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Who’s generally content with their hunting setups?

Jammintree

Jammintree

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2021
Messages
2,167
My season is about to open and so I’ve been doubling down on preparations and practicing. In doing so, I’m finding that for the first time since I started hunting I’m generally pleased with my setup. Sure there’s some items that are wearing out and will eventually need replacement - like a new pair of boots. And sure there are some wish list items - like a rifle for out of state gun hunts. But overall I feel really content with my various rigs for all of the various forms of hunting. Do any of you feel as though “you are there”?
 
I didn't buy a single thing last year and made notes on what I wanted to change in the off season. Made the changes with a plan and not impulse purchasing like I usually do. Have been very satisfied with my setup this year. So far I can't come up with anything I even feel like I can optimize other than maybe how I organize it in the truck there and back.
 
Got the JX3 in 2018. It went from 10% usage, 10 50% usage, to 90% usage over 3 seasons.

I will pull out a hang on, or soft saddle just to sanity check.

But I’ve basically not had to think about how I’ll get up or sit in a tree for a few years now. Probably helps that I don’t always climb a tree, in fact I don’t more than I do.

I feel really lucky to have such a nice option to get up there though.
 
For someone that buys way too much nonsense just to tinker or “upgrade” I actually am happy with what I have at this point. Not saying I won’t buy more, I’m an idiot, but if I wasn’t able to I could happily hunt with what I have for many years in any conditions.
 
I feel like I am as close as I’ve ever been to being satisfied with my setups. However there’s always a small speck of doubt that I am really “done”, coupled with heavy but somewhat dwindling FOMO. It’s a vicious cycle/disease that is fueled by constantly watching all the modern hunting channels and shows and constantly listening to hunting podcasts.

There are also a couple… well 1 piece of equipment that is wonderful but has with it a guilty nagging sick feeling of how much it cost and the lack of actual hunting time I get and therefore use said equipment makes me feel like I spent frivolously. I’m sure this is all no surprise to everyone on here. Sorry this turned into a mental health therapy session too, hah!

To answer the question… I think I’m there but in reality something will change again I’m sure.
 
Arrows and broadheads are the only thing I’ve changed this year. I’m content and very blessed!
  • Same DIY Transformer saddle 3 years going strong
  • Same fix platform going on second year (same alternate scout one stick for 4 years now)
  • Same 2TC method 2 years strong (one stick alternate)
  • Same bow Bearpaw Slick Stick 2nd year (same compound 6 years, elite synergy)

Like a few others here I have fooled around with some packs here and there but I have ultimately been satisfied using the same stuff for a while now. Looking forward to another year a familiarity.

I use to change up gear between every hunt and being content only lasted weeks not months or years. That just made hunts harder not easier but I enjoyed piddling for what it’s worth. Glad to have a more of a uniform system and gear. It has helped me focus more on deer. I’m also happy to say I didn’t change a thing last season.
 
Pretty well set. Not many changes this year. Have three full setups now (saddle, hybrid, hang on) and plan to just use them throughout the season depending on where I’m going and how I get there. A little bit of tinkering on the clothing front but that’s about it. I tend to “set it and forget it” for many years and then make wholesale changes every 6-8-10 years for gear. That cycle has recently ended for the time being so I’ll be good for awhile.

Are you hunting gear or hunting deer?

IMO, Best time to make changes to your system is in the “off-season” - things are a bit slower and time is easier to come by, you can get feedback from others on what works and what doesn’t, lets you focus on hunting during the season and not gear accumulation, things generally aren’t on backorder - and if they arrive a month or two late it’s not a big deal, etc.
 
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ive been buying new things here and there but generally keep going back to the same two setups and havent even really used the new set of sticks i bought this summer, one sticking is jsut too easy early season. looking forward to changing out saddles though, my method had become uncomfortable (or i'm just going soft) and i have a CGM cobra on order, looking forward to giving that a try but it doesn't change the overall setup a ton. oh yeah and giving 2TC another go. i guess i'm not content lol.
 
I'm pretty satisfied w/all my gear. The last couple yrs I've gone from strap on steps to Wild Edge, to Muddy Pros. I think I like the sticks. I went from a DIY saddle to an Orion and really feel good about it. Other than that I'm happy w/ it all.
 
Yup,I am good. Bought nothing new for this season and don't see myself doing that in the near future. How long before you guys would replace a saddle?
 
Bowmanmike said:
Yup,I am good. Bought nothing new for this season and don't see myself doing that in the near future. How long before you guys would replace a saddle?
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5 years and I’ll retire mine. I think depending how much you hunt and how hard you are on stuff could affect when it probably should be changed. Could change the bridge every other year and look at like 6 years safely. That’s just my opinion.
 
Been hunting for 6 years now. The first 3 seasons were pure chaos. Cheap climbing sticks, even cheaper backpacks (those Alps Outdoorz zippers lasted less than a month). Only good thing I still use from the first season is my now old school Kestrel saddle. On to wild edge steps (nope). Then Bullman steps (getting better). Finally settled on a Dano one stick with scout platform, a quality eberlestock pack, decent mid range clothes sprayed down with permitherin, a hickory creek mini xbow and a smokeless muzzleloader. Ive now had this same set up for 3 seasons and its perfectly dialed in. My only ongoing yearly expense is new arrows, broad heads and maybe some gunpowder.
 
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