The site was started to share the joy of a different approach to being elevated while hunting. Part of helping others see if they find the same joy is encouraging them to give it a real shot. The contest is a way to encourage that and have fun along the way.

 

[HaunSolo]

How would this be accomplished with a saddle when using a treestand in a traditional fashion? Genuine question.

What kind of treestand? A hang on treestand or a ladder stand?

 

[Dcomer55]

What kind of treestand? A hang on treestand or a ladder stand?

Hang on used as a hang on. Meaning not as a hybrid stand/saddle set. If we need to take this to PMs we can. Whatever is easiest

 

[Dcomer55]

I've been the team boat anchor the past two years and I hunt 100% saddle! (sorry to break that to you team 2)

I see what you're saying about opening the contest beyond saddles but you have to remember there is a hidden component of encouraging people to spend more time in the saddle. The site was started to share the joy of a different approach to being elevated while hunting. Part of helping others see if they find the same joy is encouraging them to give it a real shot. The contest is a way to encourage that and have fun along the way.

I understand all of that and the original intent.

However, it is my perception that the site has grown beyond its name sake. It seems to me that it us now more of a general whitetail hunting site. So my thinking was if the site has evolved maybe the competition has too. It seems as of late there are more threads about ground hunting than any other style.

And as several have said it is all just for fun. So I don't see the harm in it personally. But so far I'm in the minority in that

 

[Dcomer55]

One issue that could come up with expanding the contest is... fairness or equality... I'm bad at words so please don't take offense.

Is sitting in a heated shoot house equivalent to saddle hunting? I'm not for or against any legal hunting but not all things are equal in that situation, so it wouldn't make for a very good competition.

As many have responded to me, its all just for fun. So if it's just for fun/community, does the how actually matter is my question? Would it not be better to cast the widest possible net if the main goal is to encourage camaraderie amongst site members?

I hear what you are saying though. I know a lot of guys that hunt out of redneck blinds over food plots that are 24/7 monitored by cell cams. Seems like a different game. But id also ask how many of those people are even members here. Seems like most everyone mobile hunts in some form or fashion

 

[TreeCreep]

I agree w the sentiment.
I missed a giant from the saddle last year while in the contest and more often mix in ground sets and a “ hybrid “ platform when it makes sense
Open the contest to all SH members .
If it doesn’t matter anyway just encourage members to get out in the woods…
I usually have a saddle in my pack but I feel like I’m dragging the team down if I take a deer w/o saddle.
*2cents from an idiot- I’d be taking a “participation award” so far this year.

 

[Dcomer55]

I agree w the sentiment.
I missed a giant from the saddle last year while in the contest and more often mix in ground sets and a “ hybrid “ platform when it makes sense
Open the contest to all SH members .
If it doesn’t matter anyway just encourage members to get out in the woods…
I usually have a saddle in my pack but I feel like I’m dragging the team down if I take a deer w/o saddle.
*2cents from an idiot- I’d be taking a “participation award” so far this year.

 

[HaunSolo]

As many have responded to me, its all just for fun. So if it's just for fun/community, does the how actually matter is my question? Would it not be better to cast the widest possible net if the main goal is to encourage camaraderie amongst site members?

I hear what you are saying though. I know a lot of guys that hunt out of redneck blinds over food plots that are 24/7 monitored by cell cams. Seems like a different game. But id also ask how many of those people are even members here. Seems like most everyone mobile hunts in some form or fashion

"to encourage camaraderie amongst site members" - Yes, members of a website dedicated to saddle hunting.

Would you ask to enter your Ford Mustang into a Corvette only show? No, you would enter your Ford Mustang into car show that allows Ford Mustangs and you wouldn't be surprised when the Corvette car show told you no.