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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
What about a 1 hunting season in a saddle requirement to join?
 
This is a sucker bet. I’ve seen @Red Beard climb, dude is part money part ninja, he’s like one of those flying monkeys from the wizard of Oz. No matter what method he wins.
All I know is that if I win I keep my platform!
 
This is inviting an opportunity to hurt someone.

There is no need whatsoever to introduce speed in to climbing for our application. Zero.


Semper Fi,
Mike
I agree in real hunting speed is totally unnecessary! This is an off season practice competition, like 3D target shooting with totally different bows, or lumberjack, firemen, linesmen competitions.
 
I have been an arborist my whole life, worked for a few tree companies in the beginning and 19 years later still have my own tree business, if speed is priority there is hands down no method on this planet faster to get up a tree than spurs, none, zero, I've watched all the one stick videos, used climbing stands, sticks, bolts, I could be 30’ up a tree with spurs before half these methods on this forum are unpacked at the base of a tree, that being said I like and use bolts when I hunt.
 
I have been an arborist my whole life, worked for a few tree companies in the beginning and 19 years later still have my own tree business, if speed is priority there is hands down no method on this planet faster to get up a tree than spurs, none, zero, I've watched all the one stick videos, used climbing stands, sticks, bolts, I could be 30’ up a tree with spurs before half these methods on this forum are unpacked at the base of a tree, that being said I like and use bolts when I hunt.
Arrgh, that's what I forgot to put in the rules! Lol, no spurs or bolts. Simply because most public land doesn't allow them and I dont have any! :)
 
One more point about my idea for 2 methods is that maybe being "forced" to do a second method will help folks find out that another way is better for them or something they like that they never thought to try before, even if it's not the fastest.
 
I agree in real hunting speed is totally unnecessary! This is an off season practice competition, like 3D target shooting with totally different bows, or lumberjack, firemen, linesmen competitions.

I still disagree, when you were taking a group of people who are primarily hunters and not professional climbers, you are inviting an opportunity for injury. Perhaps rather than speed the key metric should be quietness.

Or maybe see who can shoot the tightest three arrow group at 25 yards from strong side weak side and I drop shot. Maybe even time that if you want. But competing with how quickly one climbs a tree, is a dangerous endeavor.


Semper Fi,
Mike
 
I still disagree, when you were taking a group of people who are primarily hunters and not professional climbers, you are inviting an opportunity for injury. Perhaps rather than speed the key metric should be quietness.


Semper Fi,
Mike
That was one of my main points/rules but how would we grade or quantify that? It's a real question and I've been thinking about it but haven't thought of a good enough idea yet.
As to the first point, yes the risk is there. I just think people practice and try their best already, then theres the length of time to get your video, and possibility for many retakes that will keep the climb from being an adrenaline fueled event like it would be if done face to face with just 1 chance to win.
 
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.

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We could incorporate having someone "whistle" you once on the way up and once on the way down. When yr whistled you have to throw your arms out without dropping, then keep climbing. Since the "event" is not in real time this will make folks prepare for the possibility and thus, be safer!
 
Being safe, efficient, quiet, organized, minimal gear, and do all this in adverse weather conditions, that is the secret, everybody will find what works for them eventually, and each will be different hence all the opinions, no contest will ever measure those things, only you will know what works for you, that’s the beauty of this forum, taking ideas from fellow members and applying them in a way that can benefit how you hunt and make changes accordingly, have a contest on how fast you can pack your stuff at the base of a tree, in a snow storm with a flash light.
 
I like the climbing competition idea, but speed is the major risk factor. I don’t have an idea on how to judge this but maybe something judging on smoothness rather than speed. Who can quietly and efficiently get up a tree without looking like a monkey f****** a football. And then maybe had a three shot group from several different positions.

It’ll get guys working on climbing and shooting which is beneficial for all.
 
Being safe, efficient, quiet, organized, minimal gear, and do all this in adverse weather conditions, that is the secret, everybody will find what works for them eventually, and each will be different hence all the opinions, no contest will ever measure those things, only you will know what works for you, that’s the beauty of this forum, taking ideas from fellow members and applying them in a way that can benefit how you hunt and make changes accordingly, have a contest on how fast you can pack your stuff at the base of a tree, in a snow storm with a flash light.
Lol, some folks on here might have never seen snow before....Floridians....just joking....
Yes to your points above. However, like a lumberjack contest this is just for fun to compete over something measurable.
 
I think the time aspect invites added pressure risk that’s unnecessary, I’ve seen people make mistakes under pressure (perceived or real). I understand why it was part of the rules b/c it’s measurable & adds to the competitive aspect of what your trying to accomplish. What if instead of time being the biggest measurable it was the video submission itself. If everyone has to submit one maybe it could be voted on instead…. Find some different qualifications to focus on????
 
I think the time aspect invites added pressure risk that’s unnecessary, I’ve seen people make mistakes under pressure (perceived or real). I understand why it was part of the rules b/c it’s measurable & adds to the competitive aspect of what your trying to accomplish. What if instead of time being the biggest measurable it was the video submission itself. If everyone has to submit one maybe it could be voted on instead…. Find some different qualifications to focus on????
Couldn't we come up with a not-to-tedious list of safety infractions that deduct from your time? Along with noise? That way when folks are making their videos, if they look back and realize they committed an infraction they'll try again, and only submit an entry that had the perfect balance of speed quietness and safety.
I really want everyone to see that there's very little pressure involved because of the length of time to prepare, of not knowing the speed of others times until the day of submission; as well as it not being a 1 take event.
I actually think it will promote safety and force people to practice more safely and quietly than they would have otherwise when there's a prize carrot involved
Because I just dont see how to make it a competition that isnt a popularity contest. Unless we make several other winning categories that are voted on and a couple other people offer to donate prizes.
There could be a caveat that if X number of people dislike your video due to safety concerns you are disqualified.....
 
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We could incorporate having someone "whistle" you once on the way up and once on the way down. When yr whistled you have to throw your arms out without dropping, then keep climbing. Since the "event" is not in real time this will make folks prepare for the possibility and thus, be safer!
Sam, appreciate the reply... i didn't literally mean that we would do the whistle test... I meant that climbing systems should pass it.... and they would pass it if they are tied in and on less than X inches of slack the whole time. I think X should not be more than 12 inches. And if youve never fallen 12 inches... it's actually quite a jolt on static rope. Guys with more slack should be on dynamic rope.

My personal goal is not to have the fastest system, but the best, meaning the right mix of fast, safe, versatile.

For example, it might take a little bit extra effort for me, but when I use JRB climbing method, besides being tied in, I am never dependent on a single moveable or adjustable device. My bridge could fail, friction hitch fail, footloop fail, even any carabiner could fail.... none are a problem. If that costs me a few seconds in setup, I don't care.

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I do appreciate and am learning from the safety concerns of you all and hope this can be done safely, without forgetting that millions of people watch lumberjack, fireman, linesmen and other professional and hobby competitions compete in dangerous events at their own risk.
 
Wait...what about everyone must be connected to a separate safety line attached above the 20 foot mark like people use for climbing deer stands!!! Yes, you'll have to move the hitch up as you go separate from your climbing method, but then everyone will have to do it. IT wouldn't be considered as your safety like a tether or LB but would simply be a separate competition safety precaution.
 
Sam, appreciate the reply... i didn't literally mean that we would do the whistle test... I meant that climbing systems should pass it.... and they would pass it if they are tied in and on less than X inches of slack the whole time. I think X should not be more than 12 inches. And if youve never fallen 12 inches... it's actually quite a jolt on static rope. Guys with more slack should be on dynamic rope.

My personal goal is not to have the fastest system, but the best, meaning the right mix of fast, safe, versatile.

For example, it might take a little bit extra effort for me, but when I use JRB climbing method, besides being tied in, I am never dependent on a single moveable or adjustable device. My bridge could fail, friction hitch fail, footloop fail, even any carabiner could fail.... none are a problem. If that costs me a few seconds in setup, I don't care.

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Yes, that's a great safety standard folks would have vote on or accept!
I also hope you can see that this is different than the personal goal we have for hunting specifically!
Again, Firemen and linesmen will never do their job at crazy speeds, but they do have "out of season" competitions. Why not us?
As to your last point, I couldn't agree more and I believe the vast majority of folks on this site try their best to be super safe and have redundancy built into their systems.
I can't say how much I have adapted my system from your videos and use your saddlehunter hitch and JRB hitch exclusively due to the cool mix of redundancy and speed(ease of use is what makes things faster because of less struggling)they provide.
 
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