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First sit...TEST

Skunkworkx

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 24, 2022
Messages
388
Location
HdG, Harford County, MD
Since I was bored and the weather is nice, I'm out of the deer woods grabbing a bite. (sitting in woods out front of house) I figured I'd try my saddle. I only went up 2 sticks and don't have a platform or anything, so I just stood on top stick for about 1/2 hour...a little unnerving, but I liked it. 20' up may be different and I know a platform will make it better.

SO, how do you get over just hanging from a rope ? I guess time ?
 
I much prefer the saddle to a stand. I think the constant tension make me feel a bit more secure. I can be in the saddle and move with confidence. I freak out standing up on my lock on.
 
You'll get used to it. I ran my lineman belt through my carabiner for a secondary bridge for a while. I still always tie an alpine butterfly knot in the tag end of my tether and hook it back into my carabiner.
 
All I can say is relax and enjoy it. It’s much safer than sitting on a platform. If you start rappelling down you’ll see it’s the safest way to come down the tree too. Rappel down to a stick and take it off then go to the next, if your not one-sticking that is. .
 
Since I was bored and the weather is nice, I'm out of the deer woods grabbing a bite. (sitting in woods out front of house) I figured I'd try my saddle. I only went up 2 sticks and don't have a platform or anything, so I just stood on top stick for about 1/2 hour...a little unnerving, but I liked it. 20' up may be different and I know a platform will make it better.

SO, how do you get over just hanging from a rope ? I guess time ?

Most of us have felt it, I know I did! Hang at ground level and try to fall out of it! I mean lean way over further than you’d ever consider in the normal course . Turn side to side running your bridge through its carabiner as far as you can…..I’d do this just off the ground, not atop a stick:)
 
While your at it, connecting and disconnecting from the tree a few times is good practice……and will help build that confidence!
 
A simple thing like having your carabiner properly attached and knowing how to get it there every time is important. If I clip the top side away from me, the gate will always be facing me and the lock will screw downward when it’s in place. A small thing like this kind of gives you the idea that you do know what you are doing and that you are safe. I still run a redundant bridge that I rappel from. Yet, I have no fear of opening a carabiner and attaching my back strap, while hanging from it…..not a recommendation :cool:
 
All I can say is relax and enjoy it. It’s much safer than sitting on a platform. If you start rappelling down you’ll see it’s the safest way to come down the tree too. Rappel down to a stick and take it off then go to the next, if your not one-sticking that is. .
Maybe next year...too much at once already. lol
 
The main reason why I started saddle hunting is that as I was getting older, ( I'll be 61 this year,) I noticed I was developing a fear of heights-heck, I'd watch a movie with a "high rise" scene like the 1st "new" james bond movie where he's chasing a guy across a construction crane, and my palms would start to sweat!!:expressionless: That irritated me, as earlier in my career (I'm now retired) I had to work in high locations alot, & it didn't bother me, so I decided to do something about that. I'll be honest-the first time I went up in a saddle, I DID NOT feel safer than I did in my climbing treestand, even though I KNEW that I was!

So, how did I "make peace" with it? The answer for me "was simple, but not easy-" PRACTICE!

I'm lucky enough to live on 1 little wooded acre, with PLENTY of different sized trees to climb-What do I want today- a straight one with no limbs down low-got a bunch...how about a huge black oak twin that tests the length of the ropes on my sticks or steps, and forces me to decide which "twin" I'll go up on-got one...what about a skinny leaner... got a few, as well as trees with branches sticking out all over the place! It's raining? Time to see how I do this in the rain. (My wife thinks I'm crazy on those days!)

The more you practice with your gear, the more confident you will become! If it sits in a tub all year long, then you'll be nervous when you use it-it's that simple.

I also get plenty of exercise doing this, so it's a "double benefit." I see my Dr every 6 mos because I have high blood pressure, & when I saw her after about a year of playing with saddles, she asked me what I do for exercise, & I told her that I climb trees! She gave me a perplexed look until I explained, then she said, "keep doing that!"

I also enjoy the challenge of proper equipment use-carabiners, knots, sticks, steps, you name it. I feel that it helps me keep my aging mind sharp. In fact, I feel comfortable enough with my original gear (took about 3 yrs) that this year I've decided to try an aider on the way up, to reduce the number of steps I take in, and a rappel line to come down.

Another benefit for me is I have become my own "tree arborer." I can climb trees and take care of small problems that may otherwise turn into big ones!

Plus, I also always set up some of my 3D targets around the tree I climb-then I get to practice pulling up my bow, hanging it, & shooting it-no sense going thru all of that effort to climb & not get to shoot!

Bottom line- confidence comes with good, regular practice! Hope this helps!
 
Go out in the yard with your hunting gear and a book. Set up 2 feet off the ground and spend a few hours reading and relaxing. Spending a bunch of time in a fairly fool proof setting will help you build comfort and confidence.
 
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