Hello everyone. I use mostly lockons that are preset with screw in steps. I leave them in one place all season and then take them down. I do this on our Hunting Lease. With that being said, I do ocasionally go to a public state park to hunt and this requires using either a climber or strap on steps to get up into a tree. My question is, do any of you use or have any of you used, the Tree spikes Cabela's sell? They look like a big knife straped onto your boot and allow one to climb a tree like a tree surgeon. Any input? Just seems it'd be less noise and less a fuss to pack these in and take them out and climb than straping on 4 or more ladders and then the stand etc...
I climb for a living ( I'm an arborist), I would rather ANY day use the ladders than the gaffs, they hurt your feet, and are hard on your knees, trust me on this one. They are hard on trees too, much more than strap-on ladders.
Also, it is never a slick, slip-free climb with gaffs, you WILL slip and unless you are roped in from above, you may slide down the tree.
I do this for a living, I hope this helps.
BD :)
That being said, I have used my gear for setting up and clearing lanes, but when season comes; I use the ladders. they are wayyyyy better and easier.
BD
I have hunted a lot useing the gaffs.If you want to do it don't even consider the Cabelas stuff.Get an old pair of pole climbers, A good climbing belt and harness and pick your trees well.You need more support on your legs than the little sport climbers will give you.I have some of those but would not even give them away because they are dangerous.
If the state park you are hunting in requires a climber, strap-ons or a ladder, the spikes will be illegal to use. The spikes will damage the tree just as bad as screw-in steps. Better check your local regulations before using gaffs....
"They are hard on trees too," - which also is the reason that screw-in steps are not permitted on public land. In my humble opinion, screw-in steps and climbing spikes should be cleared with private landowners as well before they are used. Some landowners may have preferences or guidelines when it comes to drilling/scarring certain trees.
I also am a 20 year arborist. PLEASE take Forester's and Big Dog's advice DON'T DO IT
Doug77
I'll join Forester, Big Dog, and doug. If you're not experienced, don't do it. Safety First!! Then consider the trees. I'm not anything as romantic as the other guys, I was just a signalman on the railroad; climbed lots of poles and a few trees when we had to clear limbs off our pole line. I don't recommend them to anyone. I haven't even used mine for several years.
You can't use the spikes here in MO on conservation land. Being a 30 year arborist, I agree with the comments above about your safety. I tried them a few times and they also make alot of noise. Best bet for the trees and your safety leave the spikes at home. I'm using the Lone Wolf climbing sticks this year. Pretty fast and quiet.