This is my first thread post on this forum, so let me start by saying "THANK YOU!" I've been in lurk-and-learn mode all spring/summer as I contemplated my transition from tree stands to saddles. This forum has been beyond outstanding. Almost every question I have had already been asked/answered (though please see my next post though on SRT and Scent Control). Almost every idea I've run across has already been pioneered and often perfected. I do have one idea I've not seen discussed, so I thought I'd share in case it helps someone.
The properties I hunt almost all have waterways either running through them or along the perimeter. I've been DYING to use them for kayak access, but have had one major hurdle... the banks are steep. I don't have the ability to dock the yak, let alone scale the banks. I've thought about rope ladders, etc., but that seemed expensive, clunky, and not nearly discrete enough (for public waterways). Dilemma is over now, thanks (indirectly) to my foray into the saddle hunting world.
I devised a way to anchor the yak to a creek or river bank using a Stake-Out Stick, some pipe straps, and PVC (disclaimer, this is still in prototype mode and I already have tweaks in mind). That allows me to completely stabilize the yak perpendicularly to the vertical bank. Then I will simply climb SRT right up the bank. My idea is to leave pre-set paracord loops at all my access points. Thus far I have only the maiden voyage under my belt. It's certainly a work in progress. There are certainly kinks to work out, mostly on beefing up the anchoring system, but I think this is going to be a phenomenally efficient and stealthy system!
I know there are plenty of SRT climbers on here, but I've not seen anyone talk about climbing anything but a tree yet. If I'm wrong and anyone else has already nailed this one down, please let me know. I could care less about credit for the idea and would far rather learn from someone else! Any advice or refinements are also welcome.
The properties I hunt almost all have waterways either running through them or along the perimeter. I've been DYING to use them for kayak access, but have had one major hurdle... the banks are steep. I don't have the ability to dock the yak, let alone scale the banks. I've thought about rope ladders, etc., but that seemed expensive, clunky, and not nearly discrete enough (for public waterways). Dilemma is over now, thanks (indirectly) to my foray into the saddle hunting world.
I devised a way to anchor the yak to a creek or river bank using a Stake-Out Stick, some pipe straps, and PVC (disclaimer, this is still in prototype mode and I already have tweaks in mind). That allows me to completely stabilize the yak perpendicularly to the vertical bank. Then I will simply climb SRT right up the bank. My idea is to leave pre-set paracord loops at all my access points. Thus far I have only the maiden voyage under my belt. It's certainly a work in progress. There are certainly kinks to work out, mostly on beefing up the anchoring system, but I think this is going to be a phenomenally efficient and stealthy system!
I know there are plenty of SRT climbers on here, but I've not seen anyone talk about climbing anything but a tree yet. If I'm wrong and anyone else has already nailed this one down, please let me know. I could care less about credit for the idea and would far rather learn from someone else! Any advice or refinements are also welcome.