• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

ICEY trees

kidneystones_3000

kidneystones_3000

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2019
Messages
293
ice tree bark.jpgice tree bark.jpg
I will give you a brief background of my situation I am new to saddle hunting and I have not bought a tree saddle yet. I do plan on buying a tree saddle within the next 2 weeks I haven’t made up my mind between Kestrel or Mantis. I have watched 30 videos on YouTube on a variety of topics about tree saddles hunting. I do plan on spending between 6 to 8 hours in by tree saddle this spring. It is important to note I live in Wisconsin and hunt 100% public land.

This is my question what do you do when the trees have ice on them. This does not happen that often but I would like to get some opinions on what would you do. I currently use a Quick and Quiet Tree stand (in my opinion best climbing tree stand on the market) which is climbing tree stand I never used climbing sticks. In the past when I hunted in those types of situations, if felt kind of dangerous and I slid down the tree a little bit when climbing down. To me it would appear to be more dangerous using a tree saddle because you using ropes.

P.S Please give any of your thoughts on the Kestrel or Mantis if you have friends or no somebody who has experience lt me know please try to collect the most information as possible thanks. I am looking for unbiased opinions so if sponsor one of those companies save your advice
 
I did quite a bit of research (mainly on saddlehunter) before I bought a saddle. I hunt in MN. After all the research and videos I combed through, the general consensus is that you cant go wrong with the kestrel or mantis. I went with the mantis mainly because they are a MN company and I was able to pick it up from them directly. The mantis also seems to pack a little smaller. Another selling point is that tethrd is a one-stop shop for everything you would need as a saddle hunter.

As for icy trees....I've never ran into that issue so I cant speak much on it but I dont think you would have an issue.
 
I take my time with my wild edge steps and attach both a lineman belt and tether at the same time to double the safety. I use just the knaider method. I sliped once on a wet tree and that was enough of a lesson for me.
15474bbf5239682c3621b9b7419f28f5.jpg


Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
 
I have never seen a tree completely covered in ice, that being said if I did, I wouldn't climb it, with any method. As far as the safety of a saddle I don't think there is a safer method. As @kyler1945 would say "Use your noggin!"
 
I have hunted from icy trees. Not ideal but you hunt when you can. Screw in a bow hook under your tether to prevent slippage and you’ll be fine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top