Is there a saddle palooza in Wisconsin or a neighboring state? If so, when is it, who organizes it and what goes on at it? I’ve read a lot of posts where guys down south have enjoyed attending them but I don’t know what they are all about.
The last two Michigan saddle demo days I have attended were fun, hunting based demonstrations of saddle hunting equipment. Folks brought and demonstrated their climbing methods and platforms and let others give them a try. Lots of good camaraderie among like-minded hunters. One was held in a small city park, the second held at a forum member's home. Several people volunteered to supply lunch fare and beverages (for the record, no beer just bottled waters).
I personally found them to be extremely fun with everyone sharing lessons learned, variations on climbing and DIY solutions to saddles and climbing methods. I don't think any attendees at either one would say they came away without picking up a useful tip or trick or two.
I would definitaly recommend attending (or setting one up if that is your thing) one of these get togethers whether you're a veteran saddle hunter or a guy who's on the fence about saddle hunting's potential. If nothing else you may get a chance to try out a few different saddles and/or platforms to assess how they fit your needs. I really feel even if you're a veteran saddle guy and think your system is all figured out there are tidbits of info you can share and gain during the event with others.
@T.Clarke ?Nice summary. Did you run into local government issues having it at a local park?
Anyone else have an experience / details they care to share of other saddle paloozas.
Great questions @ofor , these events are a great way to meet other saddle hunters or even just people that might have an interest but nowhere to get hands on experience before diving in. All it takes is someone willing to organize and advertise to whatever level of get together is desired.
The first one I hosted with @ablairTTO in March was at a local park that only gets used in the summer time so we were the only group there. No issues with local authorities but I did bring a test tree trunk so guys could practice tying WE steps without damaging the trees at the park. I brought a couple coolers full of burgers and fixins and some sides and just had people pitch in a few bucks to help with the cost. @DanO brought a cooler of water to share and some cool Eastern Woods Outdoors wares. I reached out to a bunch of companies to get demo equipment and got a great response from Tethrd, with 2 of every size saddle and a couple platforms, Out on a limb sent a couple podiums and Zach from Artisan outdoors brought mini platforms. A bunch of us brought our own gear and almost everyone was willing to let others try what they had.
The second event was at my home property and was a little smaller group but actually had quite a few new guys that had never even seen a saddle in person, that was pretty cool. Everything else was basically the same.
Saddle hunters are a unique group of people, we seem to like helping each other out. If you're so inclined maybe try to get the ball rolling, every event needs a leader, without one it's hard to get it going.
I’m following this.. I live in KS but my sister lives south of Waupaca and will be there for a few weeks this summer in case the dates line up!
That if out of state guests are welcome.
Did the survey. Was just going to post about having one myself. I would attend anywhere but could also host if a location is needed pretty centrally in the state.