Lloyd90 Posted October 23, 2016 Report Share Posted October 23, 2016 Is there a reason we don't really use them over here ? I believe archery season is kicking off at the moment and there some pics of lads up trees in these 'self climbing seats'. Fair play some of them look quite handy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted October 23, 2016 Report Share Posted October 23, 2016 (edited) I have seen and used a number in the US. You really do need a nice clean straight tree to have them climb successfully ... with the planting of poplars over here then a climber would work on one of those. Most of the firs I have seen in forestry have so many twigs and branches sticking out, although clean you could use one, yes they would work. American hunters tend to get out a week or so before their short season starts, check out deer runs etc and prepare a tree for opening morning. I think they are used more on public hunting ground where you would not wish to leave your seat for future use .... mind you have to lock our seats to a tree these days!! :-( Sat in one in Newfoundland waiting for a black bear .. precarious to say the least, even with a safety harness, which is essential by the way. Must admit as the years wear on, I am more inclined to the full monty as found over on the Continent, complete with heater, padded seating and adequate shelf for coffee mug and pear schnapps :-) Edited October 23, 2016 by Walker570 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted October 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2016 I have seen and used a number in the US. You really do need a nice clean straight tree to have them climb successfully ... with the planting of poplars over here then a climber would work on one of those. Most of the firs I have seen in forestry have so many twigs and branches sticking out, although clean you could use one, yes they would work. American hunters tend to get out a week or so before their short season starts, check out deer runs etc and prepare a tree for opening morning. I think they are used more on public hunting ground where you would not wish to leave your seat for future use .... mind you have to lock our seats to a tree these days!! :-( Sat in one in Newfoundland waiting for a black bear .. precarious to say the least, even with a safety harness, which is essential by the way. Must admit as the years wear on, I am more inclined to the full monty as found over on the Continent, complete with heater, padded seating and adequate shelf for coffee mug and pear schnapps :-) What's that ? The hunting towers ? I have intentions to build one on a mates farm (hoping to use scaffold planks), got any plans ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted October 23, 2016 Report Share Posted October 23, 2016 (edited) Just finished one on the side of a slurry pit, originally designed to splat a few more maggies this winter, but it may also see the demise of the odd fox as well. The four uprights are the main stay. See if you can acquire a telegraph pole and quarter it with a chain saw length ways. These make exceptionally good durable legs. Then it is just a matter of deciding how high you want to go. Climbed one in Slovenia last spring and thought I may need oxygen It was high but gave a superb view for 300yrds in all directions resulting in my bagging a real nice six point roe buck. Obviously you need to put in a good floor and plywood in anything of height really doesn't cut it unless you have plenty of crossers. Some 6 x 1 tantalised sawn will last a lifetime and be safe. Your scaffolding planks also would be ideal for the floor. If you use the 1/4rd poles, you really only need 2x4 as stretchers and I suggest drilling and using bolts or threaded bar and big washers rather than screws or nails. The ladder can be either built into the frame on anything up to ten foot floor level but anything above that I suggest a separate ladder/steps. The roof I use shuttering ply and cover with roofing felt. Minimum 4 inch edging strips to let the water drip off clear of the structure. Every one I have built the plan has been in my head and built according to the location. If you don't have a telegraph pole, then Countrywide/ Mole Valley or similar will do tantalised jumping poles usually 12ft which can be used. I repeat the four legs are the most important. The sides can be covered in timber offcuts from a timber yard which usually get sold for firewood and look rustic or sheets of cladding ply with a good coating of creosote or fence paint. The sky is the limit really. The ones I have sat in, in Poland had padded walls and floors against the bone crunching cold and a small heater in the corner. You can also put a couple of small shelves etc for binos, flask etc and either have open sides or full enclosed with push up flaps. Apologies if this wandered on a bit but use your imagination. On edit..... good idea to drive a half round tantalised stake in as far as you can on each corner and bolt through to stop the structure being blow or pushed over. Edited October 23, 2016 by Walker570 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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