76. Platform vs rings of steps, maneuvering around tree, using tree as buffer, shooting & much more

This video covers a lot of ground including; using Treehopper's & Cranford's rings of steps, hanging & climbing a One stick with double aiders, Predator platform, advantages of a 2 panel saddle over a single panel saddle, adjusting the seat depth on a 2 panel saddle, using a girth hitch knot on a tree tether, explaining how a 2 panel saddle has 8 inches of solid strapping to comfortably support your weight on long term hunts, maneuvering around the tree on a ring of steps to use tree as a hiding buffer, why I don't or would never spin around 180 degrees on the same side of the tree as the deer I want to shoot, leaning to the side to take shots from a saddle, how to set up at destination locations, having a bow hanger on the backside of the tree and most of the information and footage is filmed from a deer's perspective, not the hunters.
There is also mention of the best rubber boots in the industry, Gumleaf USA boots. They are all 85% rubber compared to the 35 to 40% rubber content used by almost every other rubber boot manufacturer. There is also a discount code for a 10% discount and the code is "Bowhunt".

[@epa-c7007]

I think I just used my platform for the last time. lol. the ring of steps makes total sense. thanks, John.

[@danielsmith8659]

Shout out to John for the comment on posting videos of scouting public land and why he doesn’t do it. Thank you….. some of us out here really appreciate that, unlike the rest of the KZbin community who doesn’t mind inviting the entire world into their local public gates .

[@Rougar00u]

Was with you till last part, it's public and the world is invited. More hunters more license more money for these lands. This isnt for your personal use and your not entitled to be selfish to it.

[@johneberhart4062]

@@Rougar00u Kip, come on, of course its open to everyone, Daniel just likes protecting his spot by keeping it a secret as do I.

[@MexicanMovie]

YES Daniel, let other hunters do their OWN hard work, you tell even 1 person about a great public land spot, they mention it to their spouse who then innocently tells a few people at work, who pass it on to their spouses when they get home..... soon 40 people are hunting your "spot" you worked so hard to identify. I park at least a half mile minimum from where i hunt at all times. Let the lazy people fail and give up, they deserve it for their weak work ethic.

[@danielsmith8659]

@@Rougar00u the world is welcome to it without a special invitation. John is smart enough to see first hand what it does therefore he doesn’t do it

[@someonesomebody5453]

THANK YOU for your very informational videos that truly break down in detail the best way to use the saddle, as a kid i only had magazines and an occasional bowhunter for advice, I truly hope other youth get a chance to learn from John Eberhart, my opinion the best teacher ever !

[@Bryan-wc3et]

I’ve been saddle hunting 30 years and I would never have a saddle without leg straps. I also on anyones videos never see anyone use a strap on seat with there saddle. I use a podium foot platform as a seat and it works great. It folds up tightly against the tree. You can stay a lot stiller sitting as apposed to leaning. I do love ring of steps. Love your videos, always looking to improve my hunting and I’m 66.

[@michaelconley6245]

Love ur videos no bullshit just right to the point....keep up the good work john buckslayer eberhart....

[@gcnphilly]

Love your videos! Learn so much every time I watch. I like the ring of steps and find them to be really versatile, and I LOVE that you instruct people to use a ratchet strap. That’s the only way I use them. One thing regarding the platform is most people don’t have them angled upward. They are either flat or angled slightly downward and they are pretty comfortable.

[@johneberhart4062]

Yea, I did have it angled up, I just set it up as it was and didn't adjust it.

[@PhillMJones31]

Love using the ring of steps in conjunction with a small platform attached to top of my sticks. Nice setup for sure.

[@danielsmith8659]

I bought a set of bullmans with a ratchet and the tree hoppers with the OCB. I sold the bullmans , and kept the hoppers. I also run the tree hopper recon saddle as well. Love it. John has definitely been one of the more influential characters in helping me pick equipment. Even though this video wasn’t out at the times I bought the the stuff

[@MexicanMovie]

Me too ! Ditching a crappy treestand, hunting at 17 feet and thinking I'm at 20, facing deer I'm trying to kill and hoping i don't get "picked"...... moving to a saddle last year and going up to 25 feet has been a game changer. I'm still using Bullman Silent Approach steps with a ratchet, and also have Bullman Pioneer climbing steps so once i get my max height with my 4 (unfortunately overrated) Beast Sticks, then i keep on going to reach the best height for the tree when appropriate.

[@danielsmith8659]

@@MexicanMovie I’m not anti stand, I enjoyed my time using one very effectively. But the saddle and ROS has made me that much more effective. Not to mention not carrying a stand . I like my set up . Using timber ninja carbon fiber 24” sticks with the tree hopper ROS. Personally I like the OCB, I don’t have to waste time trying to thread the hole with a ratchet . It’s the main reason I went to the OCB. Now if I was a tree prepper , like John , my approach would probably be different , but my time is limited . I do the best with what I have

[@MexicanMovie]

@@danielsmith8659 I have a couple of OCB straps i got from Dano at Eastern Woods Outdoors and they are awesome, but my Bullman Silent Approach steps just don't get tight enough with those so i gotta use the ratchet strap. I have amsteel ropes on my 4 Beast sticks to ditch a little extra weight/potential noise.

[@thebenz6756]

John last year after watching another one of you ring of steps videos, I ordered a set. Left the platform at home, set up the rings just like you said, and hammered a large doe at 5yd. It worked perfectly. Keep up the good work, thanks

[@joshallen2257]

I absolutely love my ESS saddle! Spent a few hours every week in a tree in the backyard during the summer practicing using it, and shooting out of it. There was a small learning curve at the beginning from always hunting out of a treestand (which I still do occasionally), but once I used it a few times, it is badass! And comfortable!

[@johneberhart4062]

They are the best and I've sat in about every saddle out there. Especially if you modify it.

[@cjr4497]

I can attest to the platform plus ring of steps for those that want to use a platform. The very first time i practiced shooting with just a platform I immediately realized how hard it was to shoot around the back side of the tree. It was a struggle holding steady at 20 yards! My left foot was searching for a place to go to state it myself but there was nothing there. I had seen your videos previously and suddenly it all made sense. I immediately researched steps and bought a five pack of tree hoppers. They solved my problem and I have been using them ever since. I actually killed a 180 lb sow yesterday at about 35 yds with a shot I could have never taken with a platform alone.

[@personalprojectile]

Thanks for all the wisdom from the woods John. Just ordered some tree hoppers to try

[@jeffsalsieder640]

Phenomenal video, John. Your comments about movement are spot on. Every early season I get a wake up call on just how good deer are in picking up movement. Just yesterday I called in a few does with a fawn bleat. I was using a ring of steps but knew I had to move/step to left to get a shot opportunity. I moved too quickly and they busted me. I have been recalibrated once again! I believe that hunters make the mistake of thinking that being up in a tree means that deer can't see us because they don't naturally look up. But on level ground, If I am at 20 feet elevation and a deer is a 30.0 yards, my direct line of sight to the deer is 30.7 yards. So the angle is not that large. Your point about looking at it "from the deer's perspective" is so true. We are still in their peripheral and up/down vision until they get much closer. All the more reason I agree with your assessments about steps vs platform. Questions: 1. Do you place your HYS strap and/or bow hook higher than your tether? 2. I noticed that the ratchet is prone to rust. Do you add a bit of vaseline or gun oil? I want to reduce rust and keep it operating smoothly but want to be scent free. You cannot remove the ratchet from the strap for purposes of washing. 3. Do you wait a year to use your boots hunting because you want scent to dissipate or because you want to break them in?

[@johneberhart4062]

My screw in bow holders are set up so the grip of the bow is directly in line with my left hand when hunting. With a HYS strap, it goes above my tether. You can wash the strap without getting the ratchet wet by propping it up above the water lever. I hunt in the rain a lot so getting it wet can't be avoided in the long term. If you use a scent free grease, it would be OK, but I never use oil or grease on anything. I want the scent to dissipate.

[@chrisweber5041]

After talking to you last weekend, I’m the guy with the Lions cup you made fun of. LOL. Anyway, I took your suggestions and received my treehopper steps yesterday. Look forward on trying this saddle and steps this weekend!

[@joshlasure3384]

Great video John !!!

[@JD-mn8cx]

The cranford steps with the heavy duty buckle are great. They work fantastic!

[@RedlineOutdoors]

You’ve always got excellent content brother

[@paulcrave3112]

Thanks John. Sometimes you’re an ass but I get it. I enjoy either way.

[@rodger603]

Thanks John! I've only hunted for meat over the years, and this year I'm targeting some big bucks for the first time. Bought your signature saddle and coming from a old tree worker that has been in saddles it's very comfortable. Thanks for all the information for a new guy just getting into saddle hunting!

[@averageoutdoorsman9342]

I like to dig the bottom of my toes into the tree like I'm squishing a bug while using the aider. It feels more stable IMO. Good luck this year and happy hunting!!

[@RedlineOutdoors]

Can’t wait to watch

[@MrJjfriz8]

Just came in from my first sit of the season. I hunt on a platform. I had a doe come in from my 4 o'clock and walk to my 7 o'clock. Once I had my right arm under my tether and was ready to draw, she was far enough to my strong side that I couldn't take the shot any longer. Long story short, I'm going to order a ring of steps.

[@jbloutdoors3946]

Good stuff! I love the honesty. A pressured 3 yr old is a different animal here in Franklin County NC.

[@johneberhart4062]

A 2 1/2 year old buck in a heavily pressured area is smarter than a 6 1/2 year old on TV.

[@Crayz919]

Their phschizophrentic here in wake county N.C.

[@mikemccomas1440]

John, SO much good information, I'm going to have to watch again. I Tried the single panel with platform on a less than vertical tree--didn't feel confident in my shot making ability. Would like to try double with ring of steps. Also thanks for info on the gum leaf boots. I'd be money ahead right now if I'd known that about 20 years ago. ATB

[@deadnorth8333]

Sometimes the truth hurts thanks for not selling out and keeping it real from ACTUAL experience SKOAL🍻 from an old yooper

[@kevinh845]

Appreciate your videos and knowledge John. Thanks for sharing.

[@DeltaFlaugeOutdoors]

Great information.

[@tannermatthew696]

Bought the ess saddle and im really enjoying the heck out of it

[@johneberhart4062]

Let me know if you have any issues

[@gordonc615]

RoS all the way!! There's no comparison! I use the tree for cover way too much to have a platform not to mention who wants to lean all day when you can sit down and relax.

[@charlesdecker6342]

Tree hopper ros and squirrel steps are awesome

[@treeghost1978]

I go between a ring of steps only and a ring with my platform, but mostly just a ROS. I do find my predator platform VERY comfortable! But, one thing to add, is you should be cautious when wearing nobby boots. Cause sometimes if you pivot your feet instead of picking them up when you move, the lugs will get hung on the holes in the platform and make kind of a popping sound. Atleast it does/has with me. But nothing wrong with either. You do you....

[@MikeyWoomer]

Just bought 5 treehoper steps.. I just has it happen to me where I got busted on the same side. I wasn't able to move over out of sight. Give these a shot. For 80 bucks it's worth a shot see how they work. Be lighter than my xop platform too. Might try using both idk see what happens. Thanks for the video ol boy

[@johnfatorich3494]

Good day John, Thanks for another informative video. Totally agree with your opinion on the cam strap for the Tree Hopper ring of steps. Too many adjustments to get them stable. Secondly you mentioned your bow holder placement, what kind do you use and do you place it above your tether or below. I've been using deck screws with a stubby screw driver always seem to be relocating my bow hanging point. Thirdly when wearing a saddle, pocket placement on most jackets is not conducive to saddle hunting. I've had to make additional pockets inside my jacket and high enough to be saddle obstruction free to keep things organized. It seems all jacket hip pockets are right under the support points of my saddle making the pockets useless for gear. And finally I would appreciate a video of your approach on changing jackets and pants due to weather conditions while suspended. Thank you for the sharing the years of experience with us all.

[@chrisweber5041]

Good stuff John! TY

[@Im.hurtnLinda]

Silent approach platform step for ROS. Has the angle for your feet. Best step on the market.

[@brandonmiller7372]

The treehopper steps are great

[@prestonjoyner8344]

cool thanks for sharing, I noticed how you always keep your bow to the left of your body. there is no way to accidently cut anything very smart.

[@kidneystones3406]

Great video I use a ring of steps with a platform also. I don't understand why can't sit on a platform? I do it all the time. There's plenty of KZbin videos if hunters sitting in a platform or leaning on the platform.

[@robertlocke7711]

I have the tree hopper steps love them. Use them with my one stick with a small platform called the flat scout. If you clip the strap on the ocb and pull on the strap you can move the steps under tension the cam just takes out more than your arms ever could. They will settle a little but then they do not move. Play around with it more you may grow to like it.

[@danielsmith8659]

Love my tree hoppers

[@Michigandrivenoutdoors]

So do you use a back pack or anything like that while in the tree? If so how do you manage to go around the bag that's hanging on side of tree?

[@Shockstar76]

You definitely make a good case for steps. Curious if you have played with the Any Tree Outdoors Tree Straps? The concept as a platform looks interesting and seems to share some of the tree step advantages.

[@tmp4x8]

xop has a ring of steps that is the best of both worlds. Composite steps and a heavy duty ratchet strap. I've been nervous about using them for a mobile setup because of the noise but i'll trust you that it's alright and ditch my platform!

[@coleasinas2570]

Hey John, any tips on keeping the ratchet quiet??? I’ve heard gun oil but that sounds very counter intuitive to the scent control idea. What are your thoughts ?

[@pbbananas]

These videos on all details of saddle hunting are awesome. I run a hang on but I would like to get a saddle for additional options. Your arguments for the two piece saddle and ring of steps have me convinced. I saw in a lower comment that your saddle is modified from the factory ESS saddle that’s available. What is that modification?

[@pbbananas]

Also if that info is already available elsewhere, could you point me in the right direction to find it? Thanks again.

[@MexicanMovie]

I'm working on switching to "Ring of Steps" only, but when i do use my platform (A) it is level, not angled like yours and (B) i sit with my feet all the way into the tree with the tree trunk between my legs like how you sit. Only time i use that extra platform room was occasionally standing up to pull my one piece saddle back down or just to change positions for a minute, in which i hug the tree and stay totally tight against it while standing. Now that I have the ESS saddle I'm working on ditching the platform, but it's kind of like a pacifier for me, a hard habit to break. But YOU are the KING of hunting and I wanna kill more deer, not suck my pacifier so I am doing what i need to do to be as successful as i can be, because all i have is heavily pressured public land, no free permissions and no private land at all.

[@gordonc615]

Btw will you let me know when you have a yard sale? I'll fly from tn to Michigan just for it!!

[@rickbroyles4091]

WOW THE DEER I HUNT WOULD LOVE THE PAINT JOB

[@shaneshonda]

I don't use a saddle but I'll listen anyways 🤪

[@MichaelKortman]

Hi John my name is Mike and I have been watching your videos for years. I have a question about this video, where do you get the Cranford ratchet strap. I search for it and it doesn't come up. I would like some more information about the strap and wonder if you know more about it.

[@glennflake5732]

I looked at Cranford and Tree Hopper but ended up getting Bullman ROS x 6. You try them?

[@Gettin_Outdoors]

Don’t know if you’ll see this John but I’m a 315 pound in shape man and I am curious if they have options for bigger guys?

[@allanhamilton17]

John your the best, period, end of discussion! :-)

[@johneberhart4062]

Thanks Allan, just trying to have hunters get the most out of every hunt.

[@Michigandrivenoutdoors]

What ratchet strap do you use?

[@micahdunleavy9227]

Idk what brand my ring of steps in but it seems to give sideways and I can’t seem to ratchet it tight enough..

[@deerslayertv1139]

John you can’t post these videos while I’m at work. I’ll get in trouble

[@timetohunt1]

Hey John, do you use a peep sight with your setup? Thanks for sharing.

[@ryanpalmer8925]

Gumleaf boots are absolutely the best boots. I have been wearing mine for 3 hard years and no issues. Although last year I was dragging a nice 10 out and the g2 cut the top off my boot but what the hell

[@aotec89]

John, doesn’t the sound of the ratchet spook deer? I like to hunt close to bedding and think the ratchet noise would push them away

[@2cthetruth]

I have a question Mr. Eberhart: do you carry a side arm in case you run into wolves or bear when your are way back in the woods? I see there are estimates of 800 wolves (probably more). Thanks just want to be safe as I am able.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

We don't have wolves where we hunt and very limited bear

[@paulcrave3112]

Why would you recommend NOT wearing GUMLEAF boots the first year you own them? Do they need to be broken in? Or is it because they have a strong odor of rubber?

[@johneberhart4062]

85% rubber content means they have a very strong rubber odor when new. The lower the rubber content in a boot, the less they smell when new. I know it sucks to buy new boots and not wear them, but that's what I do. You may be able to get away with it because it's not human odor, but it is a foreign odor to the deer and the more mature the deer, the more they notice the small stuff and don't come in. Now if your totally hunting the wind and expect deer to come in from upwind, then you will be OK. I don't pay attention to the wind and therefore expect deer to come in from any direction.

[@joelweber1961]

I have been watching alot of your videos and love them! Thank you. But I have been hunting off a platform for a couple years now and you are not representing the best and most comfortable way to actually be on the platform, not the edge. Just my 2 cents (even though you did not ask for it)

[@jason6325]

I use John's scent regiment 100% to the T. That being said. I just can not see how this saddle hunting is more effective than using a climbing stand. I can walk up to a tree and snap 2 cables around a tree. Tie my gear to my rope and be 25' up in less than 3 minutes. I've never not one time in my life had an issue to where i couldn't get a shot off with my bow . Ill use my summit as long as I'm able to climb.

[@joepatout6818]

John do you use knee pads?

[@paulcrave3112]

How do those boots feel standing on ring of steps? Is the sole firm enough?

[@johneberhart4062]

When you sitting properly in the saddle, about 80% of your weight is supported by the seat so the amount of pressure felt on the bottom of your boot is almost nothing. I can lift my feet oof my steps while sitting in the saddle properly with my knees bent about 30 degrees.

[@paulcrave3112]

@@johneberhart4062 I see. Makes sense. What saddle were you wearing in the video. It didn't appear to be a Signature Series.

[@johneberhart4062]

@@paulcrave3112 I was wearing a modified ESS. I did 2 videos at an Amish shop and he modifies ESS's to be like mine. Makes a big difference is ease of use for walking and climbing, they hunt exactly the same though.

[@paulcrave3112]

@@johneberhart4062 what does it cost to modify?

[@johneberhart4062]

@@paulcrave3112 I think the Amish guy charges about $40 to modify an ESS

[@jacobB1049]

Always have good advice but the phantom is the worst single panel saddle on the market and the comfort ball are useless

[@linthicum75]

Oneida makes a good finger release bow not just Mathews

[@a.b.k1983]

I’d love to try this but I can’t afford to keep dumping money into gear. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ryansmith8440]

How does he hold his bow steady enough to shoot a deer?

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Love the content. But trying to swing around the tree for a back side shot is almost impossible because the girth hitch prevents you from going all the way around. I simply just stand up and turn the other way around opposite of what u did like I'm in a conventional hang on

[@johneberhart4062]

No way it makes noise, I've been doing it for 41 seasons. The girth hitch doesn't prevent anything, you let about 2 inches of tether out before yu move totally around the tree. You obviously haven't been using the Ropeman correctly if you don't know to let out some tether to move around the tree. Your method will cost you opportunities over time, I guarantee it.

[@gsquared2394]

Don’t need all this fuss when hunting a deer farm

[@johneberhart4062]

That's right so I'm certain you don't need to worry about that stuff. I on the other hand, and many others do need to pay attention to the fuss.

[@truggwalger]

Yeah well not everyone has the luxury of hunting a box blind overlooking a food plot.

[@mbm460ns5]

Any plans on making a ess harness in larger size

[@oldtomplatz8862]

Ratchet strap lol 😂

[@mathews2088]

$380 for dinner boots?!?!?!?