• 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

Making the Leap

U

UPHunter

New Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2020
Messages
2
I've had a saddle for a couple years and have been trying it out, I haven't hunted from it yet. But since we are working on selling our property, this is a perfect year to give it a go. So next weekend, I'll be up around Higgins Lake MI doing my best.

Planning to go slow and stay out of the trees until it's light enough to see what I'm doing. This is my first time on public land after 30 years only on private and first time hunting elevated. Oh, and first time bow hunting. So just jumping both feet in and we'll see how it goes.
 
That’s a lot of change all at once. Hope you like it! I still have yet to get a deer from a saddle. It’s a different experience but cool I think.
 
Practice practice practice, and then practice some more, your exact routine. Saddle setup, gear loadout, how you're going to climb, what you'll be wearing, etc.

My first sit was a foot off the ground. I had practiced in the yard, but not with everything I would have on in the woods. Snake guards on my legs, for instance, greatly limited my movement. In my excitement to climb for my first sit, I had forgotten to take them off and then put on my knee pads. Coupled with the fact that I ended up hiking in alot further than initially planned, and alot more uphill, and a bunch of weight that I didn't need in my pack, I was too exhausted to climb. Daylight set in, and I didn't want to move more than I needed to, so I just stayed at one foot lol.

A big learning experience for me, as well as my second climb. And the third, fourth, etc. I think I have a system down pat now, but I'm sure there is something I will end up changing before too many more sits.

BT
 
Well welcome and good luck. Be safe. Stay attached to the tree with a tether/lifeline/repel rope from the time you leave the ground AND until you return to the ground.

Practice at home on a tree in your yard at ground level, and then move up the tree when you feel ready.
 
Welcome fellow Michigan bunter. Safe hunting! I wish I had more time to go hunt the public up there. Enjoy the experience and don't freak your self out cause that's not how the guys on the forum or YouTube said to do it. Remember climbing the tree may not be the best option. Be safe and have fun!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top