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Wondering about spurs

I am definitely gonna try this cause putting them back on in the tree sucks!!!
Just plasti-dip or wrap your steps so if you do touch the step with the gaff it dont dink and make noise. I usually plasti-dip my steps every year

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Just plasti-dip or wrap your steps so if you do touch the step with the gaff it dont dink and make noise. I usually plasti-dip my steps every year

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Good idea! I was wondering if you put the spike protectors on but this makes more sense! And i am guessing you use pole spikes cause tree spikes are so much longer?
 
Good idea! I was wondering if you put the spike protectors on but this makes more sense! And i am guessing you use pole spikes cause tree spikes are so much longer?
No sir i don't put the protectors on because is times ill use them gaffs in the tree when making a move to shoot a deer if i need my feet farther apart or closer for better stability for my shot. And yes i always use pole. Gotta be more careful on ya harder and thicker barked trees like chestnut oak but its what I prefer. Tree spikes dig in to deep and at times I can see them being a pain to get out if in something like cherry or poplar where spikes can really get in deep

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I used spurs a few years back, hanging phone lines for the Forest Service (back when crank phones were in vogue!). I eventually stepped on a toe - OUCH! Had to soak that foot in hot salt water for a few days. I can imagine stepping on a toe while up in a tree, sneaking around on a ring-of-steps. You learn to be more careful the hard way.
 
I was a lineman for most of my life and spent the last 7 years as a line school and compliance trainer. Sooner or later your going to cut out using hooks (spurs) and even with a strap it wont protect you from gravity.We had to remain 100% fall protected when 4 ft above the ground. Hooks are definately easier if your properly trained but have their drawbacks. With the steps and aiders available their alot safer when alone.
Rickor
 
As long time lineman I will tell you that i dont believe that hooks are the best option for the weekend warrior.You are gonna cut out its just a matter of time.A linesman belt may catch you and it may not.That is not what it is intended to do.It is a tool used for positioning not fall restraint.If you do decide to go this route get some help from an experienced climber and get you a treesqueeze or similar fall arrest system.Just waiting for the horror story that is gonna come from this forum telling guys how great they are as a climbing technique for hunting.And they are with a lot of practice and then still the risk factor is still huge.
 
As long time lineman I will tell you that i dont believe that hooks are the best option for the weekend warrior.You are gonna cut out its just a matter of time.A linesman belt may catch you and it may not.That is not what it is intended to do.It is a tool used for positioning not fall restraint.If you do decide to go this route get some help from an experienced climber and get you a treesqueeze or similar fall arrest system.Just waiting for the horror story that is gonna come from this forum telling guys how great they are as a climbing technique for hunting.And they are with a lot of practice and then still the risk factor is still huge.
This is why I 100% of the time use a real buckingham treesqueeze. I feel safe when a cut out happens.
 
Didnt know they made a tree squeeze, on a pole we use buck squeeze, super squeeze along with work positioning strap. Expensive but it keeps you safe.
 
Didnt know they made a tree squeeze, on a pole we use buck squeeze, super squeeze along with work positioning strap. Expensive but it keeps you safe.
 
I'm new to saddle hunting and my idea was that spurs are the easiest quickest way to get up a tree on private land. After a few weeks of practice it still seems true. The fastening method needs to be upgraded for hunting and im still experimenting with that
 
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I use them a good bit on some properties but no public land! Alot of guys use them all the time! The worst part is taking them off when you get to the height your gonna hunt and putting them back on when done, and some people say they harm the trees but I have seen no evidence of this yet!
I have never climbed a tree with spurs and not harmed the tree. I'm only 175lbs and the spurs destroyed the tree with one climb.
 
I have never climbed a tree with spurs and not harmed the tree. I'm only 175lbs and the spurs destroyed the tree with one climb.
Wow thanks for sharing your knowledge and Experience of Destroying Trees in one climb.. I will note that and file it.. take care.. keep hunting and be careful dont get hurt or hurt any trees just hunt .. Experience and biology of trees and forestry. thanks for your factual information about destroying trees ... There are many types of trees and ages.. and yes some are young or Baby trees. So be Careful when killing Deer that you dont hurt any Trees.
 
This is just not true. I climb the same tree at my house over and over again, for multiple years and the tree is still health.
Agree to disagree. I'm not saying it will kill the tree, but they destroy the bark right to pulp, which is harming it to a degree. Occasionally even tearing into pulp depending on weight. I borrowed 2 different sets to try from friends of mine that own logging companies. They for-warned me of the same thing prior to using them. My state law says you can use anything that penetrates the tree. Which spurs 110% do. I used them on private land though.
 
This is just not true. I climb the same tree at my house over and over again, for multiple years and the tree is still health.
Thanks for telling us this true fact.. there are many modern thoughts that are not factual.. Amazing will Kill deer but dont dare to hurt a tree.. and yes be respectful to all.. but lets be factual.. thanks
 
Agree to disagree. I'm not saying it will kill the tree, but they destroy the bark right to pulp, which is harming it to a degree. Occasionally even tearing into pulp depending on weight. I borrowed 2 different sets to try from friends of mine that own logging companies. They for-warned me of the same thing prior to using them. My state law says you can use anything that penetrates the tree. Which spurs 110% do. I used them on private land though.
Well i thought your opening statement was you never used them.. but they will destroy a destroy a tree in one climb. (quote) anyway you do not have to penetrate as such even on private land.. you really only have to make a light bit to bark if need be.. you are attached ... but thanks again.. we should all think first and be considerate to all God given nature and be good stewards, and try to help others with facts... and state when only a opinion.
 
Wow thanks for sharing your knowledge and Experience of Destroying Trees in one climb.. I will note that and file it.. take care.. keep hunting and be careful dont get hurt or hurt any trees just hunt .. Experience and biology of trees and forestry. thanks for your factual information about destroying trees ... There are many types of trees and ages.. and yes some are young or Baby trees. So be Careful when killing Deer that you dont hurt any Trees.
I'm a little confused by your comment... Sounds like you are trying to stir the pot/mock me. So, a little background and clarification. I didn't say my experience was only from one climb. I said that I (at 175lbs) saw significant surface damage in the first climb on a tree, let alone repeated climbs. Also, never said anything about knowledge of forestry, biology, age structure, etc. of trees.

I was simply giving my input on my experience with spurs, which is what forums are for. This is a place for people to share their experiences without hateful banter. You can disagree with me all you want, it's my opinion and doesn't have to work for you. With that being said, I didn't know that one line went into so much assumed detail of your paragraph long rebuttal...
 
This is why I 100% of the time use a real buckingham treesqueeze. I feel safe when a cut out happens.
well yes .. you can run your tether as well as your linemen hook up.. and just keep push it up as you go... you really should always think safety first.
 
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