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Pre-Season Tree Prep

ssramage

ssramage

Active Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
191
Location
Saint Simons Island, GA
New to saddles and looking to start systematically prepping trees during the offseason/summer. Since I'm still super green (haven't even received my saddle yet), I'm trying to think of what gear is needed and how to set up areas so that when I'm on the lease I can be considering the work that needs to be done. This is private land, I'm the only hunter, and have pretty much free reign to do what I want. Both of my places are in relatively urban areas though so tresspassing/theft is a concern.

My thoughts so far:

Bolts: Most interested in this method. I went ahead and ordered a Treehopper cordless bit and some Grade 8 bolts to test. A couple of questions:
- if I drill now, will I have to redrill before season?
- Should I leave the bolts in the trees? Curious if this will make them more stable /reduce likelihood of them pulling out (assuming the tree would grow around them some)?

Tree Steps: I've thought about this method, similar to bolts but it seems like the only ones I can find right now are Ameristeps and they suck (I know from prior experience).

Sticks/Ladders: Does anyone prehang sticks/ladders to leave out all season? Most expensive version of presetting and would increase the risk of theft, but it seems a ladder especially would be the easiest to climb quickly/quietly during season.
 
I hunt a farm with in PA that is free permission and a lease in Ohio. I am allowed to use screw in steps so I have about 25 trees prepped between both locations. Last year was the first year I saddle hunted it’s a great way to hunt and I will probably never hunt from a stand again. When I prep locations I always bring my linesman belt, pole saw, hand saw and bright eye tacks for entry and exit. I completely clear out all shorting lanes, screw in a small bow hanger and leave a pull up rope tied in so all I have to do is attach my bow and climb. I tried prepping trees with bolts and it stinks in my opinion. When prepping trees with bolts you have to wait until the tree is done growing for the season which in PA or Ohio is around July. If you do it any earlier than that the bolts will sag when you stand on them because the wood inside the tree is still too soft and every year you have to re-drill the tree. Also the holes will get clogged with sap, bark or even frozen water during the winter. The worst thing ever is getting to your spot and having to re-drill your holes. If you don’t like screw in steps and are concerned about theft then I would use sections of climbing sticks and take the bottom one off to prevent theft.
 
I agree with the above post. If you take the bottom part of your climbing system with you the theft risk will be small.
 
I'm pro bolt. I've yet to find anything about them that I don't like.
I don't understand the 2nd post about them sagging. If you drill during the growing season, then you need to install bolts when you drill. If you arent putting bolts in at that time, then do the bolts in late summer.
If you choose screw in steps, get Cranford EZ climb. They are far and away the best...night and day to compare them to Americrap screw ins.
You didnt mention what you are using for a platform.
 
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