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The Unofficial Saddle Hunters Tree Climbing Competition!

Who thinks this would be a fun idea and want to join?

  • I think it's a great idea.

    Votes: 10 24.4%

  • I like it AND want to join.

    Votes: 7 17.1%

  • I think its dangerous and crazy.

    Votes: 12 29.3%

  • I dont see the need for it.

    Votes: 21 51.2%
  • Total voters
    41
Samcirrus

Samcirrus

Well-Known Member
Vendor Rep
SH Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2020
Messages
1,553
First off I'm not sure how the Mods allow or approve this, but I hope we can do this responsibly and safely.
I hope this may become an Annual Competition.
I'd like to have a tree climbing competition which uses your saddle of course. This is an Internet Video posting competition of your best Climbs!
Here are the rules I thought of(any labeled TBD means the participants will vote on the final details), and this thread is made for anyone to share their opinions on how it should go(then we could make an OFFICIAL Competition thread like the deer hunting one(with the MODS blessing), since tree climbing is the other half of Saddle hunting).
1. (TBD)It would be a timed/speed competition of not just 1 climb, but 2 different methods of climbing, so it's the total time of 2 separate climbs.(This is open to change)
2. It would be on your honor to tie a colorful ribbon at exactly 20'(TBD, could be lower or higher we'll decide) off the ground.
3. You must pass at least 1 branch, real or fake.
4. You would start with absolutely nothing attached to the tree, then you must climb until your feet pass the colorful marker at 20'.
No platform, ROS, Back pack, or gear strap installation necessary.
4a. (TBD) You will have to carry up your bow or hoist it. Shoot and hit 1 shot at a target 10 feet from the tree. Then pack up your bow and carry or lower it before climbing or Rappelling down.(This is open to change or be eliminated)

5. (TBD)Your time stops when you have taken everything out of the tree and raise your hands.(steps, rappel rope, etc)(they can be on the ground, you dont have to pack stuff up, or everything must be packed back up)(Vote to decide)

6. (TBD)You must use 2 different methods for the 2 climbs. (ie: 1 sticking, then 3/4 sticking; SRT/JRB with a throw ball (no preset), then WE steps; 2TC, then strap on steps; platform climbing, then MRS etc...)
No climbing spurs or bolts allowed due to many public land restrictions.(Vote to decide between just 1 or 2 methods.)
7. The video must have no glitches or edits and you must be visible at all times. You can have your face covered or blurred but you must state your saddlehunter.com username
8. You must be in a saddle(not just a climber, unless the saddle is the seat portion of your climber), and in a relatively safe condition the whole time(Amount of slack allowed in your tether will be decided upon.)

FIRST RULE CHANGE: 8a. (TBD) You must be attached to a lifeline attached to the tree above the 20 foot marker, and keep the associated hitch higher than you waist at all times for safety reasons!( We will vote on whether this is necessary or not)

9.(TBD) There will be a few non-competitors/judges who will comment on how many metal sounds and loud thuds are in your climb and there will be a 10 sec time penalty for every loud "DING" or THUD.
10. You'd post your video on the designated DAY in August. The video must be filmed after June 1st, so everyone in the different regions has a fair chance of summer weather. You get 1 video submission chance and you'd put your time score in the post along with your opinion of how many noise penalties you should be given.
11. All the total time scores that are the 10 fastest get an official review by the judge/s to determine exact seconds.
12. I offer one of my housemade yet time/1 hunting season tested Carbon Fiber platforms(2lbs) as a winning prize. Or it could be a pool of 5$ each??? More prizes are welcome to be donated
13. To have a say /vote for the final rules you have to be a participant and state so in the Poll and in the eventual OFFICIAL Thread
14. Have fun and a competitive reason to practice!
EDIT: There is a poll to see how many that read this would want to join, how many think it's more dangerous than a rock climbing, loggers, linesmen, etc... competition. And how many feel its unneccessary.
I'll state my opinion is that yes, it is unnecessary, but in now way dangerous or crazy, and is a fun challenging way to get better with your equipment and system, thereby enabling you to be smoother quieter and of course faster!
You would have months to both practice different methods and gain proficiency. Then you can make as many attempts as you'd like obviously and just submit your fastest, safest, and quietest climbs. We'd all post on the FINAL day of the competition so there's little chance of people making videos after seeing others time, which can cause panic and introduce the opportunity for unnecessary risk.
You are racing against yourself all off season, and just have to hope you're faster than all others on the day of submission.
Explanation for why I came up with this will follow.
 
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Looks great but not the 2 method requirement, allow guys to enter just one. Let one stick die hards just 1 stick. You could do an optional category for best climber across 2 methods.

We want to see specialist vs specialist, like the old UFC fights, BJJ vs. king fu, street fighter vs wrestler. We don’t want to see Tank Abbott do kung fu, he’s a street fighter.
 
I don't get the 2 methods either.....
Does this involve platforms/Ros and bow/gun holder setup or just straight climb to X height and go down
 
Not so sure about multiple climbs but maybe consider this…


A few suggestions:

1. This should include the hunter starting at base of tree with weapon and pack all packed up to simulate just arriving to tree.

2. Weapon and pack should be hung at the conclusion of climb to simulate a hunting scenario.

3. A shot made on a target at predetermined location, say 6:00.

4. A set breakdown then decent should follow.

5. Time should stop when all items are packed up just as they were when hunter arrived with pack and weapon ready to go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
blt348 said:
Not so sure about multiple climbs but maybe consider this…


A few suggestions:

1. This should include the hunter starting at base of tree with weapon and pack all packed up to simulate just arriving to tree.

2. Weapon and pack should be hung at the conclusion of climb to simulate a hunting scenario.

3. A shot made on a target at predetermined location, say 6:00.

4. A set breakdown then decent should follow.

5. Time should stop when all items are packed up just as they were when hunter arrived with pack and weapon ready to go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
That’s a whole lot more than tree climbing. If I’m Understanding OP right, this would just be a competition of climbing, not setting all your gear up etc
 
Samcirrus said:
First off I'm not sure how the Mods allow or approve this, and we'd need them to be the official judges of what I hope may become an Annual Competition.
I'll say my idea first then give an explanation below!
I'd like to have a tree climbing competition which uses your saddle of course. This is an Internet Video posting competition of your best Climbs!
Here are the rules I thought of, and this thread is made for anyone to share their opinions on how it should go(then we could make an OFFICIAL Competition thread like the deer hunting one(with the MODS blessing), since tree climbing is the other half of Saddle hunting).
1. It would be a speed competition of not just 1 climb, but 2 different methods of climbing, so it's the total time of 2 separate climbs.
2. It would be on your honor to tie a colorful ribbon at exactly 20'(could be lower or higher we'll decide) off the ground.
3. You must pass at least 1 branch, real or fake.
4. You would start with absolutely nothing attached to the tree, then you must climb until your feet pass the colorful marker at 20'. Then climb or rappel down.
5. Your time stops when you have taken everything out of the tree and raise your hands.(steps, rappel rope, etc)(they can be on the ground, you dont have to pack stuff up)
6. You must use 2 different methods for the 2 climbs. (ie: 1 sticking, then 3/4 sticking; SRT/JRB with a throw ball (no preset), then WE steps; 2TC, then strap on steps; platform climbing, then MRS etc...)
7. The video must have no glitches or edits and you must be visible at all times.
8. You must be in a saddle(not just a climber), and in a relatively safe condition the whole time(slack tether may not be safe to some, but 1 stickers feel its okay)
9. If we can get some judges, then maybe a time penalty for every loud "DING"(but it might get too technical...so let me know)
10. You'd post your video on the designated weekend in August. The video must be filmed after June 1st, so everyone in the different regions has a fair chance of summer weather. You get 1 video submission chance and you'd put your time score in the post.
11. All the total time scores that are the 10 fastest get an official review by the moderators to determine exact seconds.
12. We need a grand prize, maybe 1st, 2nd 3rd.... I offer one of my Carbon Fiber platforms as a winning prize. Or it could be a pool of 5$ each???
13. To have a say /vote for the final rules you have to be a participant and state so in this Thread.
14. Have fun and a competitive reason to practice!
You would have months to both practice different methods and gain proficiency. Then you can make as many attempts as youd like obviously and just submit your fastest and quietest. We'd all post on either 1 day or one weekend so there's little chance of people making videos after seeing others time.
Explanation for why I came up with this will follow.
Click to expand...
Hey Sam... some reactions... the competitor in me thinks its a fun idea... but it's also a very worrisome proposition.

Because you're making time the key metric, climbers might compromise safety. In fact, climbers ARE compromising safety every hunt.

I am not saying this for attention or personal advantage should I participate. I am saying it cuz its real.

Last winter, I organized my 2nd Annual Pennsylvania Saddle Hunter's Meetup Event. We did it at a state park, and I had to send in an application and pay a fee because it had to be sanctioned due to risk. I basically rolled my eyes but whatever. I'll be damned, but we did have an accident. Luckily he wasn't hurt, but he just missed a rock when he landed... one sticker stepped up on top of first setz maybe 8ft off the ground. It kicked out and he fell and awkwardly.

This year, I am making a rule for the event, and it's the same rule I have placed on myself for 14 seasons: everyone in a tree has a stable, low slack tie in the WHOLE time. It's gotta pass the WHISTLE TEST. That means that if someone were to blow a whistle at any time we are off the ground, we can go limp and let go, hands and feet, and never fall or risk injuries.

All I am saying is that until we get our brothers TIED IN, we shouldn't be prioritizing speed.

If you do the event, consider a rule: trunk or crotch tie in the whole time. 12in max slack. If ya don't have that, you may have a winner that's really not a winner. I would rather be remembered as the guy who saves some bones than the guy who won a contest.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
Well thanks so far for your input! There's lots of good points and everything is on the table as far as rules are concerned.
First I want to address the safety factor: I feel that if this comes down to only having 1 day to post the link to your video means that you aren't racing against a predetermined fastest time, thus inviting adrenaline spiked speed and danger.
I think that if we were in a group like a fireman's competition face to face people are more likely to go faster and attempt more risks. This is different. Its merely validating different claims of speed, ease of climb and quietness.
Speed should only be relative to you doing your best while being safe. We are all adults and are trying to get home safely. Also there's a long time to practice, and actually watching video of yourself from below may give you a new perspective on what type should be doing differently. I'd imagine no one will be using the video of their first climb. And if we put a simple penalty for noise may help it from getting to risky.

Also this is not a new concept. Firemen, linesmen, and lumberjacks all have competitions that CAN be dangerous, yet people join at their own risk.
I'm offering my Carbon Fiber platform (a $500 value apparently) as a top prize to someone who will be able to video their best climb, and hopefully itll be quicker than all others...see https://saddlehunter.com/community/...arbon-fiber-platform.44218/page-4#post-605625)
That's my point of view. More replies to follow.
 
Definitely there would need to be safety guidelines, and that's what I was hoping folks would share and we could agree on.
Also folks are practicing all the time, and making mistakes. Knowing that you are posting a video for many people to watch and critique will help them remember safety too. I don't think anyone will post a video of a slip or fall either.
As I said above it's not for everyone, but it's not a foreign concept to have competitions like this!
 
bowhuntr09 said:
I think SRT/DRT guys should be allowed to have their preset paracord as an exception to rule #4.
Click to expand...
The idea is a "new tree climb". Also since this is a video competition, you have the chance to have many chances to get a good throw. Youd only have to show one that you hit "first time" on.
 
blt348 said:
Not so sure about multiple climbs but maybe consider this…


A few suggestions:

1. This should include the hunter starting at base of tree with weapon and pack all packed up to simulate just arriving to tree.

2. Weapon and pack should be hung at the conclusion of climb to simulate a hunting scenario.

3. A shot made on a target at predetermined location, say 6:00.

4. A set breakdown then decent should follow.

5. Time should stop when all items are packed up just as they were when hunter arrived with pack and weapon ready to go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
These are valid points and can be included in the final rules poll.
I just think that the more there is to do makes it harder to judge. And makes it a little more tedious to watch.
However, it is more realistic to our hobby and whoever ends up joining will get to vote on it.
 
I can take the drama out of the end results. Pretty much all climbing methods break about even when you consider all facets of utilizing them. Cost, storage, packing them, unpacking them, carrying them in the woods, climbing up, climbing down, packing them, etc. time and effort basically all blend together with one common variable - a crappy climber. You won’t see much separation between methods. You’ll see significant separation between climbers. People who have a system, and practice it, and are consistent and prepared, will win on timing, regardless of method used. My guess is it won’t be close.

Having said that, anything that gets people to practice, especially competitive juices, I’m all for. The moderators shouldn’t touch this with a ten foot pole. A site sponsored event with unapproved climbing methods and gear is inviting some weird litigation.

let’s just have some fun and be decent peoples and do it ourselves.

youoffering up a homemade carbon platform might me enough to get my sneech body in front of a camera for a climb!
 
TommyDee said:
Looks great but not the 2 method requirement, allow guys to enter just one. Let one stick die hards just 1 stick. You could do an optional category for best climber across 2 methods.

We want to see specialist vs specialist, like the old UFC fights, BJJ vs. king fu, street fighter vs wrestler. We don’t want to see Tank Abbott do kung fu, he’s a street fighter.
Click to expand...
This is a valid point.
And to answer Weldabeast and any others who are wondering why the 2 method requirement(it can change!)
I thought itd be interesting to see people not only do their preferred method but try to learn, or practice what they already know, a new method.
I see it so often of folks saying "There's no 1 method that's the best or for all situations!"
So why not do 2 methods, and possibly get good at both even if you don't win the competition.
Again we can just do 1, and with a more full hunting setup if we want.
 
I see from the poll so far that there's a few who dont think it's a good idea. I understand this competition is more geared to a possibly younger and flexible audience. However I think there are some middle-aged folks who'll surprise us. I didn't expect everyone to jump on board either. I'm 34, and while I'll give it my best, i do have a sinking feeling a younger person might win.
There will be stricter safety guidelines to adhere to than the first post states to prevent new climbers from taking unacceptable risks. Please offer some ideas!
 
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