No Stick method

[Ontariofarmer]

Agreed. I would opt for at least 32” sticks for gator whoppers. This was in early Dec.

Better move to Ontario. Cool weather, no pigs, no vipers, no crocks except the kind @DaveT1963 hates

I guess I should say no gators and we don’t wear them here either

Your method of climbing is interesting. You are certainly a pioneer in one stick climbing
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[wastinshells]

Agreed. I would opt for at least 32” sticks for gator whoppers. This was in early Dec.

I woulda "noped" out there hard.

 

[Cbigbear]

Better move to Ontario. Cool weather, no pigs, no vipers, no crocks except the kind @DaveT1963 hates


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There’s been recent household talks of a location change, but Ontario maybe a tid too far N. I’d be happy just to be far enough N to actually have a skeeter season vs it being year around!!!!

 

[MFD205]

There’s been recent household talks of a location change, but Ontario maybe a tid too far N. I’d be happy just to be far enough N to actually have a skeeter season vs it being year around!!!!

Not too far north. Haydel's, Mandina's, Parkway Bakery, Galatoire's, Deanie's, and Mother's are only an hour away and that's too far for me. To each his own though.

 

[Cbigbear]

I’ll gladly give up the food for better weather & hunting. Heck I’m too fat anyway!!!!

 

[BTaylor]

There’s been recent household talks of a location change, but Ontario maybe a tid too far N. I’d be happy just to be far enough N to actually have a skeeter season vs it being year around!!!!

That line seems to be here around Little Rock. We may have an occasional skeeter in Nov - Feb but generally not and if they do show up it is usually short lived.

 

[bj139]

Been playing around with this for a few days. For me it’s working as well as single sticking. Haven’t tried any other platforms, but my DIY assault has had minimal kick outs & those were on irregular tree shapes.

Very nicely done.

 

[DaveT1963]

Better move to Ontario. Cool weather, no pigs, no vipers, no crocks except the kind @DaveT1963 hates

I guess I should say no gators and we don’t wear them here either

Your method of climbing is interesting. You are certainly a pioneer in one stick climbing
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lol. BTW a recent study confirms testosterone levels is falling in men unrelated to age.

Declining testosterone levels in men not part of normal aging

A new study finds that a drop in testosterone levels over time is more likely to result from a man’s behavioral and health changes than by aging.

www.sciencedaily.com

A later study reveals this is more thank likely due to the wearing of crocs and the return of the mullet haircut.

 

[woodsdog2]

I like this a lot this looks awesome. My only observation (which should apply to one sticking too) is to have your platform tethered to your saddle or RCH in case you inadvertantly drop the platform. It shouldn't because of the strap continuously around the tree at all times but just a back up kind of like the attachment of the top part of climber to the bottom. Just a small length of paracord linked to a loop on your saddle.

 

[Jtaylor]

I like this a lot this looks awesome. My only observation (which should apply to one sticking too) is to have your platform tethered to your saddle or RCH in case you inadvertantly drop the platform. It shouldn't because of the strap continuously around the tree at all times but just a back up kind of like the attachment of the top part of climber to the bottom. Just a small length of paracord linked to a loop on your saddle.

Or a back up screw in or strap on step for the guys that rappelle.

 

[DanO]

Nice work @Cbigbear. You're welcome to move up here to the mitten state!

I like this a lot this looks awesome. My only observation (which should apply to one sticking too) is to have your platform tethered to your saddle or RCH in case you inadvertantly drop the platform. It shouldn't because of the strap continuously around the tree at all times but just a back up kind of like the attachment of the top part of climber to the bottom. Just a small length of paracord linked to a loop on your saddle.

My plan whether 1-sticking or no-sticking is to use my rappel rope as my tether like @ckossuth demonstrated at SaddlePalooza. If I happen to drop my platform or stick, I can easily rappel down to retrieve it or use my pull up rope and grapple/hook to retrieve it. I find adding additional ropes and paracord to keep things attached ends up getting in my way.

 

[3D pinwheeler]

Nice work @Cbigbear. You're welcome to move up here to the mitten state!


My plan whether 1-sticking or no-sticking is to use my rappel rope as my tether like @ckossuth demonstrated at SaddlePalooza. If I happen to drop my platform or stick, I can easily rappel down to retrieve it or use my pull up rope and grapple/hook to retrieve it. I find adding additional ropes and paracord to keep things attached ends up getting in my way.

Was there any video taken of these at the palooza????

 

[DanO]

Was there any video taken of these at the palooza????

@flinginairos - did you video it? There may be others that had cameras going.

 

[Jtaylor]

Nice work @Cbigbear. You're welcome to move up here to the mitten state!


My plan whether 1-sticking or no-sticking is to use my rappel rope as my tether like @ckossuth demonstrated at SaddlePalooza. If I happen to drop my platform or stick, I can easily rappel down to retrieve it or use my pull up rope and grapple/hook to retrieve it. I find adding additional ropes and paracord to keep things attached ends up getting in my way.

I might be missing something here but for the guys that don't use a mechanical decender how do you take the weight off the tether/rappelle rope without some sort of step back up?

 

[DanO]

I might be missing something here but for the guys that don't use a mechanical decender how do you take the weight off the tether/rappelle rope without some sort of step back up?

You would need something like a screw in or strap on step if you don't use a mechanical ascender I think. I will be ascending with my rappel rope and a MadRock Safeguard. If I setup my "tether" too high and can't reach my stick, I can grab my lever and slide back down into position. If I need to make an emergency exit - I'm all setup to rappel straight down. No change-over needed at hunting height either.

 

[Cbigbear]

I like this a lot this looks awesome. My only observation (which should apply to one sticking too) is to have your platform tethered to your saddle or RCH in case you inadvertantly drop the platform. It shouldn't because of the strap continuously around the tree at all times but just a back up kind of like the attachment of the top part of climber to the bottom. Just a small length of paracord linked to a loop on your saddle.

I have a few options for drop platform/stick & been rolling with these for the past 8 yrs. Number one is the grapple hook & retractable bow rope that lives in my dump pouch. I have picked up numerous items with this method - gloves, jacket, headlamp, tether, arrow so it’s pretty tried and true. Next is my linemen’s belt it can be girth hitched around the tree & still have enough rope to tie a foot loop. I have tested this method in my yard several times works good enough to get down. Thirdly, I have my tether in the dump pouch & can be used same as the linemen’s belt above. Finally I keep a knife for a controlled fall!!!!

 

[woodsdog2]

You would need something like a screw in or strap on step if you don't use a mechanical ascender I think. I will be ascending with my rappel rope and a MadRock Safeguard. If I setup my "tether" too high and can't reach my stick, I can grab my lever and slide back down into position. If I need to make an emergency exit - I'm all setup to rappel straight down. No change-over needed at hunting height either.

So your rappel rope and tether go up the tree at the same time essentially? I have always wondered how can you ascend when the rappel rope isn't already up the tree..... duh, now I know. Ok I agree! That's why you need to get these rappel kits put together on your sight for us one stop shopper types. Am I thinking this correctly?

 

[DanO]

So your rappel rope and tether go up the tree at the same time essentially? I have always wondered how can you ascend when the rappel rope isn't already up the tree..... duh, now I know. Ok I agree! That's why you need to get these rappel kits put together on your sight for us one stop shopper types. Am I thinking this correctly?

Correct, instead of using a short tether, use the rappel rope and advance it as you go. Keep a backup lineman/tether for going around limbs.

My favorite setup can't be sold as a kit since the components are out of spec with each other. That is my hesitation with offering kits. Perhaps someday MadRock will have a version of the Safeguard that is in spec with 8mm Oplux.

 

[Squirrels]

I will echo @DanO on using rappel rope as my tether ascending the tree. If I drop my one stick I can just rappel down and get it. No need to tie it on me somewhere and have some other piece of something to get tangled up. Plus I hunt off that same rapple line as my tether so when I'm ready to leave I don't have to do any switching around. I've plut this setup through the paces this year and something really cool is going to have to sway me away from it. I will be trying climbing with just a platform though.

 

[MFD205]

I’ll gladly give up the food for better weather & hunting. Heck I’m too fat anyway!!!!

I'm blessed. I've got great hunting and only an hour from NOLA, Baton Rouge, Hattiesburg, and Jackson. Weather sucks, but hell, I'm used to it.