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Saddle use on public land...

D

Dadsaster

New Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2019
Messages
6
I'm interested in saddle hunting near my home on public land. I was considering getting a bunch of wild edge steps and a climbing stick with a couple of aider loops. The idea I've been toying with is scouting areas a month ahead of the season and then using the climbing stick at the bottom and the wild edge steps higher up the tree (with 3 or 4 as a platform). After getting a tree situated I would leave the steps installed and remove the climbing stick. I'm hoping this would increase the chances that my steps are still in place when the season opens and I would only need to pack in with a single climbing stick.

Thoughts?
 
Yeah I wouldn't leave anything on public land that isn't locked. Even still the lock can be easily picked. I'm always baffled when I run across pricey stands or cameras on public land.
 
I've had stuff stole I thought was way off the beaten path and sticks pulled from the stand and locked. They still got it. I would not leave anything you're not prepared to lose.
 
What are the laws on what you can use on this land? Is bark penetration/drilling ok? How much can/can't you leave out legally?
 
We started the 2018 season with a few cheap lock on stands and Tasco cameras on public land. Had about $75 into each set up. We used 3/8 steel cable to secure each...double wrapped and crimped! No locks to pick. Lao pulled away the lower 2 sticks. They still got a stand and a camera! Someone literally had to come in with cable cutters to get them and these things were well off the beaten path in an area that requires a canoe to get to. If they want it, they will get it.
 
Seems like a fine idea.
There are always those spots on public that are hidden gems. Having those preset is a wonderful thing.

My public land preset choice:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-quick-climbing-sticks-3-pack?a=686930
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07475BGBT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/80mmx80mm-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I will use three or four of the sportsman's guide sticks, and carry one or two sections or two of my hawk helium sticks, depending on the likelihood of other hunters coming across my stuff. If for some reason, they decide to take my sticks, I'm out $20. They would probably never steal my platform, most guys would be like WTH?
 
The good thing is the WE stepps are hard to see in the woods. Its not like a big treestand that sticks out like a sore thumb.
 
Is the rope on WE steps UV resistant? I’ve never thought of leaving them on the tree before. But it sounds like a good idea using one stick with an aider to put them out of reach. They’re fairly inconspicuous


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It is so easy to set the WE steps that I do not see a reason to leave them in place. However, setting some as a permanent platform is not a bad idea. They are almost impossible to see as long as the ropes are not swinging in the wind. I had a few presets this year on public land. I used the furniture brackets, which are probable similar as far as visibility is concerned. Heck, I knew where they were set and I even had a hard time finding them at times :)

It is one of the great perks of saddle hunting. Your platform can be very low profile. People will never know you were there. Someone set up not more than 25 feet from one of my presets. He had no idea. I laughed when I saw his stand this fall. It made my day because I knew my stealth was working as planned.
 
brirute said:
Seems like a fine idea.
There are always those spots on public that are hidden gems. Having those preset is a wonderful thing.

My public land preset choice:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-quick-climbing-sticks-3-pack?a=686930
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07475BGBT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/80mmx80mm-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I will use three or four of the sportsman's guide sticks, and carry one or two sections or two of my hawk helium sticks, depending on the likelihood of other hunters coming across my stuff. If for some reason, they decide to take my sticks, I'm out $20. They would probably never steal my platform, most guys would be like WTH?
Click to expand...
Are you using the corner braces for climbing steps or platform type ring of steps? How are you attaching them to the tree?
 
Corner braces for ring of steps. 3 or 4 depending on size of tree. Hit them with a coat or two of flat paint. I use the endless ratchet to attach them to the tree. Pretty much rock solid.
 
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