Peterk1234
Well-Known Member
Here in Massachusetts our bow season has two start dates. Basically, the eastern part of the State starts two weeks early. I do not hunt this part of the State, but I was itching, so I found spot and tested the system out.
So what would I change after my fist six hour sit? Absolutely nothing. I am using a sitdrag and rock harness. Having actual hunting pants on made a huge difference compared to my practice and scouting runs. That little extra cushion really made it comfortable. I can only imagine what it will be like with layers. Eventually, I am sure I will get a saddle because it will eliminate a bit of bulk and probably add to the comfort, but man this thing is awesome. Six hours ..... no problem. I could easily do an all day sit in it.
I have a backband. Highly recommended. Just lean back and enjoy the scenery. I think it is a must have.
My climbing system, I am sure most of you know, are the WE Steps with the knaider/swaider. It was the first time going up this tree. About 16 inches in diameter with a slight lean. I was up in a matter of minutes. It was a maple tree with some rock hard bark. It rained for the last hour, so I had to come down a wet tree. No problem at all.
My platform was the fourth step of the climbing setup, with two ameristeps on the rope. I added a second step as well, using my rope wrap trick to firm up the Ameristeps. Easy to set up the two steps. Ameristeps were solid. I actually spent quite a bit of time with one foot on the Ameristep. Never moved. Love this setup. Simple, quiet, gives me every position and it all packs into the WE bag.
Used a whoopie sling with little hooks for pack and to hang gear. Big hook for the bow. Worked great and easy to set up.
Originally I was going to use my mountain biking knee pads but then I read Eberhart's thread and he was big on the gel pad. Well for fifteen bucks I made the investment. Those things rock and added so much comfort. I could really take the load off my feet whenever I wanted.
So a couple of really nice things that I never thought about. First, it is super quiet. The whole thing. No metal hitting metal, or parts that hinge and squeak. Just silence. Amazing. All your stuff is at your fingertips. The pack, the bow, range finder, grunt tube, whatever. Why? Because you are facing the tree. No more twisting around, fumbling for something behind you. Heck, you don't even have to remove things from the hook to use them (other than the bow). Just small subtle movements to get to things. Oh what...... pack is hanging off to the side? No problem, just gently swing yourself over to it. Just wow.
It is easy to change foot positions or body positions so you can stay comfortable. No major, or abrupt movements required. You are practically floating up there. The movements are smooth and subtle. Even when going from sitting to standing position. It just takes a gentle push on the legs.
No deer today, but none was expected since this area was not scouted. Wanted to get out and work the bugs out before my zones open up. I am happy to say, no bugs to work out. Well, maybe one thing. I removed the knaider/swaider while hunting. I forgot to put them back on. Did not realize until all I was hooked to was the linemans belt. They were easy to put on because the WE is such a stable platform..... but gotta remember to put them on while I am still tethered. Pete
So what would I change after my fist six hour sit? Absolutely nothing. I am using a sitdrag and rock harness. Having actual hunting pants on made a huge difference compared to my practice and scouting runs. That little extra cushion really made it comfortable. I can only imagine what it will be like with layers. Eventually, I am sure I will get a saddle because it will eliminate a bit of bulk and probably add to the comfort, but man this thing is awesome. Six hours ..... no problem. I could easily do an all day sit in it.
I have a backband. Highly recommended. Just lean back and enjoy the scenery. I think it is a must have.
My climbing system, I am sure most of you know, are the WE Steps with the knaider/swaider. It was the first time going up this tree. About 16 inches in diameter with a slight lean. I was up in a matter of minutes. It was a maple tree with some rock hard bark. It rained for the last hour, so I had to come down a wet tree. No problem at all.
My platform was the fourth step of the climbing setup, with two ameristeps on the rope. I added a second step as well, using my rope wrap trick to firm up the Ameristeps. Easy to set up the two steps. Ameristeps were solid. I actually spent quite a bit of time with one foot on the Ameristep. Never moved. Love this setup. Simple, quiet, gives me every position and it all packs into the WE bag.
Used a whoopie sling with little hooks for pack and to hang gear. Big hook for the bow. Worked great and easy to set up.
Originally I was going to use my mountain biking knee pads but then I read Eberhart's thread and he was big on the gel pad. Well for fifteen bucks I made the investment. Those things rock and added so much comfort. I could really take the load off my feet whenever I wanted.
So a couple of really nice things that I never thought about. First, it is super quiet. The whole thing. No metal hitting metal, or parts that hinge and squeak. Just silence. Amazing. All your stuff is at your fingertips. The pack, the bow, range finder, grunt tube, whatever. Why? Because you are facing the tree. No more twisting around, fumbling for something behind you. Heck, you don't even have to remove things from the hook to use them (other than the bow). Just small subtle movements to get to things. Oh what...... pack is hanging off to the side? No problem, just gently swing yourself over to it. Just wow.
It is easy to change foot positions or body positions so you can stay comfortable. No major, or abrupt movements required. You are practically floating up there. The movements are smooth and subtle. Even when going from sitting to standing position. It just takes a gentle push on the legs.
No deer today, but none was expected since this area was not scouted. Wanted to get out and work the bugs out before my zones open up. I am happy to say, no bugs to work out. Well, maybe one thing. I removed the knaider/swaider while hunting. I forgot to put them back on. Did not realize until all I was hooked to was the linemans belt. They were easy to put on because the WE is such a stable platform..... but gotta remember to put them on while I am still tethered. Pete
