For those new to saddle hunting, using mini sticks can be a game-changer for achieving significant height with minimal weight and bulk. This guide explains a simple yet effective method for rookie saddle hunters to climb higher using mini sticks combined with aider steps. This approach mirrors the height capability of full-length sticks, while offering enhanced portability and ease of use, perfect for beginners aiming to elevate their hunting game.
Essential Gear for Mini Stick Climbing
To get started, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. Begin with three mini sticks, ideally Hawk minis, or modified API or Lone Wolf sticks, ensuring a step distance of 18″-22″ for comfortable climbing. If modifying full-length sticks, remember to adjust the attachment knob/button accordingly. Next, acquire some climb-rated tubular webbing to create soft aider steps. You’ll need to make two types of aider steps: a permanent aider and a Carry-As-You-Go (CAYG) aider.
For each mini stick, craft a permanent soft aider step from the tubular webbing. Affix it securely to the bottom step so it extends 18″-22″ below the hard step. This soft aider effectively increases your reach, providing the height advantage of a full-length stick. Attaching it to the outside edges of the bottom step ensures it stays open, simplifying foot placement during your ascent.
Additionally, create a CAYG aider from webbing—a loop long enough to drape over the top stick stand-off (behind the top step) and extend 18″-22″ below your permanent webbing aider. To keep this second soft step open and accessible, many hunters insert a piece of clear hose or stiff rope into the webbing at the bottom point.
Step-by-Step Guide to Climbing Higher
The climbing process is straightforward and efficient. Begin by hanging your first mini stick as high as you can comfortably reach. Drape the CAYG aider over the top of this stick, allowing it to hang down. Step into the CAYG aider, then into the permanent aider attached to the mini stick, and finally onto the bottom step of the stick itself. At this point, you can remove the CAYG aider, sling it over your shoulder for later use, and step onto the top step of the mini stick. You are now ready to hang your second stick and repeat the process.
Remember, safety is paramount during your climb. Always use a lineman’s rope throughout your ascent to ensure you are securely connected to the tree at all times. This method, combining mini sticks and aider steps, offers a safe, simple, and lightweight solution, especially beneficial for those who are new to saddle hunting.
Achieving Your Desired Hunting Height
Using this technique with three mini sticks, each equipped with aider steps, you can typically reach heights ranging from 15 to 24 feet. The exact height you achieve will depend on several factors, including your personal height, athleticism, and the spacing between steps on your mini sticks. This range is more than sufficient for most saddle hunting scenarios, placing you at an advantageous height for a successful hunt while maintaining stealth and minimizing gear weight.
Conclusion: Climb Higher, Hunt Smarter
For saddle hunting rookies, mastering the use of mini sticks with aider steps opens up new possibilities for reaching optimal hunting heights without the burden of heavy or cumbersome equipment. This method not only simplifies the climbing process but also enhances safety when used in conjunction with a lineman’s rope. By adopting this approach, you can efficiently and confidently ascend to your desired elevation, ready to make the most of your saddle hunting experience.
