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Screw in steps vs sticks

Tfredekind

New Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2020
Messages
5
New to saddle hunting. Seems most guys are really liking the sticks. I’ve always used screw in steps to get into my trees. I’m curious as to why there’s so much interest into sticks for their climbing method. They seem a bit cumbersome on a long hike in.

What’s everyone’s preferred climbing method and why?
Thanks
-Tyler
 
On public land the screw in steps are not legal so there is that, also the screw in steps can be very dangerous if you slip. I have heard about guys getting gutted like a deer from them and darn near castrated from them. I don't like them even on private land.
 
That’s a good point. They’re legal here in SD on public land though. I’ve never hunted on private land.
 
The other reason, you can run and gun and set up pretty quickly without having to screw steps to hunting height. That’s just brutal! I’ve now added a rope climbing method to saddle hunting. This is way faster, quieter, and there’s no evidence of you being up in a tree. Not to mention, the only gear you take in is your saddle, a pack with your rope, other items of choice, and your bow. That’s it. Less than 6lbs. Check out DRT and SRT climbing methods on YouTube. You’ll find NY Saddle Hunters share some great information and content. Hope this helps!


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The other reason, you can run and gun and set up pretty quickly without having to screw steps to hunting height. That’s just brutal! I’ve now added a rope climbing method to saddle hunting. This is way faster, quieter, and there’s no evidence of you being up in a tree. Not to mention, the only gear you take in is your saddle, a pack with your rope, other items of choice, and your bow. That’s it. Less than 6lbs. Check out DRT and SRT climbing methods on YouTube. You’ll find NY Saddle Hunters share some great information and content. Hope this helps!


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Will do. Thanks!
 
I used a couple different sticks before too and I also felt that they were cumbersome. I last left off with the normal length Hawk Helium sticks. Really nice and carry really good for a set of sticks. But I wanted to go a different direction.

So then tried WE steps. I hated them at first. Then learned the ropes had to be stretched before using. That made all the difference. Then a little practice and now I love them. I will say I’m looking for a different way to carry them. The bag is fine but I really don’t like climbing/ hanging steps with it.

Some guys don’t like steps because of the fiddle factor of putting them up and taking down etc. I agree but for me the benefits outweigh that. Now I can do the knot almost in my sleep and I’m almost as fast with them as I was 3 sticks.

While I still had the helium sticks, I tried 1 stick climbing. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was. So now I’m waiting for a short Beats stick to use for this. At this point, 1 stick is going to be my main climbing method. Combines portability with a pretty easy climbing method and you’re only dealing with one climbing implement (which was also what I loved about climbing tree stands at one time). I am also keeping my WE steps as a second option when 1 stick won’t work. I seem to find a good amount of areas where that is the case in most of the places I hunt.


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Thanks
I used a couple different sticks before too and I also felt that they were cumbersome. I last left off with the normal length Hawk Helium sticks. Really nice and carry really good for a set of sticks. But I wanted to go a different direction.
So then tried WE steps. I hated them at first. Then learned the ropes had to be stretched before using. That made all the difference. Then a little practice and now I love them. I will say I’m looking for a different way to carry them. The bag is fine but I really don’t like climbing/ hanging steps with it.

Some guys don’t like steps because of the fiddle factor of putting them up and taking down etc. I agree but for me the benefits outweigh that. Now I can do the knot almost in my sleep and I’m almost as fast with them as I was 3 sticks.

While I still had the helium sticks, I tried 1 stick climbing. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was. So now I’m waiting for a short Beats stick to use for this. At this point, 1 stick is going to be my main climbing method. Combines portability with a pretty easy climbing method and you’re only dealing with one climbing implement (which was also what I loved about climbing tree stands at one time). I am also keeping my WE steps as a second option when 1 stick won’t work. I seem to find a good amount of areas where that is the case in most of the places I hunt.


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Great info! Thanks
 
ive heard the screw in steps referred to as liver hooks, because if you fall it can dig right into your side and liver. I don't care for them and have rarely used them, I like sticks, i guess i could still fall on them and it would hurt, but i guess it would be easier to remove the stick than a screw in step, and Im more comfortable on them.

I also single stick, so all i have to carry is 1 stick, which isnt much weight at all
 
I use screw in steps they are the best for presetting trees and are the quietest way to get up and down. I use a tree step installation tool to get them in correctly. If you’ve been using them I’d stick with what works. I only use sticks on public ground because I have to.
 
I'm planning on using screw ins for preset private land where I can for quick and stealthy climbing, and so I only need saddle (no platform or climbing method).

Otherwise, experimenting with 1 stick climbing and dDRT like the NY guys. All trial and error until you find a system you're proficient in and fits your style
 
I started with we steps and knaider swaider worked great. Got 20’ with 3-4 and my platform. But after more research and playing around i moded my predator and just use it with a two step aider. Repel down. A lot of guys one stick and it basically the same thing I do with my platform. I’ve just never owned sticks. They seem to me like two much to carry in just my opinion. One wouldn’t be bad. But I loss 5 lbs Of weight by not using 5 we steps anymore so it was worth it to me.
 
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