This is awesome. Really shows a lot more information than the typical explanation videos everyone else does. Much appreciated :) A lot of little details here that will help me out. For one, putting the lineman belt on after getting a few feet up instead of right away. Bringing the other sticks up, I'm always worried that if I dangle the other stick too much, it might clang up against another. I'll have to give try a few methods. Going to share this with my buddy who is a bit hesitant about saddle hunting and is still using his heavy climber.
Great breakdown of 2 ways to climb. Getting out of the tree seems to be where the DRT truly shines. Seems so much faster and safer to exit the tree especially in the dark/cold. Nate
First try with the throw ball. COME ON MANNN!!! That alone is super impressive. Great system. I'll be using this system for hunting this year. This will be my first season.
I saw a video once where the guy used his lineman’s rope to capture his platform post so he could use two hands to get the strap around the tree and attached. Liked pretty slick and fast. The other nice thing about doing that is that when his platform was set, his lineman’s was already above the platform.
Thanks for your videos fellas,very informative. I am a new saddle hunter and will be giving the drt method a try. I think it will work nicely for me. I have a friend who is knowledgeable with rope rigging and tree work,so he will show me the ropes, haha. I am waiting for the new phantom saddle to be released and order that and the rope. I like the low tech approach to climbing a tree. I have been scouting state land the last month or so and keep picking out trees for climbing. There are very few that seem off limits to the drt method. I can hardly wait to get my set up and practice all aspects during the summer.
Thanks Mike . Not sure if you've viewed some of our other videos but if you click on our videos tab we have lots of tips to help make DRT climbing easier . Having a friend with climbing experience should really help you, however if you have any questions while learning don't hesitate to ask and send us a friend request on Facebook at NY saddlehunter forum to stay connected. Best of luck to you. Go in light come out heavy !
Sorry if it’s already been answered, but I’m curious about friction and wear on the rope? What kind of lifespan are you getting out of your ropes for DRT? Thanks.
Never used one. I like to hunt very minimalist. My bow , my pack, and that’s it. I’ve heard of a few guys that use em . And I can see where it would benefit you in that type of terrain. That’s the beauty of hunting. There’s more than one way to skin a buck . Thanks for the support Thomas
Great job guys , the only thing I would add would have been a real close up to the limb Scott's line was over just to see how big the iimb was . Also crazy he hit it on first shot , I guess his 30 yrs has paid off lol 😂.
Kevin we videotaped this same tree another time and we talked about the limb selection in summer check it out. And Thanks for the positive feedback we really appreciate it! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mOAIfNp2aWc.html
**Shaking My Head** I was waiting for the "throw ball" fiasco- and it never came! I use a "bear ball" solo camping to hang my food up outta reach of pesky bruins, and I NEVER, EVER nail it on the first try as Scott did. Kudos, Scott! OK, fess up... just above camera shot is there a 12' horizontal branch with no other branches anywhere near it? **WinK** Great job on the video. Thanks! Hunt safely, my Friends!
Never seen the drt method b4 that looks like a lot of energy to climb that way. But tree guys know all the cool ways to climb trees for hunting wish I could use my spurs on public land
I felt the same way looks hard. But it's not, you're not pulling your bodyweight up the tree, you're using timing and mechanical advantage its actually really very easy and fun. SRT is even easier with a 3:1 mechanical advantage just more in investment in gear. It takes a little practice to master it. Once you understand it , it's easier than setting and climbing with sticks for me. I own sticks and at times still use them if I cant get a climbing line in a tree however I favor DRT/DRT and I'm 53 years old probably 30lbs heavier than I should be and I use it because to me it's less work than sticks. Again I'm not knocking sticks you absolutely need to own sticks because this method isn't the end all be all however in certain circumstances it's a great tool
Would you guys recommend using a friction saver in the crotch of the tree or do think setting it up may not be worth the trouble? I love DRT, thank you for coming up with another excuse to bring out the climbing gear. Thank you for the video.
We made a video on how to install a tube friction saver and we never bother to use one because we're only climbing 25' and don't think it's worth the effort however for guys that want to DRT climb pines and conifers with sap we recommend it on them to protect the rope from sap. However we tend to avoid those trees when we can .
I noticed at 25:00 how Scott wrapped his climbing line. I recommend and under over technique to reduce the chance of tangling in the future. Thanks for demonstrating DRT in action along with the set up of a platform and a safe descend. Hope yall have a great season this fall.
Thanks for the tip. I’ve been wrapping my rope that way for over 30 yrs. and that’s a small hank of rope. That’s how we Arborists stow our ropes. Back then it was 150 ‘ or 200’ of bull rope That’s a challenge
My order with WesSpur is being made, I have 150 feet of Predator coming. They have a January special with a free splice when u place an order. I put in the instructions that I wanted 1 @ both ends so I can have 2 70'+ ropes. Also ordered the Zing-It throwball setup with the 14 oz. ball which I hope comes in yellow. I have been bowhunting so long that I am actually allergic 2 orange now, ha....ha ha
@@NYSaddleHunter Want u guys both 2 know I appreciate all the info & that I haven't got this far by cutting corners. I am your guy's ages & there is not going 2 be even a Ropeman 1 in my setup. My goal is 2 go in very light (except 4 my heavy high FOC arrows) & come out very heavy!
New subscriber love the vids!! Really want to get into saddled and drt way. Went to sight and everything is sold out ? Could you give me a list of what you have in the video? Thanks bud !!
Thank you for a great video, once again! I have a small question. I've noticed that tucking a thin throw line back to pouch is quite slow. Are there ways to make it quicker?
Yes . We’re gonna start introducing a cube storage bag. It’s what we use in the Tree care industry. I figured the small ditty bag would be easier to pack. But it’s a bit time consuming. Plus the cube folds up. I’ll have to see how it fits in my pack. Video to come shortly. Thanks for the support !
@@NYSaddleHunter You're familiar with the mechanism how AMS Retriever bowfishing reel tucks the line into the bottle? Fast and easy. I was wondering if similar mechanism would be useful with throwing line?
You guys are awsome at this.I’m 273lbs but gonna give this a try next hunting season,just hope I can do it.I also like the SRT method.Which on do you think would be better for me at my weight?
I think most people will find SRT the easiest physicly. We created our own website now selling SRT & DRT kits here when your ready to pull the trigger we now sell everything we use directly. www.newyorksaddlehunter.com/
Robert , we sell a universal rope that you can do DRT or SRT. If DRT is a bit much for you all you have to do is add a hand ascender, footloop and hitch cord which mimics SRT in that you use more leg power and less hip thrust. From that point if you decide you want to do SRT you only need to purchase a Gri Gri + You can then hunt which ever style the tree dictates.
I also use one stick method. DRT and SRT are much easier assuming you have a preset paracord loop. However if I have a tree with no limbs the first 35 ' theres no way to get my climbing line to height so on trees like that I use one stick. To me being able to SRT climb and one stick, I can get into any tree no matter how big or small. One stick climbing has become my plan B . It's a little more work but I like it better than lugging in and setting & retrieving 4 sticks. However straight up DRT/SRT climbing is far easier than one sticking but if you have a SRT set up all you need is a stick and you can do either
A couple of old bowhunter thoughts... if you attach your pack to a cord from your waist it's easy to hunt from the same height. I like my stand at about 15'. I use a cord @ 18' long, so when I feel the weight of the pack on the cord going up, I know that's "my height". Remember, the higher you go, the more difficult you make your shots (shooting straight down at a deer is more difficult than shooting broadside at a deer- in theory). By consistently shooting from the same height you can better learn the angles for correct shot placement. You just need to be above the line of sight of the deer, and above their sense of smell. I've had deer and other hunters walk right under me without knowing I was there. IMNSHO, anything over @ 18' is a bit silly. Hunt the breeze, move S-L-O-W-L-Y. Hunt safely, my Friends!
A rope with a rubber coated hook is worth its weight in gold. I Like to use old ratchet strap hooks. you can pick dang near anything up off the ground with it.
If you have a paracord preset I've found I'm more quiet than using my sticks because its almost impossible to not make noise setting the bite of my sticks or clanging them together at some level . Where we can theres nothing better than having preset screw in steps to climb up quietly but on public land or land where the landowners wont allow screw in steps no climbing method is absolutely silent however I've been hunting using every method 40 years and thus far I can't climb any quieter with any other method with this amount of weight, ability to go as high and ease to get in and out. However its probably not going to appeal to everyone, but for us its become our primary way to go when we gotta go way back plus it's a lot of fun
Absolutely the best justification to use a saddle is the DRT is it's the lightest system, now that I have a season under my belt. Saddle, platform, & sticks in general- are about the same weight as my lone wolf climber- and on a branchless tree, the climber wins, faster & more quiet (saddle hunters, please don't kill me). But on a huge diameter oak you have the huge tree as cover, the DRT is amazing, you can hunt areas that you can't access using any other portable method & that can make the difference. I still prefer to use my Lone Wolf climber, but I'm old. The saddle requires too much movement, when there's spooky doe's in high pressure areas, you just can't move unless your 30 feet up with lots of cover- just my opinion after one season. If you can't carry a 16 lb climber & your pack & need the lightest saddle or you'll melt, start drinking Joe Weider protein shakes, lift some weights, join antifa, get a therapist etc.. All jokes aside, thanks for the video and introducing DRT, a great system to add to your arsenal, I enjoy using it when applicable. If not for you, I would have never discovered it. I actually even used it to hang a few loc-ons pre-season.
Thanks Andy . I feel even if you want to hang a lock on on public land , leave it behind without fear of someone stealing your stand or steps you could hang it a d climb using DRT . Only way someone could steal it is if they came back with a climbing method .it also makes it great to work around the tree. Nothing limits you up down or around the tree .
We use sticks at times too just when we can use a rope climbing method especially with a preset paracord loop I prefer avoiding lugging my sticks in and out. Also I can always come out faster and quieter by repelling out and wrapping up my rope compared to pulling out my sticks so when it works I rope climb. However nothing wrong with sticks and if you can climb in faster with them and that seems better for you stick with that. There's more than one way to skin a buck. If you prefer sticks these climbing methods might have a benefit in trees that you cant get your sticks around like very large trees . Thanks for watching and good luck Paul !
He moved a lot faster doing drt method ,probably because he's used to it. I agree coming down is faster, but the drt method was a lot louder with throw ball. Pre set locations with both methods would be fastest way. As long as people find what works for them and they're enjoying the outdoors, who cares if they skydive into a tree!!😁😁 Good luck men
Yes no doubt preset much quieter and easier. Scott two days ago climbed up a tree with a doe feeding 30 yards away under moonlight in the morning and the deer did not hear him climb. This was with a preset.
I disagree. Every time he stepped on a new stick, it slipped a little, and made a lot of noise. DRT was way quieter. The throw ball was the only sound.
Anthony there's 2 kits the SRT/SRS kit here: www.wesspur.com/climbing-kits/srs-saddle-hunting-kit.html And the DRT/MRS kit here: www.wesspur.com/climbing-kits/mrs-saddle-hunting-kit.html Use NYSH promo code to get a 10% discount
I know this is for demonstration, but, the aider on the first stick was pretty useless. Why didn't he set the first stick higher to utilize the actual benefit of using an aider. He could've gotten an additional 2 feet, easily. When demonstration is performed, why not make the viewer familiar with the actual use of equipment. I like viewing the DRT method, though. I've never tried it because I feel I would sweat more than I'd want to. I walk in as scent free as I can be, and, try to stay that way. But, you guys make it seem effortless. Great video.
Shaun So we look at our system like a chain and the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We try to keep everything in the system around 24kn ( carabiners ,rope etc) 1kn is equal to about 225lbs of force. We also calculate the working load limit by dividing the breaking strength of anything in the system by 10 . So for example Predator climbing line has a 5,400 lb breaking strength so the working load limit is 540 lbs. So the weight limit for our predator climbing line for DRT is around 500 lbs. The saddle we use has the heaviest weight rating in the industry 350lbs. So to answer your question our rope can handle around 500 lb safe working load which exceeds any saddle in the industry. By the way we dont sell anything we do however offer a discount promo code from Wesspur NYSH for 10% discount and a 10% discount from Flatbranch Outdoors custom gear on the saddles. The flatbranch discount code is NYSH10 . We just promote the gear we like and use on our Channel and these companies gave us a discount code to share with our viewers, but we ourselves don't sell anything , we just give free ideas on light, safe, efficient, fun ways to climb using arborist gear and hunting saddles.
Well the idea is a rope you had your hands on that's full of human scent. The theory is wrap the rope up so it's not at ground level and leave it in your pack .
Yes we like to get the line over a limb and climb through the crotch keeping the girth of the tree Inside either side of the line . We call this " crotching in ". We want it over a living limb as a general rule as thick as your arm or larger .
A good rule of thumb: a limb the size of your forearm or bigger . Keep in mind the strength is in the crotch. You never want to be out on the limb. Also the safest way to crotch in would be to go over the limb and around backside of tree . We’ve made videos showing this process. Good luck Joe
I own a summit too, love my summit hate lugging it in and out. The very reason we got into saddle hunting was to avoid lugging in tree stand on our back. If you hunt close to the truck summits great then again always felt my summit viper seat limits me in the tree and it limits me to straight trees with no branches but it still has its place . I can hunt 360 degrees from a saddle and walk in carrying 5lbs gear most of the time . My pack and bow. I wear the saddle in. So far It doesn't get more light mobile and easy than a saddle with arborist climbing methods for me. With a paracord loop I'll be up an down a tree twice DRT/ SRT in less time than I could be up to height in my summit and that's how we do it. And I only carry 5 lbs of gear to climb to prove how fast and easy you can climb with these arborist climbing methods watch me climb twice two methods its quick easy and light ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zVLrVPit0mk.html
@@bhuntn4life climbing sticks would have more potential for leaving human scent that's true, a climber or rope climbing methods that you pull up and store your rope up high would leave nothing at ground level for deer to smell, however a real scent conscious hunter would probably be wearing gloves
Your missing the point on the entire concept of saddle hunting. The drt method they show makes for simpler and more flexible hunting stand with a lot less pounds to carry.
We carry 75' of climbing line (5lbs) so so for us 35' max. If we carried more rope we could hit higher limbs but 75' has worked fine for us here in NY. We also carry 100' of throwline so about 45-50' is the max height we could hit with what we carry in.
Here you go Victor ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zVLrVPit0mk.html Also check out the footloop variation. Go to 15:50 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nPtbOkoSB2E.html
I haven't used the DRT method yet, but have some rock climbing experience. So, it appeals to me. One thing that I haven't heard anyone mention, and which I believe will be important to me is this: I climb lots of trees with lots of limbs. I really don't hunt telephone pole type trees. I like spruce and white pine that have many branches. To be safe, I would need two lineman belts and spend tons of time switching from one lineman belt to another lineman belt in order to get around limbs. So, I never use any safety strap until I'm in the tree. Not a good idea. It seems to me that with DRT, all the issues with limbs on the way up my tree are avoided. I'm trying it this summer, and will probably create a dozen "pre-sets." Thanks guys!!!
Your welcome Thanks for watching. One thing is with pine trees the sap can ruin a climbing line so in those trees you might want to use a friction saver to protect your line. We plan to make a video showing how to install one in the future.
Robert Hallifax I SRT and carry 2 ropes. One is 30’ and one is 8’. They can both be my tether and the shorter one doubles as my lineman. So far though I haven’t had too many times where I needed to switch to my short tether and advance my climbing rope.
Yes , me too . That's why we like to do lots of post season scouting and set preset paracord loops so we can minimize dealing with that on the days we hunt. It can be frustrating especially in thick areas so I agree. We just picked up 1000 feet of paracord and will be scouting and setting preset loops post season to prep for next year in as many areas as possible especially way back
@@NYSaddleHunter for sure. As soon as the season is over I am going to put presets everywhere lol. Lately I have been find trees with lower limbs and I just climb the tree and when I'm done I get down with the drt method
sime guys put up all the sticks but the first one before season. having thrown the ball before hand and not setting up the sticks is an unfair comparison if you ask me.
I had 2 watch this video again 4 a recap. My 10 presets on public land r done after yesterday. I was much more efficient yesterday with my new red capillary throw line. It seemed easier 4 me 2 handle & I 💘 the urethane coating. I have 2 left 2 do @ my neighbor's where I will put aluminum blocks in the 🌳 now. 1 premium setup & another as a closer 2 get 2 observation post. Only stand I've found as close as comfortable 2 the saddle is the aluminum stand that tapers from the tree outward with a large but hidden platform. I can leave there or put in the other block when needed. The best thing about the block stand is the seat which u can fold up the hammock seat tight 2 the 🌳 & unfold silently & is comfortable enough 2 sit all day. The climbing rope there would be ideal w/o the tether since u could cover like 270+* . The getting down there is a big advantage especially when it's cold. No extra moving going from the tether & back 2 the climbing rope either . Thanks 😊 4 all the help. I will be tree dropping soon @ home since I have some busy 🌳 that r dieing & they need 2 be removed. I don't want 2 cut them with a tether on a roofing ladder anymore like in the past. Just going up in the 🌳 2 hang come-along straps should do the trick. Take care guys & be safe during these next few weeks & I will do the same.
I’m happy to see the rope technique is working out for you. It is a great way to access our setups. It’s evident you are finding even more ways it will come in handy. Best of luck Joseph stay safe and healthy. And as always Thankyou for your support !!! Go In Light Come out Heavy
6:15 the Helium sticks just blew your hunt. No different than LW sticks. That unnatural sound of the sticks against bark is the biggest problem with every climbing stick to this day and it’s sad that guys pay hundreds of $ to companies that haven’t figured this out.
No never. Climbing is inherently a risk however one of the most important aspects I personally like about DRT saddle hunting is I believe its safer because your fall arrest system is engaged from the moment you leave the ground. They key is never going high until your absolutely certain you are doing it properly. We encourage people to even seek formal training. It's like anything else. Guns are inherently dangerous too however if you know proper gun safety and always put safety first you will be safe. I see this the same way. I think many people today are climbing sticks or steps without a lineman belt or life lines then they tether in with their safety harness when they reach hunting height. So in many ways I think theres more risk many people are taking each time they go in. With DRT and a saddle you are wearing your fall restraint system and its engaged at all times. You just need to know it's done right and once you are sure it's very safe. It does take a little time building confidence in your climbing gear , and once you have that it becomes more comfortable and actually lots of fun
@@NYSaddleHunter Thanks for lengthy response. Just asked you about safety cos it just so happens that 2 days ago I accidentally cut my artery while carving wood. Blood was gushing like a fountain. My girlfriend panicked more than me initially, but then she did a great job calling the ambulance and helping me securing the wound. Anyways, it just happened two days ago but made me realise really how bloody fragile we are. It's just a split secong and we might be, well, gone really. Just been thinking about all the risky stuff Ive done in my life, but never really took their seriousness and safety issues into consideration. Always thought I was cautious enough, but clearly there's no such thing as being "too cautious". Anyways, not falling into paranoia is also somethingvto be mindful of. Thanks a bunch guys. Appreciate your work and time to share your expertise. BTW, have you got a link to one video of yours where you explain all the fancy knots you're using for DRT tree saddle, like step-by-step kind of thing? THANK YOU?
@@mrflytyer5819 wow seems like a scary moment , I wish you a speedy recovery. Safety is paramount. We do all this stuff to have fun and enjoy ourselves. It's no fun if you get hurt. This link shows how we tie the Blake's hitch . ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-z6zt4DwxXdc.html Also click on our videos link on the channel and explore our other videos . I think you will find lots of information on how we do it.
You ain’t lying Vincent , I’m definitely not efficient with sticks. Really don’t have much use for them. Though they definitely are a effective means of hunting. The ones I used in this video are now considered dinosaurs compared to what’s out there today . Keep an eye out ! , I’m devising a system that will keep stick hunters safe from the ground up and back down again. It checks every box from safety, lightweight and compact and ease of use . If your a stick or step climber , climbing tree stand user even a ladder style this is gonna be the one for everyone who hunts from a elevated position. Stay tuned 👍
When we climb using DRT climbing we pull the rope up wrap it up and store it an our pack so there's nothing hanging down. If you are referring to is rope modifications then yes there's some rope Dangling from each stick no differently than if you were in us any tree and used the normal straps that come with a climbing stick you'll always generally have something hanging down though with a rope mod you would typically have more hanging down because they are longer
Well he's a 35 year professional arborist tree climber thus why he favors rope climbing to climb trees like a pro does over using sticks where ever we can
