Going Vertical

[wiiawiwb]

I've always been interested in tree stands as a means of sasquatching. There seem to be a number of reports of sightings from those who have been in one.  It comes with obvious dangers but it would offer a better vantage point.  Put on camo, be completely quiet, and just wait and watch.

 

Consistent with this approach, earlier tonight I saw an episode of Finding Bigfoot where Cliff went high up in a tree, 100' or so, with a thermal imager.  The particular tree was chosen because it offered views of open fields near vast forests where he could see anything that ventured to the perimeter of the forest or into the fields.  I wouldn't consider myself given that I'm a little squeamish about heights but think it is an excellent idea for those so inclined. You become a human drone.

 

Has anyone tried sasquatching from a tree stand or up in a tree?

[7.62]

Never sasquatching but the woods come alive after you climb up and it settles down a bit.

 

Other than scent and there's ways to battle that the only real way you can be detected is movement .

If you can stay still you can see all types of game , large and small . I don't know what type of terrain you go to but on the east coast tree stand hunting 

is very successful in filling tags .

[Twist]

I think it’s a great idea.  Can’t think of any natural threats BF may watch out for from overhead so it may be the least scouted area as they move.  I would start off by avoiding excess technology at first and see what results you get.   Just good ol human eyes and ears.  

[MIB]

21 hours ago, wiiawiwb said:

Has anyone tried sasquatching from a tree stand or up in a tree?

 

I've never used a tree stand .. at all.   However, a friend from Idaho told an interesting story.   Apparently a preacher hired an outfitter for a horseback elk hunt.   Somehow sasquatch came up and the outfitter said there's a particular canyon .. well, two .. that meet in a saddle behind a small knob and there's all kinds of "strange" activity there.   The preacher poo-poo-ed the whole sasquatch thing and asked to be left up in the tree stand in that saddle ... apparently trying to prove something.   I don't recall the specific details but I gather he returned to camp at a dead run, gathered his stuff, and insisted on an immediate ride back to town.   What he proved wasn't what he set out to prove.      I've been to that saddle once.   I guess within my friend's bigfoot group, it is now unofficially named after me.   Don't know why, maybe because I sort of took an instant liking to it.   It definitely has the look and feel.    Anyway, I don't think the preacher liked his tree stand experience.

 

MIB

[VAfooter]

I always thought that a long duration experiment in the trees could prove fruitful. My idea would consist of a higher platform (30-40 feet at least), and large enough to store sufficient supplies for a 3-5 day watch. Go up once and do not come down until your supplies run out. Of course, there are certain logistical problems that would have to be overcome, and this is not a portable or mobile solution. But it could pay off if the individual was quiet and was observant of the surroundings, especially at night.

[wiiawiwb]

I've never been in a tree stand nor do I have the equipment (yet).  For the inexperienced, like me, I can imagine being up 20'+ feet in a tree in the black of night would be very disorienting.  Everything in every direction is black. Akin to being in a airplane in the clouds -- you have no idea where the horizon is. Left is right and up could be down. 

 

Until you're used to it, I can imagine I'd have a flashlight dimly lit on occasion to see just how close I was to the platform's edge. 

[Outkast]

10 hours ago, VAfooter said:

I always thought that a long duration experiment in the trees could prove fruitful. My idea would consist of a higher platform (30-40 feet at least), and large enough to store sufficient supplies for a 3-5 day watch. Go up once and do not come down until your supplies run out. Of course, there are certain logistical problems that would have to be overcome, and this is not a portable or mobile solution. But it could pay off if the individual was quiet and was observant of the surroundings, especially at night.

I wonder if you could adapt one of those platforms like climbers use? portable ledge, I think...

[7.62]

For the ones who haven't used a tree stand. There's really no risk of falling if you use the proper harness when hanging it and while sitting in it. They also have climbers

where you use the stand to climb the tree. I have both types . The climber you get the hang of it pretty easy the first time you use one. Within just a few minutes you can be 20 or 30 feet up a tree before you know it. As always you are always harnessed on to the tree in case of a slip and the bottom climber is attached to your belt so you don't lose it.

 

I have had some weird stuff happen being up at night but not bigfoot related . I had an owl fly so close to my face I felt it feathers . That was freaky 

[7.62]

55 minutes ago, Outkast said:

I wonder if you could adapt one of those platforms like climbers use? portable ledge, I think...

Something for that long of a duration you don't want a tree stand . It's something you would have to build up in a tree as a permanent stand. 

[VAfooter]

Right, my idea is more of a fixed asset, think small treehouse or something similar. You really want to get fancy, put up walls and a roof for all weather surveilling. Of cource this would be difficult to build anyplace except your own property. I cannot see the Forest Service taking too kindly to a fixed structure in one of the National Parks (not to mention hauling the materials in to build it). But for long term occupancy and observation, it does make sense, at least to me.

[Twist]

Logistics of hauling building are one issue, another may be the bigger and more obtrusive it is could lead to detection by BF. Small and unassuming I think would be the best approach.  

[VAfooter]

One could certainly use a little camo to help hide the structure. And if done correctly, the structure might even cause BF to become curious about it and move closer to inspect it.

[Twist]

Peeking their curiosity is certainly another route.   Probably try both attempts over time or different sites.   If they are as adapt in the woods as I tend to believe then going up or in an undergroundish blind may be the best options.  I’d prefer to be up personally.  

[Catmandoo]

21 hours ago, VAfooter said:

Of course, there are certain logistical problems that would have to be overcome

"certain logistical problems"............that Depends.  The climbers in Yosemite developed "mud hens" but I believe that they are no longer allowed.

 

9 hours ago, VAfooter said:

Right, my idea is more of a fixed asset, think small treehouse or something similar. You really want to get fancy, put up walls and a roof for all weather surveilling. Of cource this would be difficult to build anyplace except your own property. I cannot see the Forest Service taking too kindly to a fixed structure in one of the National Parks (not to mention hauling the materials in to build it). But for long term occupancy and observation, it does make sense, at least to me.

 

If you did this in Western Washington, you would end up with homeless people a day after you left.

The previously mentioned 'ledge tents'  are expensive. Inflatable  units that do not weigh very much have been developed. A lot of camo material would be needed to hide them. I have purchased  camo fabric from a vendor on ebay. The store name is textile_specialist.  Many camo fabrics are available for about $10 per yard with a width of 55"---60". They also stock Cordura, Nomex and Kevlar materials.

 

Next category to Google is:  'suspended tree tents'.   Add camo.

Edited August 27, 2020 by Catmandoo
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[VAfooter]

25 minutes ago, Catmandoo said:

"certain logistical problems"............that Depends.  The climbers in Yosemite developed "mud hens" but I believe that they are no longer allowed.

 

I see what you did there....     One of these might work:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Toilet-Designed-Recreational-Activities-5-3-41541/dp/B004SFKJIQ

 

But it might be easier just to dump some lime into a five gallon bucket instead...

 

25 minutes ago, Catmandoo said:

If you did this in Western Washington, you would end up with homeless people a day after you left.

 

Preventing unauthorized access while unoccupied would be a challenge. I suppose that if it is remote enough, it could be OK. If it is located 40-50 feet above ground, then some type of ladder would be required. Removing the lower 8-10 feet could prevent intruders from gaining access. Only reattaching that lower section when you use it might be an option, perhaps not a very good one though. 

 

 

25 minutes ago, Catmandoo said:

They also stock Cordura, Nomex and Kevlar materials.

 

For those times when BF starts throwing rocks your way....