I really enjoyed your video. It was a little bit of memory lane for me. 30 years ago I hunted w a loc-on and used the climbing spurs too. It was so fast and easy to set up my stand that way. I’m embarrassed to say I used no safety strap until I got to the top where I wanted to hang my stand...mostly at 25’ up. I had my spur kick out a time or two while climbing but I was lucky and held on to the tree. I tried to pick trees that weren’t too large in diameter so I could keep a good grip going up and coming down. It was stupid I know but I was young and lucky. Killed a lot of deer back then out of my loc-on and spurs. I’m still climbing trees but use those safety ropes and harness... Thanks again for sharing your climbing methods. Those spurs made me smile.
great video. I am personally not a fan of a couple of his methods, but he did a super job of explaining and showing the methods. Well spoken and clear. Some good "outside the box" thinking....
Excellent kit Warren, that's a lot of wisdom and experience in one video. Too bad the woodpecker drills are out of production but will check the other one out. Thanks for a great vid.
Really enjoyed the video......wish I had run into you about 20 years ago.....I am 63 now, and lugging a stand in is getting hard especially in the hills. One of my friends used lag bolts that way, but much harder to get out.
Great video, I am looking into the rope steps because of public land restrictions. I made my own woodpecker drill out of pipe, the bolts I coated with heat shrink. That Thermocel is awesome don't hunt without it! The strap-on steps I would check into possible recalls. I have seen several that were recalled.
I modified my Black Diamond alpine bod harness by adding a, length adjustable, lanyard so I can be hands free when hanging my stand. I've also attached my Browning limb saw and pouch for drill & bolts to the harness and removed the gear loops that came with the harness.
Excellent video! I spent this past season saddle hunting. I just wore my rock climbing harness and used one of my static ropes to ascend the trees in a DdRT system the way arborists used to do. Whole setup weighs about 7 pounds, but it isn’t for everyone. I’d like to get some lineman spurs and give those a shot!
Thank You. Now that I'm saddle hunting I seldom use my spurs. I'm not comfortable taking them off and putting them back on while using the very small Predator platform. When I do use my spurs I just use my Lock On stand. Sometimes with the saddle but most of the time I go with the stand and my rock climbing harness.
@@davidwarren719 Yes, probably on an average, I drill 25 trees during the season and select the tree in accordance with available sign, wind direction, past experiences and other conditions. Since I never leave bolts in a tree, I insert them as climb up and pull them as I climb down. If I find a spot that offers a high percentage hunt it's not a problem for me to use my hand drill and hunt the tree when I find it.
Warren I didn’t know you were into saddle hunting. I got mine one year ago and having a ball. I’ll be 65 next month. After spying this video I grabbed my cordless drill and a 3/8 bit and been prepping trees. Way better and quicker than screw in steps. I’m north of San Antonio and not much big timber here. I can get 10’ in most trees. Better than a cloth ground blind. No matter where I put it, Some old smart doe will pick me off. Having some success saddle hunting hogs. We will see what happens deer hunting in October. Any advise on ground blinds? Awesome video!!
Just got through watching your video on climbing methods and would like more information or maybe a video on how you made your shooting rest that you put on your leg. Awesome idea!
I didn't make that rest. I got it in a trade in 1995. It was manufactured in Arkansas, but they are no longer available. A friend of mine was interested in getting one. I sent him the measurements and he did a great job making one. I have pictures showing the dimensions but no way to send them to you.
My local Lowe’s did not have any Plastic coating for dipping like in your video. I used Flex Seal. I hope it turns out in the end. I have 1 coat on so far, will likely put 2 or 3
Just thought I’d give an update about the bolt coating. The Flex seal did not work well. It did well to dampen the noise of the bolts while carrying, but peeled off on the first use. I went to a different Lowe’s and found the plasti dip. Much better product for this application.
Kewaldrop, I started using the hand drill in '83. A few years ago I added a cordless drill to my climbing system. I now start drilling trees with the drill motor & special bit, that I get from EZ-Kut, a month before the season starts. th-cam.com/video/B-bou__WRHU/w-d-xo.html
Thanks....i might give this a whirl....i like my climbing stand but it can be a pain to haul then if you get a deer then it's an ordeal I will be 72 in 2019 still pretty limber
Only one time since 1986. My boot must have gotten caught on the bolt head and pulled it out while climbing. I didn't realize it until I was climbing down. The spacing between the bolts allowed me to overcome the problem. I just had to hang and stretch to reach the one below it.
@@whw103 ok. Thank you for your reply. I like this idea. Light packing in and out of the woods is a big deal for me these days as I am in poor health but still love the hunt. Thanks again.
Great video thank you sir. my only concern is how easy those bolts come out if you lose footing or happen to yank on one a little sideways. Seems to work for you after all these years though so it must be fine.
Drilling the hole on a little less than a 90 degrees angle will make it more difficult to be accidently pulled out. Also when climbing, up or down, for safety sake I always have one hand/arm around the tree and one hand on a bolt.
Man this is awesome, total game changer! As for the holes you drill. How many season do they last? do they get bigger or smaller over time as the tree grows? can you re-drill them?
The holes are good for one season. They close during the Spring growth. You won't be able to re-drill the same hole the next season, but can drill near the previous hole for the same results. I've drilled an oak tree in my yard for 13 years, for shooting practice, without any damage to the tree.
@@whw103 thanks for the reply. Going to do this for the first 4-5 steps to protect my treestands in the tree from thieves. appreciate you sharing this info something I would of never thought this was doable without a screw in device that grabs the tree or a strap.
*Nice stand>>>**ur2.pl/923** so far. It's my first, so don't have a comparison. But, after 2 times trying it out and hunting in the woods I think I have it down. It's light, but I got the Sherpa game cart converter and its a breeze to haul a mile. Also getting the Mollie Straps for shoulders and waist. The harness works as it should: looks like quality seatbelt material. If your on the fence about getting either an open or a closed-get the closed. You can even use the bar to shoot your rifle from if you set the top section high and just stand hunt.*
Wes, I have drilled in the dark before but usually I predrill a tree for a later hunt. I'm from Louisiana. I usually hang my stand 10 bolts high, which is about 20'. But will go lower or higher depending on what's best for each setup. Thanks for watching.
youre a better man than me dear sir... I hang mine about 20-25 as well depending on the tree. I have an awful fear of heights but I love bowhunting so much I give it my all to over come it. I am really enjoying your videos. Im from GA. I am planning to study some of your techniques. They all look very helpful.
Yes, I've drilled trees before daylight. Louisiana. How high I hang my stand depends on the conditions. When using the drill & bolt system I usually 10 bolts high which places my stands platform 20 feet, give or take, depending on the tree.
great video! I wish I could get the hang of using gaffs....bout killed myself the 2 times I tried it...easy getting up...but coming down was a nightmare
I did a in-line splice with three strand rope to make a loop around the belt behind the leg strap so it wouldn't move towards the buckle. With that said I would recommend that you do the same thing with 1" tubular webbing using a water knot to complete and secure the loop. www.strapworks.com/Tubular_Webbing_s/62.htm?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItPfq0ara3wIVeSCtBh1D1AyEEAAYASAAEgLp9PD_BwE
The cordless drill will spoil you. Drilling a hole effortlessly in 5 seconds or less is awesome. Until a few years ago 100% of the holes that I drilled, since 1983, were with a hand drill. Now, I use the cordless for probably 95% of the holes that I drill. Best wishes for you to have a positive experience with this system.
Wel sir. I think I’m sold. I just finished drilling 3 trees in about 5 minutes. You can get in any tree! I’ll be ordering the ez cut this week. Thanks for being a pioneer for this type of hunting. Can’t beat a pocket full of bolt for a climbing method. I feel very safe standing on them!
Good deal! But, before you order the EZ-Kut drill, check out the new hand drill that's offered by Treehopper. I'll be ordering one for myself. www.treehopperllc.com/shop/
It's important to use Grade 8 bolts. The one that I use are 3/8"x6". I purchase mine from wholesale houses that supply hardware. The going prices is usually about 55 cents a bolt.
You need to use 3/8" x 6", Grade 8 bolts. I buy mine from an industrial, wholesale house that specializes in all types of hardware. The going price is about .60 a bolt.
Where did you get those strap steps? I mostly hunt public land and can't use the climbing spurs or the drill. Thanks!!! Oh, this year i am trying out the Wildedge Stepps. They are light and can be used on public lands, something you might want to add to your arsenal!
Link for the rope on steps. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AVZZ5/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_1_wI have an 8 pack of Wildedge Stepps. In my opinion they do more damage to a tree than spurs do.
Do you set up your trees ahead of time in spring/summer? The reason I’m asking is, I like to set all my spots by the end of April, and if I drill the trees then I wonder if the holes would close by September when the season starts.
Yes the pre-drilled holes in the Spring will be in a growing stage and you won't be able to insert bolts. I usually start drilling holes the last week in September (my seasons start Oct. 1). I also drill holes during the entire season as needed. The following season the holes will be closed up, soft and mushy. You won't be able to re-drill them. In that case I just drill a hole that near the previous hole. It can be on either side, above or below. I have a tree in my yard that I have drilled every year for the past 14 years, to practice shooting my bow from, without any damage to the tree.
I really enjoyed your video. It was a little bit of memory lane for me. 30 years ago I hunted w a loc-on and used the climbing spurs too. It was so fast and easy to set up my stand that way. I’m embarrassed to say I used no safety strap until I got to the top where I wanted to hang my stand...mostly at 25’ up. I had my spur kick out a time or two while climbing but I was lucky and held on to the tree. I tried to pick trees that weren’t too large in diameter so I could keep a good grip going up and coming down. It was stupid I know but I was young and lucky. Killed a lot of deer back then out of my loc-on and spurs. I’m still climbing trees but use those safety ropes and harness... Thanks again for sharing your climbing methods. Those spurs made me smile.
I never thought I would be considering climbing the tree with bolts but I am. thank you for the great video
Thanks Mr. Womac your a professional.
Best treestand video I've ever seen! You sir are a genius!
great video. I am personally not a fan of a couple of his methods, but he did a super job of explaining and showing the methods. Well spoken and clear. Some good "outside the box" thinking....
Excellent kit Warren, that's a lot of wisdom and experience in one video. Too bad the woodpecker drills are out of production but will check the other one out. Thanks for a great vid.
Treehopper came out with a drill..
works great 👍
Warren - excellent video, my woodpecker drill and bolts are still going strong since 2005. Have a safe season, Doug Korn
Really enjoyed the video......wish I had run into you about 20 years ago.....I am 63 now, and lugging a stand in is getting hard especially in the hills. One of my friends used lag bolts that way, but much harder to get out.
Great video, I am looking into the rope steps because of public land restrictions. I made my own woodpecker drill out of pipe, the bolts I coated with heat shrink. That Thermocel is awesome don't hunt without it! The strap-on steps I would check into possible recalls. I have seen several that were recalled.
Excellent video Warren. Great demo on how to use the Woodpecker!
I modified my Black Diamond alpine bod harness by adding a, length adjustable, lanyard so I can be hands free when hanging my stand. I've also attached my Browning limb saw and pouch for drill & bolts to the harness and removed the gear loops that came with the harness.
Excellent video! I spent this past season saddle hunting. I just wore my rock climbing harness and used one of my static ropes to ascend the trees in a DdRT system the way arborists used to do. Whole setup weighs about 7 pounds, but it isn’t for everyone. I’d like to get some lineman spurs and give those a shot!
Thank You. Now that I'm saddle hunting I seldom use my spurs. I'm not comfortable taking them off and putting them back on while using the very small Predator platform. When I do use my spurs I just use my Lock On stand. Sometimes with the saddle but most of the time I go with the stand and my rock climbing harness.
Understandable! When you use your saddle and predator stand, is it normally on a tree that you’ve drilled?
@@davidwarren719 Yes, probably on an average, I drill 25 trees during the season and select the tree in accordance with available sign, wind direction, past experiences and other conditions. Since I never leave bolts in a tree, I insert them as climb up and pull them as I climb down. If I find a spot that offers a high percentage hunt it's not a problem for me to use my hand drill and hunt the tree when I find it.
Excellent video! Grateful for the benefit gained through the sharing of your experience.
Warren I didn’t know you were into saddle hunting. I got mine one year ago and having a ball. I’ll be 65 next month. After spying this video I grabbed my cordless drill and a 3/8 bit and been prepping trees. Way better and quicker than screw in steps. I’m north of San Antonio and not much big timber here. I can get 10’ in most trees. Better than a cloth ground blind. No matter where I put it, Some old smart doe will pick me off. Having some success saddle hunting hogs. We will see what happens deer hunting in October. Any advise on ground blinds? Awesome video!!
Just got through watching your video on climbing methods and would like more information or maybe a video on how you made your shooting rest that you put on your leg. Awesome idea!
I didn't make that rest. I got it in a trade in 1995. It was manufactured in Arkansas, but they are no longer available. A friend of mine was interested in getting one. I sent him the measurements and he did a great job making one. I have pictures showing the dimensions but no way to send them to you.
My local Lowe’s did not have any Plastic coating for dipping like in your video. I used Flex Seal. I hope it turns out in the end. I have 1 coat on so far, will likely put 2 or 3
I've never used Flex Seal. I hope it works out for you.
Just thought I’d give an update about the bolt coating. The Flex seal did not work well. It did well to dampen the noise of the bolts while carrying, but peeled off on the first use. I went to a different Lowe’s and found the plasti dip. Much better product for this application.
You will get great results with the Plasti Dip.
Great video! Do you have any details or links on how your safety harness was put together? Thanks
Nice, another option I've always done when hanging stands to hunt at a later time is a cordless drill
Kewaldrop, I started using the hand drill in '83. A few years ago I added a cordless drill to my climbing system. I now start drilling trees with the drill motor & special bit, that I get from EZ-Kut, a month before the season starts. th-cam.com/video/B-bou__WRHU/w-d-xo.html
Yes, it is. I usually start pre-drilling trees with a cordless drill motor in September.
Awesome video... Those are some interesting tools you have..
Thanks....i might give this a whirl....i like my climbing stand but it can be a pain to haul then if you get a deer then it's an ordeal
I will be 72 in 2019 still pretty limber
Warren reckon when the earliest i can drill my trees in Alabama?
I usually wait until the last two weeks in September.
So no trouble with the bolt slipping out ? Just my thought when I was watching this. I really enjoyed your video too thank you.
Only one time since 1986. My boot must have gotten caught on the bolt head and pulled it out while climbing. I didn't realize it until I was climbing down. The spacing between the bolts allowed me to overcome the problem. I just had to hang and stretch to reach the one below it.
@@whw103 ok. Thank you for your reply. I like this idea. Light packing in and out of the woods is a big deal for me these days as I am in poor health but still love the hunt.
Thanks again.
Mr.Womack I enjoyed the video thank you for sharing your knowledge! I'm def gonna subscribe to your channel
Great video thank you sir. my only concern is how easy those bolts come out if you lose footing or happen to yank on one a little sideways. Seems to work for you after all these years though so it must be fine.
Drilling the hole on a little less than a 90 degrees angle will make it more difficult to be accidently pulled out. Also when climbing, up or down, for safety sake I always have one hand/arm around the tree and one hand on a bolt.
Great video!
Man this is awesome, total game changer! As for the holes you drill. How many season do they last? do they get bigger or smaller over time as the tree grows? can you re-drill them?
The holes are good for one season. They close during the Spring growth. You won't be able to re-drill the same hole the next season, but can drill near the previous hole for the same results. I've drilled an oak tree in my yard for 13 years, for shooting practice, without any damage to the tree.
@@whw103 thanks for the reply. Going to do this for the first 4-5 steps to protect my treestands in the tree from thieves. appreciate you sharing this info something I would of never thought this was doable without a screw in device that grabs the tree or a strap.
What brand and model of spurs are you using what do you recommend?
*Nice stand>>>**ur2.pl/923** so far. It's my first, so don't have a comparison. But, after 2 times trying it out and hunting in the woods I think I have it down. It's light, but I got the Sherpa game cart converter and its a breeze to haul a mile. Also getting the Mollie Straps for shoulders and waist. The harness works as it should: looks like quality seatbelt material. If your on the fence about getting either an open or a closed-get the closed. You can even use the bar to shoot your rifle from if you set the top section high and just stand hunt.*
Well, here I was thinking I'm getting to old to be bow hunting public land. Guess I have a few yrs to go. Vey inspiring!
nice video . very informed thanks
Thanks for the information!
I like the kit. I have questions though. Do you drill in the dark of early morning? Where you from?? How high do you typically hunt?
Wes, I have drilled in the dark before but usually I predrill a tree for a later hunt. I'm from Louisiana. I usually hang my stand 10 bolts high, which is about 20'. But will go lower or higher depending on what's best for each setup. Thanks for watching.
youre a better man than me dear sir... I hang mine about 20-25 as well depending on the tree. I have an awful fear of heights but I love bowhunting so much I give it my all to over come it. I am really enjoying your videos. Im from GA. I am planning to study some of your techniques. They all look very helpful.
I have friends in Georgia that are awesome bowhunters. You might find this link interesting. www.outdoorcore.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=9190
Yes, I've drilled trees before daylight. Louisiana. How high I hang my stand depends on the conditions. When using the drill & bolt system I usually 10 bolts high which places my stands platform 20 feet, give or take, depending on the tree.
great video! I wish I could get the hang of using gaffs....bout killed myself the 2 times I tried it...easy getting up...but coming down was a nightmare
Any new suggestions for a place to order grade 8 bolts ? 3/8x6 " bolts??? Locally they are expensive here.
I buy mine from a local hardware wholesale house that offers all types of bolts. This is their link. www.deltabolt.com/
Good stuff, Mr. Warren.
I see your climbing harness is like mine and doesn’t have loops to connect your lineman’s belt to it.would like to know how you did yours
I did a in-line splice with three strand rope to make a loop around the belt behind the leg strap so it wouldn't move towards the buckle. With that said I would recommend that you do the same thing with 1" tubular webbing using a water knot to complete and secure the loop. www.strapworks.com/Tubular_Webbing_s/62.htm?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItPfq0ara3wIVeSCtBh1D1AyEEAAYASAAEgLp9PD_BwE
Mr. Womack.....is it hard drilling the holes on the left side being right handed?
You might find it to be a little awkward at first, but it won't take long for it to become as natural as drilling with your right hand.
I’ve got my bolt being delivered today! I wanted to try them with a cordless first make sure I like it. I don’t see why I won’t. Thank you sir!
The cordless drill will spoil you. Drilling a hole effortlessly in 5 seconds or less is awesome. Until a few years ago 100% of the holes that I drilled, since 1983, were with a hand drill. Now, I use the cordless for probably 95% of the holes that I drill. Best wishes for you to have a positive experience with this system.
Wel sir. I think I’m sold. I just finished drilling 3 trees in about 5 minutes. You can get in any tree! I’ll be ordering the ez cut this week. Thanks for being a pioneer for this type of hunting. Can’t beat a pocket full of bolt for a climbing method. I feel very safe standing on them!
Good deal! But, before you order the EZ-Kut drill, check out the new hand drill that's offered by Treehopper. I'll be ordering one for myself. www.treehopperllc.com/shop/
I want one of your rifle rest where can I get it!
I've had the rest since 1995. To the best of my knowledge they are no longer available or offered.
Thank you, thats how its done.
Where do you find good tree climbing spurs?
Most electrical wholesale houses have spurs. Or, you can do an Internet search to find a place to order a set.
Love it videos....wish I could find me a windwalker my limit is 7 pounds
Where did you find the bolts? Everything that I have tried bent on the first step and I only weigh 180 lbs.
It's important to use Grade 8 bolts. The one that I use are 3/8"x6". I purchase mine from wholesale houses that supply hardware. The going prices is usually about 55 cents a bolt.
You need to use 3/8" x 6", Grade 8 bolts. I buy mine from an industrial, wholesale house that specializes in all types of hardware. The going price is about .60 a bolt.
What is the name of that stand ????
Did you bow hunt Kansas? You look familiar
No, wasn't me. I've never hunted Kansas.
@@whw103 ok have a good season
where did u get our rock harness from
www.sunnysports.com/p-bkdabhxl/black-diamond-alpine-bod-climbing-harness-x-large?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrcnZvr2s1QIVVpSyCh2qqgFCEAQYASABEgLTTvD_BwE&kwid=productads-adid^81355814283-device^c-plaid^133217753320-sku^BKDABHXL@ADL4SS-adType^PLA
Where did you get those strap steps? I mostly hunt public land and can't use the climbing spurs or the drill. Thanks!!! Oh, this year i am trying out the Wildedge Stepps. They are light and can be used on public lands, something you might want to add to your arsenal!
Link for the rope on steps. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AVZZ5/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_1_wI have an 8 pack of Wildedge Stepps. In my opinion they do more damage to a tree than spurs do.
Great vid
Great video Sir. I'm going to share this at my forum public land bowhunters dot com.
You can tell this setup has been concocted over years of experience lol
What type of bolts are you using?
3/8"x6" Grade 8.
Do you set up your trees ahead of time in spring/summer? The reason I’m asking is, I like to set all my spots by the end of April, and if I drill the trees then I wonder if the holes would close by September when the season starts.
Yes the pre-drilled holes in the Spring will be in a growing stage and you won't be able to insert bolts. I usually start drilling holes the last week in September (my seasons start Oct. 1). I also drill holes during the entire season as needed. The following season the holes will be closed up, soft and mushy. You won't be able to re-drill them. In that case I just drill a hole that near the previous hole. It can be on either side, above or below. I have a tree in my yard that I have drilled every year for the past 14 years, to practice shooting my bow from, without any damage to the tree.
It's an original, 6.5 pound, Lock-On Limit
B