2024/2025 Squirrel Hunting Thread...........

[ETipp]

The last part of the redo was an unexpected outcome and by chance. I had noticed that the amount of rope I had originally cut appeared to be way more than I would ever use. So, I had planned on cutting it down, but I had decided to wait for the time being. I'm glad I did, too.

This whole tree seat gig is new to me, and let me tell ya that it takes way more rope to go around a lager diameter tree than this ole boy had ever thought. At first I hung the prototype around a small diameter tree to test it out. I had a lot of rope left over and what I had thought was going to be in the way. However, after I built this new seat that's larger all the way around, plus attached it to lager diameter tree, I was shocked to see that I darn near didn't have enough rope. Without doubt, there are larger diameter trees that stand will be going around at times. So, a longer rope is in order, which means more excess to have to deal with when packing in/out. Time for some more head scratching.

I had planned on attaching more Industrial Velcro on the back side and then coil up the rope, then simply pull the Velcro strap tight. However, I ran out of sewn Velcro. I had barely enough to attach the shooting sticks. As I was putting everything together I figured I would simply wrap the rope around the padded seat cushion for the time being. Son of a gun, that works very well. It tucks in nice and tight and out of the way. So, no need in more noise making Velcro. How convenient!

 

[ETipp]

By dismantling a couple of old climbing stands and using a few parts from those, I think it made this basic tree seat into something a little more comfortable. Speaking for myself, and I would wager that most folks on this forum are older as well, if I'm not comfortable while hunting, I won't be staying very long. I stopped using any tree stands back in the early 90's that did not have a comfortable, padded seat with a back pad to go against the tree as well. My old broken up body will no longer allow it.

The gipper teeth on the aft of the stand will accept small diameter trees, as well as large trees. No need in cutting out a radius notch that will not work on every size tree. The adjustable shoulder straps will be very welcome. Much better than using the tree rope over one shoulder.

The finished dimensions on this one is 21" wide by 19" deep. A big difference than the prototype. I have not weighed this larger one yet but it doesn't appear to be very heavy with the shooting sticks attached. It is stained with solid stain, the same stain as my house, as you might have seen in one of the pics. Lucky for me, I found some left over that was hiding in storage. That stain is very weather resistant and much better that paint, which I put on the first one.

I think this is going to work come squirrel hunting time.

By doing some research, I have found that there are many different basic styles and/or dimensions of tree seats out there. Everything from butterfly wing looking seats, to wider and/or shorter seats, more rectangle styles, etc. I would just about bet there has been some out there that the wood is padded in some way as well. I really don't think there is a right or wrong way/style, as long as it works for the person that uses it.

 

[Ditt44]

I am one of those older but not old guys that has a terrible/worsening back and hips and ground sitting is getting harder. Standing still for more than a few minutes is worse than a forced march through a foot of snow. I'd rather walk than stand still.

I think if anyone has the parts and ingenuity you have Ed, they can craft up a similar solution. That grabber bar is really a key component, I think. Even cannibalize some old seat parts if you've got them. About the best competition I see on the market is the Millennium 300 now that your posts got me down that rabbit hole this afternoon!

Nice work!! Imagine about three iterations from now what you'll have!

 

[ETipp]

I am one of those older but not old guys that has a terrible/worsening back and hips and ground sitting is getting harder. Standing still for more than a few minutes is worse than a forced march through a foot of snow. I'd rather walk than stand still.

I think if anyone has the parts and ingenuity you have Ed, they can craft up a similar solution. That grabber bar is really a key component, I think. Even cannibalize some old seat parts if you've got them. About the best competition I see on the market is the Millennium 300 now that your posts got me down that rabbit hole this afternoon!

Nice work!! Imagine about three iterations from now what you'll have!

I appreciate the kind words, but I have no plans on building another one. If I do it will most likely be out of necessity, as in if something happens to this one. I had planned on buying one of those nice, fancy, aluminum type of hunting seats like JimK has, but the money isn't there. So, I really had no choice but to make one.

Believe me, I understand about the pain from sitting on the ground or in an uncomfortable seat. Back and neck both fused twice. They let me know when they are not happy with me. Just gotta keep rolling with the punches and keep moving forward. Keep coming up with different methods.

 

[Jim K]

Way to go Ed. I knew you’d figure it out. My lower back doesn’t take to a lot of standing. We do what we gots to as we age.

 

[ETipp]

I am one of those older but not old guys that has a terrible/worsening back and hips and ground sitting is getting harder. Standing still for more than a few minutes is worse than a forced march through a foot of snow. I'd rather walk than stand still.

I think if anyone has the parts and ingenuity you have Ed, they can craft up a similar solution. That grabber bar is really a key component, I think. Even cannibalize some old seat parts if you've got them. About the best competition I see on the market is the Millennium 300 now that your posts got me down that rabbit hole this afternoon!

Nice work!! Imagine about three iterations from now what you'll have!

Those Millennium seats are nice! Thanks for the link.

 

[ETipp]

Way to go Ed. I knew you’d figure it out. My lower back doesn’t take to a lot of standing. We do what we gots to as we age.

Yes sir we do. Beats the heck out of giving in and giving up. Getting old ain't for sissies, that's for sure.

This ole boy is excited to try out the sticks and the seat. Mother nature has been a real bitty lately and looks to be that way for at least the next two weeks. So, no squirrel hunting.

 

[longcruise]

@ETipp Well, Ed, your chair saga has gotten me thinking more and more about improving my present seat. It has been unchanged for longer than I realized. It doesn't really need improving but I'll be trying a few things that will maybe make it more comfortable. The only change to it over the years has been the strapping in of a chunk of foam.

Thanks for taking us along with this venture.

 

[Ditt44]

20 plus mph winds today and feels like less than 20 degrees... look out my at-home office window around 2pm and see two squirrels playing around in the oaks. Didn't expect to see that. Was tempted to grab the .32 instead of the .50 after work but still want to find a buck so...

 

[Jim K]

20 plus mph winds today and feels like less than 20 degrees... look out my at-home office window around 2pm and see two squirrels playing around in the oaks. Didn't expect to see that. Was tempted to grab the .32 instead of the .50 after work but still want to find a buck so...

I’m not far from you in dauphin co. I haven’t seen one squirrel at my feeder or anywhere around. This weather stinks!!

 

[ETipp]

I’m not far from you in dauphin co. I haven’t seen one squirrel at my feeder or anywhere around. This weather stinks!!

Obviously word has gotten out about that fearsome Keller feller.

 

[ETipp]

20 plus mph winds today and feels like less than 20 degrees... look out my at-home office window around 2pm and see two squirrels playing around in the oaks. Didn't expect to see that. Was tempted to grab the .32 instead of the .50 after work but still want to find a buck so...

That's interesting for sure. Sometimes those little buggers will do the unexpected.

 

[ETipp]

@ETipp Well, Ed, your chair saga has gotten me thinking more and more about improving my present seat. It has been unchanged for longer than I realized. It doesn't really need improving but I'll be trying a few things that will maybe make it more comfortable. The only change to it over the years has been the strapping in of a chunk of foam.

Thanks for taking us along with this venture.

Well Mike, you most likely have the time. Why not spiff up your tree seat? Now's as good of time as any. The nicer and more comfortable you make it, the more chance that you'll be using it more. Win-Win, bro.

What ever you do, don't put anything on it that could connect you to "The Colony". Even elk would run away in fear.

 

[Jim K]

Obviously word has gotten out about that fearsome Keller feller.

My squirrels are for entertainment not eating

 

[Ditt44]

I’m not far from you in dauphin co. I haven’t seen one squirrel at my feeder or anywhere around. This weather stinks

Jim, I got one of my trail cams later in the day... several running around. Our bird feeder had... 15 ... the other day. Probably need to move that inside our chicken coop to keep the squirrels off it and then the girls can get some bonus snacks. I'm just west of Etown half way to Falmouth.

 

[longcruise]

What ever you do, don't put anything on it that could connect you to "The Colony". Even elk would run away in fear.

Interesting that you should bring that up! Recently I was driving past The Colony and was surprised to see a small group of elk and mule deer on the hillside just above The Colony. They just looked at me with a sense of recognition and the Colony members were scrambling for their hidey holes.

I hadn't updated on the insurrection lately because the march on my home fell apart quickly. Several of the less strident of the bunch lost their will with the first crossing of a rather open and treeless area. There was an incident with a hawk that made them hanker for their squirrel friendly Colony environs.

The more determined of the bunch were apparently surprised to find that they were unwelcome when passing through what they expected to be friendly territory. They even expected to be joined in their mission by "friends" made along the way. They actually expected to be able to persuade them of the importance of their mission....... all the while that they plundered the local food supply.

Long story short, the insurrection fell apart and they all returned to the friendly atmosphere of The Colony. There's a rumor circulating that several members of the I'll fated plan were lost to a fox while they searched desperately for food on barren ground. Those facts are being ruthlessly suppressed by the incompetent leadership.

 

[longcruise]

Well Mike, you most likely have the time. Why not spiff up your tree seat? Now's as good of time as any. The nicer and more comfortable you make it, the more chance that you'll be using it more. Win-Win, bro

Serendipitously, as I shuffled valuable junk around the garage today while trying to retrieve my snowblower i came across a nice piece of 3/4" plywood! Ideas are forming!

 

[Coinneach]

After cutting down the cushion straps, that allowed room for the adjustable shoulder straps. The rear strap will lay back out of the way while the tree seat is attached to a tree. The forward strap will simply go over the front of the platform and down out of the way.

Continued.

Now for the extension to include a "winter woman" to while away the time waiting.....

 

[ETipp]

Serendipitously, as I shuffled valuable junk around the garage today while trying to retrieve my snowblower i came across a nice piece of 3/4" plywood! Ideas are forming!

Atta boy! That's how I came up with most all of my components. You can do it!

Serendipitously..............humm. Another one of those big, souped-up, 8 cylinder words. At least I didn’t have to look that one up.

 

[ETipp]

Jim, I got one of my trail cams later in the day... several running around. Our bird feeder had... 15 ... the other day. Probably need to move that inside our chicken coop to keep the squirrels off it and then the girls can get some bonus snacks. I'm just west of Etown half way to Falmouth.

The squirrels here like to get into my chicken lot during the spring. I reckon they are after the scratch I scatter around for my chickens. I had several that went inside the chicken house. They went ballistic trying to figure out how to get out of the doorway after I went in there to scare them away. One went out the small hatch and into the chicken pen on the back. It was darn near impossible to get him out of there. I shot two off of the top of my chicken house with Mr. C.