Choppin sticks
Contributors to this thread:Massachusetts
From: Wapiti or Bust
07-Feb-19
I got the Ontario knife co machete I can’t wait to hit some land and make some paths! I want to get out there before the ticks wake up. I need a few good turkey spots.
From: lunker
07-Feb-19
Not for nothin but I have found its a lot easier to use hand snips larger laupers and a hand saw than a machete. I have one and leave it ,some stuff is to flimsy like prickers and some stuff is to big to hack at. Hand snips r great for prikers Hack away
From: TT-Pi
07-Feb-19
Wapiti , I got a tick this winter. Dang thing had eaten well. I have too much experience with them.
Anything above freezing temps or in a warm corner ( usually south exposure) will get them crawling up to great you. I suggest that you Spray just in case and do a good check after. Bag your clothing outdoors.
I agree with Lunker , the long handle loppers are another great tool for your project. Also , just a little trick. Don't start your path until your into the thick a little ways to keep it unnoticed.
Good luck .
From: lunker
07-Feb-19
And a trail zig zaged is hard to see as well
From: TT-Pi
08-Feb-19
Maybe you should introduce yourself Wapiti ... Some may not know.
From: Wapiti or Bust
08-Feb-19
Oh yeah I used to be arrow noob I thought I put it on here a few times but maybe some folks missed it
From: Wapiti or Bust
08-Feb-19
I do have loppers and hedge Shears and hand saw and bow saw. I’ve used em all but never machete. It is sucks it was only $20
From: BruceP
08-Feb-19
X2 what pi said on the ticks. Treat them as though they never sleep.
From: Deerdawg
08-Feb-19
Almost every time I am out scouting I am trimming trails. I prefer a sharp machete. I have a few different lengths. I am very careful with it, you don't want to cut yourself bad out in the woods. Checked out the Ontario Machette, looks like a good buy, most in stores are very cheap steel and suck. Bought the Fiskars pole saw /loper and very pleased with quality. I was out for a hike Tuesday and picked up a tick. First bit of warm weather and they are out. During the season had very few ticks. They Suck!
From: BC
08-Feb-19
Judging by your new handle you have an elk hunt in your future. Any plans
From: Will
08-Feb-19
Wapiti - I missed that Noob swaperoo. Good to know.
One thing hit me on the machete. Cautious on the follow through. Legs dont stop them well :)
From: mattthehairy
08-Feb-19
I used to use a machette, then switched to loppers, now it's a 40v cordless electric brush cutter. Does great and even takes down small sapplings.
From: Dale Rheaume
08-Feb-19
There's a tool for every task, and there are plenty of them. Agree with Lunker...prickers take a precise approach with my corona hand pruners. Prickers spring back unaffected, and laugh at you if you attempt with machete. But I prefer to hack away at the saplings with my Tramontina machete...$20 bucks at Lowe's or Home Depot...made in Brazil where they cut fields of sugar cane with them...decent steel but you have to put an edge on it when you buy one (I rather enjoy the process of putting on an edge)...it rings when your cutting, so consider that for your occasion. Folding hand saw when needed. I like to have the options on hand for when the conditions dictate.
From: Arrownoob
08-Feb-19
I started 2-3 years ago. Phase 1- study Phase 2- practice Phase 3-invest in equipement and attend education/licenses Phase 4- get a deer Phase 5 - start applying for different tags. Im Going for it. Maine moose Elk Mule deer Who knows what else. I’m 41 want to get an elk before 50 hopefully I have time, hopefully I can make it happen. It’s been a great start so far. Once I get the elk I don’t know what to change my name to I guess I’ll start teaching young in’s. 2019 is turkey or bust!
From: Arrownoob
08-Feb-19
Oops- I use I’m still arrow on the iPad
From: Dale Rheaume
08-Feb-19
That sounds like my process Arrownoob, Wapati, or ElkTeacher! You're gonna have to head west west to fill that bucket. I hear Bozeman is a fun city...roadtrip anyone??!!! ;^)
From: Arrownoob
08-Feb-19
I’m taking a family trip to Yellowstone in summer. I never had interest in hat region but since starting hunting it seems so exciting!
From: Dale Rheaume
08-Feb-19
That sounds like an amazing trip! Little Big Horn is close by. I'm a history buff, and It's on my bucket list just to see where Custer made history due to his tactical blunder.
From: BC
09-Feb-19
Once you hunt out west you'll want to go back. Start building points in Wyoming. In a few years you'll be able to have a great elk hunt. Good luck.
From: Wapiti or Bust
09-Feb-19
Business in the front
Business in the front
Party in the rear
Party in the rear
From: Wapiti or Bust
09-Feb-19
This weather gets me gobbling.
From: Cougar
09-Feb-19
And apparently talking to yourself ;)
From: TT-Pi
10-Feb-19
Looking real good Wapiti
From: Wapiti or Bust
15-Feb-19
Guys I always ask advice but now I’m giving some: go buy a machete. It is good fun whacking trails. You can bust through thicket real good, different motion than pruner loppers. I’d say do a pass with each for different effect. I’m going out tomorrow she’s hunting with it to bust on through.