WARNING - Summit Climber & Bowhunting


Bow Hunter Derek

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Let me preface this by saying that I am relatively new to the climber world. I bought a slightly used Summit Cobra last spring and am still getting adjusted to it. So, I guess this warning would apply to any climber.

Tonight, I had the ultimate set up. Wind was awesome, everything was right. At about 5:30 pm, the largest greyest doe I've ever seen came strolling through the woods. I was not going to take a doe yet, but this doe was amazing. I've shot A TON of does in my time, but this doe was like a small cow elk walking through the woods, HUGE! She was going home with me (and maybe on the wall!). Well, she comes in from behind me and circles directly under my stand. I mean litterally under me. Then the circled again behind me. Finally, at 15 yards, she stopped and offered me the PERFECT quartering away shot. So, I leaned around the tree and came to draw. I set that top pin right behind her shoulder and let it fly.

BOOM! My bottom cam, smacked the riser on the top section of my Summit climber. I had neglected to account for the fact that the riser was in the way! Fortunately, the arrow sailed over her back, or else I'm sure she would have been wounded. However, my bow did not fair so well. The string came off the cam. The serving was ruined and the cam had a big hickey in it. So after many explatives, I ran to my local pro shop, where he slapped a new cam on and reserved my string and then put it all back together. Fortunately that is all the damage that was done!

So, a word of warning, climber users, BE CAREFUL when shooting directly behing you. I got lucky, I could have easily broke the string or cracked a limb.

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Re: WARNING - Summit Climber & Bowhunting

Were you standing or sitting? I have found that with the Sunmmit Climber I have I can not shoot from a seated position because of the reason you stated.I also set my top seat section very low. As low as I can mount it. This is not as comfortable to sit in........but when standing and shooting, you'll never hit the angled frame. Even on close shots.

The best , non obstructive, climber I have ever seen (or owned) is my old Loggy lite. Absolutely nothing is in the way to prevent a sitting or standing shot. The climbing aid tucks down out of the way & the seat folds up. Once secured it is like a rock steady hang on stand. The draw back is that it is not as comfortable. And it is noisier to climb with. But the steadiness, shooter friendly design and extreme light weight keep me from parting with it.

As I get older I use my Summit climber 95% of the time. I have grown to LOVE the comfort of this stand. grin.gif I have taken about 25 deer out of it with my bow since I bought it a few years ago. If you take into account the angle on the seat frame (for clmbing), set the two sections so that when you sit the top bar is no higer than knee level, and watch teh off hand shots behind you........you will not hit teh bar or screw up your bow. Good luck grin.gif

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Re: WARNING - Summit Climber & Bowhunting

I was standing and it was an off hand shot (probably the worst postion to shoot from these stands). Totally my inexperience hunting out of one of these stands. Next time out, the top portion, will be hanging much lower. Live and learn.

Fortunately, the bow was fixed in an hour at the shop and the doe walked away without a scrape.

Just thought I'd throw the warning flag out there to many of the others on this board that are first time climber hunters like me.

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Re: WARNING - Summit Climber & Bowhunting

I HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND OF STAND LAST YEAR.THE CAM HIT THE ARMREST AND ABOUT THREW THE BOW OUT OF MY HAND.NOW I MAKE SURE MY STAND IS ALWAYS IN THE POSITION I WANT IT TO BE IN.I DO LOVE MY SUMMIT AND THINK ITS A GREAT STAND.IT WOULD BE TUFF TO GET A GOOD SHOT BEHIND ME IN ANY ONE OF MY CLIMBERS,NO MATTER WHAT BRAND IM USING.

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Re: WARNING - Summit Climber & Bowhunting

Buckey -

It is a Cobra model, which is the same frame as a Bushmaster. Outside of their new Clear Shot, I think my cam would have hit whatever climber I had been in.

Just watch those upper support arms when taking shots behind you. If you hit them, it makes for a very exciting moment. ooo.gif

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Re: WARNING - Summit Climber & Bowhunting

AHH, your very right buddy. I hardly ever hunt out of a climber, but ive been using one lately at a tiny little property. Last night in the rain i had a doe come directly under me down wind. The doe hit my scent at the base of the tree and turned, trotting off behind me. She stopped at twenty-five yards, i was ready and was at full draw, problem was the arm of the climber prevented a shot, had to sit out on the arm, kinda unstable and i missed the shot.

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