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New to the game and broke!

T

toddmc

New Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2020
Messages
5
Hey everyone, I am in my third, unsuccessful, year of hunting. Dragging a climber through mountain laurel is not to silent lol. I just bought a saddle and climbing sticks but can't afford a platform this year. Any suggestions on what works that's cheap would be appreciated
 
Unless you’re hunting all day, your cheapest option is probably to use the top of your climbing sticks, or grade 8 bolts spaced evenly around the tree as a ring of steps (assuming that’s legal where you hunt).
 
toddmc said:
Hey everyone, I am in my third, unsuccessful, year of hunting. Dragging a climber through mountain laurel is not to silent lol. I just bought a saddle and climbing sticks but can't afford a platform this year. Any suggestions on what works that's cheap would be appreciated
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Where you at?
 
Welcome and i feel your pain. I bought my whole setup this spring and it is not cheap. But i could be the last equipment you buy,no more tree stands. But more than likely you will start to tweak this,then that and oh how about trying that?
Seriously though,it was a great decision to take the plunge. Any mobile hunter needs a saddle. I dont regret a thing.
 
Welcome from coastal NC!!! Your best bet would probably be bolts or screw in steps for a Ring of steps(ROS) but check out the diy section there are some good ideas about cheap platforms on your sticks!!! Good luck and stay safe and if you need more info just pm me I make just about everything I use!
 
toddmc said:
Hey everyone, I am in my third, unsuccessful, year of hunting. Dragging a climber through mountain laurel is not to silent lol. I just bought a saddle and climbing sticks but can't afford a platform this year. Any suggestions on what works that's cheap would be appreciated
Click to expand...
You can also use 3” pvc 45 degree st elbows With a ratchet strap wrapped in vet tape or roughed up with a coarse file inside and outside to eliminate squeaking. Super cheap and they lock together for transport.
 
Be sure to rough them up real good before using them or they will squeak. After you rough them up you can paint them
 
Still Kicking said:
If you have any hang on stands they will work, just heavy and a little more awkward.
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I agree, or you can be like me and use the Hawk Tree Seat. Cheaper option if you dont want to make your own would be a Primal Step you can get from Amazon for $7. Its more support than your average sticks.
 
Convenient, strong tree limb. Though that might be a little hard to do sticking. Easier with drt/srt
 
Welcome from SE PA. Here is what I use. I haven't found anything better.

Primal Platform DIY 2 lbs 7 oz

I stood on a Primal step for 6 hours on Saturday. Not much fun with all the bulges. I had the wooden platform I made but the step pulled away from the tree because of the leverage of a large platform. This morning, I put a lightweight aluminum piece on a Primal step similar to what I did with...
saddlehunter.com
 
Welcome & good luck this season!
I'm also looking to successfully harvest my first deer this year.
 
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