Morning all.
I bought a new stand and sticks at the Iowa Deer Classic earlier this month and have been playing around some.
I picked up the Lone Wolf Custom Gear .5 public land stand, along with 3 of their double steps.
Got the steps stealth stripped, and a few pieces on the stand as well. Going to test it out over the next few days, and practice shooting from a tree stand while I'm at it.
I have to say, while I haven't hung it yet, I couldn't be more excited to try. It is insanely light with the backpack and waist belt straps they sell.
I am not going to fall into the same old trap of hunting the same stands over and over again on grandpa's property. I've got a few public land spots scoped out, plan on hitting those hard in the next few weeks looking for bedding areas and sheds as well as access points. I'll bring my stand along with and set it up a few times to help work out any kinks.
If you are on the fence, I can't say enough about the stand and steps as far as how light they are and how well they stack together.
Dang excited to be more mobile and effective this year!
I went semi mobile this past season on my little lease and it was awesome. I use the lone wolf stand and sticks but I was able to put myself into position on deer that have adjusted to my fixed stands. I have been scouting some public land this spring while hog hunting and plan on using this same set up next season out there.
Im very mobile in my approach. I use a lone wolf assault climber. Its amazing how jus a 30 yard adjustment in where i hunt changes my perspective and dynamics of the hunt. I am usually able to refine placement by observing to get those 10-15 yd shots i like.
For me mobility is the key. I have my loc-on stands but rely more on my Summit climbers to get me in position. I have been looking for the Lone Wolf system but they seem scarce here recently.
Jumped into the saddle craze last year when I decided to hunt public land for the first time. With 3 long helium hawk sticks and backpack, it wasn't the easiest to get around. Have picked up a one stick with a platform and plan to rappel down. Had a bunch of ropes and climbing work while going through the academy so it doesn't scare me. Should be pretty light and make room for extra clothes in the pack. I hate being cold.
I'm wanting to get a saddle set up, but truth be told, they're too rich for my blood. Easiest way to be mobile for me is a ghillie suit & a stool, and my canoe. Definitely the canoe!
Good thing is the used market is full of people who barely tried saddle hunting and sell complete sets, basically new, for cheap. Then there is the $25 tree sling that people convert over to a saddle by adding some straps and a bridge, then use in conjunction with a rock climbing harness for extra safety.
Windwalker treestand/ backpack and ghillie suit and go to go especially on those scout/hunt areas.
I use the same set up as the rifleman, a Lone Wolf Assault climber.
I meant to say "sit drag," instead of tree sling, is a cheap option for a DIY saddle. Lots of conversion ideas online.
Dirty Joe Dirt, the sit drag option isn't bad at all and I actually hunted out of one all last season and loved it. Decided to upgrade to a CRUZR saddle for this fall and it is 10x better than the sit drag. Love it so far
I started being very mobile with a sit drag and rock climbing harness. I liked it so much I now have a H2 and a Trophyline. For me 1 sticking is the way to go. It's about 12 lbs for the entire package and easy to pack around. There are very few trees I can't climb.
I lost about 30lbs last year before hunting season and I couldn't get comfortable at all in my Saddle. I stuck to my wedgelock stand and some stands already in place. I'm going to start practicing again with the saddle this weekend to make sure I find my sweet spot before hunting season.