Lokmdwn
New Member
Hi everybody. I live a little south of the DFW area. I have been a tree stand hunter for over 40 years, (climbers, lock-ons and ladder stands). These days, I mainly hunt TX and Illinois. I have been hearing about saddle hunting for several years. I am a hands on type of person and had not been able to actually try one out till last Dec. My nephew uses an Aero Merlin and I had a chance to crawl around an oak tree in the yard. I like it and now I have something else to spend my paycheck on before my wife does 
, I have been reading everything I could for the last month or so. Right now, I am leaning towards a JX3 Hybrid for all day hunts and maybe a Merlin for 1/2 day or shorter hunts. Haven't pulled any triggers yet though. Also thinking I want to rappel down after the hunt...there are way too many devices out there for rappelling...it gets confusing. My son happens to be a rock climbing fanatic, so I can take a few lessons from him on that aspect. I am thankful that so many of you are willing to share your experiences on forums like these (I have been lurking for a while now) so the new folks can learn without all of the pain. I am sure I will have questions and I am also sure I will call something by the wrong name or get parts mixed up, be gentle please. I can claim new guy status for a little while.
, I have been reading everything I could for the last month or so. Right now, I am leaning towards a JX3 Hybrid for all day hunts and maybe a Merlin for 1/2 day or shorter hunts. Haven't pulled any triggers yet though. Also thinking I want to rappel down after the hunt...there are way too many devices out there for rappelling...it gets confusing. My son happens to be a rock climbing fanatic, so I can take a few lessons from him on that aspect. I am thankful that so many of you are willing to share your experiences on forums like these (I have been lurking for a while now) so the new folks can learn without all of the pain. I am sure I will have questions and I am also sure I will call something by the wrong name or get parts mixed up, be gentle please. I can claim new guy status for a little while.
