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Is one sticking really worth

First year saddle hunting and I went straight to one sticking for the mountains of PA that I hunt. It definitely has a learning curve that takes a bit to get used to. I was really questioning my choice for about a month... then the "light bulb clicked on". I realized the parts of my method that I struggled with were my own fault. Basically, I was trying to do too much per move and with my lack of experience, I was fighting the system, gravity, etc.

I think guys who try it a few times, give up, and then say its too hard, etc., just simply aren't giving it enough of a chance. I'm one of those guys who, if I see someone doing something that I think is what I want to do, I'm bull headed and will work my butt off to get it right for myself.
I'm only 4 months into one stick climbing but I can promise you that I can get up in trees as quickly as multi stick guys, limbs and all if the multi stick guys are being honest and always being tied off as they move ropes around limbs.

That all being said, I'm hunting exclusively with one stick this year. IF for whatever reason I decide I would rather use multiple sticks there is one thing I will not be doing away with. Repelling with my madrock. No way in hell am I climbing down a bunch of sticks in the dark anymore. I'll repel down and grab them as I go.

Its not for everyone... but so far, I love it now that I have a system that I feel very safe climbing with.
 
muzzyman88 said:
First year saddle hunting and I went straight to one sticking for the mountains of PA that I hunt. It definitely has a learning curve that takes a bit to get used to. I was really questioning my choice for about a month... then the "light bulb clicked on". I realized the parts of my method that I struggled with were my own fault. Basically, I was trying to do too much per move and with my lack of experience, I was fighting the system, gravity, etc.

I think guys who try it a few times, give up, and then say its too hard, etc., just simply aren't giving it enough of a chance. I'm one of those guys who, if I see someone doing something that I think is what I want to do, I'm bull headed and will work my butt off to get it right for myself.
I'm only 4 months into one stick climbing but I can promise you that I can get up in trees as quickly as multi stick guys, limbs and all if the multi stick guys are being honest and always being tied off as they move ropes around limbs.

That all being said, I'm hunting exclusively with one stick this year. IF for whatever reason I decide I would rather use multiple sticks there is one thing I will not be doing away with. Repelling with my madrock. No way in hell am I climbing down a bunch of sticks in the dark anymore. I'll repel down and grab them as I go.

Its not for everyone... but so far, I love it now that I have a system that I feel very safe climbing with.
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can agree on the rappel regardless. The times i will still use multiple sticks, im still rappelling. Just makes more sense being attached at all times that way. Climbing down amsteel aiders cant get sketchy in the dark.
 
Dmathews87 said:
can agree on the rappel regardless. The times i will still use multiple sticks, im still rappelling. Just makes more sense being attached at all times that way. Climbing down amsteel aiders cant get sketchy in the dark.
Click to expand...

agreed, I use sticks and rappel with a figure 8, although my coworker has a madrock I tried it and loved it……it may be my off season purchase
 
ketch22 said:
I do need to try it with an auto block.
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I had some issues with the method Phatkaw showed...my own fault no doubt....but i also like the added safety of it. I climb with the prusik, dont use ropeman on my tether. When im ready to rappel, i just move the auto block to my lineman loop and attach my 8. If i stop pushing down on that prusik, i dont move,period.
 
I am currently using W.E. stops with my cinched srt method- 3 on the way up as stopping points and 3 at the top for a platform. I can easily navigate limbs and can rappell down at anytime during the climb. Soon as I finish dinner I am going up a knarly white oak loaded with branches and work out some final refinements. I hunt during daylight hours so I can see what I am doing but have presets to get out before daybreak if needed.
 
Well here is an update after getting around all the branches and settling in I noticed movement. Low and behold here comes a beautiful 6 pt and 2 does just milling around eating acorns. I sat comfortably for an hour and enjoyed the show even though our season doesn't open until October 1st. Great fun!
 
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