Optimizing saddle hunting setup

[Versatile Hunter]

I was griping about how much time climbing sticks take me to set up and to attach to myself before I climb. Others echoed the sentiments and suggested starting a thread to shared pointers.

I hope this gets the conversation started. I’m about to head up to the Catskills for a final bow hunt where I saw those bucks last weekend before the rifle onslaught begins on Saturday. I can post some pictures of my saddle setup later. 

[Versatile Hunter]

Here are the pictures of my setup.

How are you guys carrying your sticks in and climbing with them? Any pointers for streamlining and making the process faster?

 

[Upstate Nerdneck]

I like the topic, I have latitude saddle/sticks.  One my main gripes was about packing them at first.  I bought their Ranger-22 pack this year and they pack up pretty well.  Annoying to get anything out of the main pouch in the bag though.

[Versatile Hunter]

17 hours ago, Upstate Nerdneck said:

I like the topic, I have latitude saddle/sticks.  One my main gripes was about packing them at first.  I bought their Ranger-22 pack this year and they pack up pretty well.  Annoying to get anything out of the main pouch in the bag though.

I take a frame pack (mystery ranch) where I hunt since I can't drag a deer out of there...

[Caveman]

I have a Trophy line saddle and Latitude sticks/platform. They pack well horizontally on the straps at the bottom of my Hornhunter Mainline pack. 

 

The hardest part is still getting them up the tree easily. I take two and connect them to my saddle by s-clips. I put one on the tree at ground level, and I put the fourth in my teeth and climb one stick up. It isn't the worst thing in the world, but I wouldn't call it easy. From the time I get to the base of my tree, I'm usually ready to hunt in about 15 minutes. 

 

I could get a climber up the tree faster, but I wouldn't have the same shot opportunities and I wouldn't be able to get into some of the messed up trees I get my saddle into.

Edited November 17, 2024 by Caveman

[bruno1]

I have a Latitude saddle and I use 4 Beast sticks. I absolutely love my Trophline pack, the entire setup is very streamlined. As for climbing, I have 2 sticks hanging on my saddle one on each side of my hips. After I set my first stick from the ground I’ll usually just wedge my next stick on a branch above me as I climb and then grab it and set that stick. After that my 3rd and 4th stick are with me 

[vdep217]

I run an xop mondo.  4 helium 20inch sticks all with aiders sometimes a 5th with a hammock platform on stick all amsteel daisy attachment.  I use xop backpack and made carribeaners silent to attach to my mole loops

[ATbuckhunter]

I keep two lone wolf sticks strapped to either side of my bag and the platform in the middle. Its not a bad set up, but I am going to pre set up locations next season. I don't climb the fastest, so I'm losing time that I don't have (due to checking in to stations and walking a mile back in). Its worth the money to buy some cheap platforms and use screw in steps at this point.