Nut Posted March 23, 2005 Report Share Posted March 23, 2005 Okay I am going to start using a tree climber next season. I would like to have some help in what to expect and how to avoid being a statistic. So could y'all give pointers on what to expect and do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted March 23, 2005 Report Share Posted March 23, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 the most imortant aspect is using a climbing harness with your climber. and don't pull a J.B.--pick a good "live" tree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion_70 Posted March 23, 2005 Report Share Posted March 23, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 Tie a piece of rope from the top half of the stand to the bottom half if not equipped.... Trust me, it's no fun having to bear hug a tree down 30 ft cursing the entire time. Then you have to climb back up to get the other half of you stand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted March 23, 2005 Report Share Posted March 23, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 Nut, There have been some great ones so far...Nobody can stress the importance of using that safety harness enough every time your feet leave the ground!!! The "Tie a rope so both sections stay together" posts are good and here is a great way to make sure yu do it everytime: Always attach the rope from the top to the straps that go over your feet. It ensures that you have both sections together when you leave the ground, it allows you to "pull up on the rope" to help get your feet in there(which is really important after your done hunting too), and it also gives you somethign to "Pull up the bottom section" incase it ever "Lets Go" of the tree your in. I have another suggestion as well: Never have the top section so low that you can push against the bottom side of the railing with your knees. If you ever do you will find that the top section suddenly releases from the tree and you will be sitting on your heels. Been There Done That Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted March 23, 2005 Report Share Posted March 23, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 Practice climbing different sized trees as close to home as you can, or take a friend along with you. It may feel silly, but it's better than being out in the woods alone with out a clue. Buy the best harness you can afford, and use it. Practice putting on your harness in the dark or in low light. More than likely that's how you'll be putting it on during deer season. Set out some targets at varius distances and directrions. Take a bb/pellet gun up the stand and practice shooting them from different heights. This will give you an idea of the angels you can comfortably shoot from and how to move in the stand. Nothing like seeing a deer at you 4 o'clock and getting busted cause you don't know how to get arround for a shot. Carry a cell phone or radio with you at all times if it's legal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCH Posted March 24, 2005 Report Share Posted March 24, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 Ditto on what everyone else has mentioned. Also, make sure that you are accustomed to the climber. There's nothing worse than being a "clumsy" climber and trying to climb a tree at first light or climb down a tree at dark. When looking at climber's, generally the climbers that boast a "sit-down / stand-up" climbing motion are a bit safer. I'm not a big fan of the arm climbers. Another thing that I've found that generally applies to climbing stands: The more expensive they are, the lighter and easier climbing they are. I've used everything from Baker's to Hunter's View to Ol' man to Summit and you can actually rate the weight/ease in that order from worst to best. Although, I will say that today's climbers are very similar in price/weight/ease of climbing. Good luck in whatever decision you make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longislandhunter Posted March 25, 2005 Report Share Posted March 25, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 I certainly can't add anymore to the sound advice offered by the others. Follow their advice, practice, and you'll get the most out of your new climber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted March 28, 2005 Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 One thing I noticed not being mentioned much, and I feel it is worthy of atleast a couple words is the tree you select. Make sure it is LIVING, and does NOT have loose scaly, flaky bark. I also stay away from Poplar trees because they have a tendancy to break easily in wind, and also from pine trees because of the pitch that gets on my hands and clothing. Thats my .02 cents worth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted March 28, 2005 Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 I'll add 4 things Fred: Think twice about climbing red oaks--it's tough for the climber to grip the bark, and you'll slip occasionally, which is disconcerting. Do not, and I don't care how perfect the spot is, do not climbe shag bark hickories. The bark is hard, and slippery, and the bands on the back of the stand will get caught on the bark on the way up and down. I've made the mistake of trying to climb those trees twice--I don't do it anymore. Pick a straight tree, look at all sides of the tree from a distance before climbing. I don't know how many trees I've started to climb, thinking it was straight, only to find out it had a lean to it on the opposite side. Finally--when you set your stand at the bottom of a tree, set it so that it's not level, but canted up a bit, like on a 30 degree angle. As you climb a tree they typically narrow and the stand will level out as you climb. If you set it level at the base, your stand will angle down as you climb which is aggravating and dangerous once you get up at hunting height. I have two climbers (API and Summit), I could bring up in April if you want to try them out before you buy. Let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted March 29, 2005 Report Share Posted March 29, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 [ QUOTE ] You should use a angler, so you don't get your stand stuck at a very slanted angle. pat [/ QUOTE ] What is an angler? I've never seen or heard of one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted March 30, 2005 Report Share Posted March 30, 2005 Re: Using a tree climber 101 Two things that I have seen (if I missed them sorry). 1. When you start your climber, aka attach it to the tree, start as high off the ground as you can. As you climb the tree it tapers causing the straps to fit looser. When you reach the desired height the angle of your stand will be determined by how high (what dia of the tree) you started at. 2. When putting your weight on the top half put the majority of weight as far from the tree as possible, meaning dont push right against the tree. I reach back almost behind me and then push myself. It works like a lever and you get a much stronger bite on the tree...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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