Starting right with the Silent Approach Strap-On Steps for saddle or tree stand hunting.

The Silent Approach Climbing System will change the way you hunt! This package includes 12 right or left, non-metallic strap-on tree climbing steps. These steps are the some of the lightest, most quiet, most compact, most versatile, fastest, and easiest to carry tree climbing system. The Silent Approach Climbing System is PERFECT when matched with a tree saddle or lightweight hang-on stand.

With 12 lightweight steps, the Silent Approach Climbing System will enable you to climb over 20 feet in a just few minutes safely and without exertion. You simply remove each molded step from the carrying pouch, then attach to the tree in seconds. You do not have to drill holes, screw in steps, or unload a cumbersome stack of heavy metal sticks.

The Silent Approach Climbing System quick and simple – BUT it requires practice to make climbing a tree stress-free. This video demonstrates the Three Step Method we suggest you use to become comfortable and efficient with the Silent Approach strap-on tree climbing steps.

First, start at the base of the tree and attach ONE step about 18-inches off the ground. There is no top or bottom, but designed to “pull” each strap tight to you and thus change direction with each step. Each tree climbing step is super-strong and includes a nylon strap rated at 1500 pounds and buckle rated at over 2,000 pounds. Pull the strap tight but don’t worry about making it totally immobile. The step is designed to lock onto the tree with a little slack that pinches tight as the step moves downward under your weight with your weight straight down in line with the step and you staying close to the tree.

With the Silent Approach Step attached, place the arch of your foot on the step and your boot tight against the tree, hold the sides of the tree with both hands and stand on the step. Concentrate on placing your weight on the step while your leg pushes straight downward. Feel how the step sags an inch or two as your weight is added. Here you should learn what a properly seated step feels like and how to make it happen. Once all the slack is taken out a very solid leverage point should be had.

Climb onto the step from both sides, standing on your left then right foot. You may feel more comfortable and stable on one versus the other – and this will be important for the next step.

Second, while standing at the base of the tree, attach a third Silent Approach Step to the tree 18-inches above the second step. Each step is identical and can be strapped on left or right of the centerline. The line of force the can help or hurt a climbing attempt.  The steps should be attached only a few inches right and left of the centerline, and always on the upper side of a slanted tree trunk.

Like before, place your hands on both sides of the tree, climb onto the first step and then the second step. Pause for a moment then climb down. Repeat climbing several times, keeping your legs close to the tree, and carefully allowing your weight to force the step straight down.

Climbing is a one-two process. One: place the arch of your boot on the step with your boot tight against the tree. Two: step on the step and slowly transfer your weight straight down. Feel as the step slides down against the tree trunk with the strap. It IS NOT important to get these steps extra tight initially. The strap will loose all its slack as you step down and eventually hit a solid spot when seated correctly. Seating the step is essential. Always avoid climbing onto the steps at a sideways angle which could cause them to pivot. Always avoid placing your weight on the outer tip of the step.

If you feel very comfortable climbing, you can space the Silent Approach Climbing Steps up to 24-inches apart. If one leg is weaker, you may want to position every other step closer together. Keep in mind that “real world” tree climbing will often require uneven spacing. Unlike climbing sticks, each Silent Approach Climbing Step is attached to the tree with its own strap so you can quickly position the steps right and left of center for a natural climbing route, plus orient the steps around the tree to overcome leaning angles and branches.

Third, attach a lineman’s belt to the tree at slightly above waist height. This can be a specific climbing belt or your tree saddle. Hold the lineman’s belt (or rope) loosely with your fingertips as you also are touching the tree on both sides. Lean back and feel how the belt stabilizes your weight. Adjust the length of the lineman’s belt so you have room to move yet are not leaning back uncomfortably.

Now climb with one foot on each step as you hold the rope and move it up the tree trunk. The belt should be at slightly above waist height while standing with one foot on the lower step and the other on the second step. The lineman’s belt will stabilize your weight, freeing your hands to remove the fourth Silent Approach Step from the carrying pouch and attach it to the tree. Repeat for the fifth step.

Now hold the lineman’s belt and move it up the back side of the tree as you climb onto the third and fourth steps. Pause for a moment, then climb down. Repeat until you feel comfortable.

Descending the tree is just as simple. With the lineman’s belt providing support, you descend two steps at a time, remove the steps, roll-up the straps and store in the Silent Approach carrying pouches. You only handle the steps once when climbing and descending.

We recommend you practice a significant number of times with the Silent Approach Climbing Steps two or three at a time at ground level until it is certain that a solid leverage point is understood and can be created easily. Once it is understood how to always keep a solid step then move on to climbing higher. We recommend you try larger and smaller trees, straight and leaning trees, and different species to get a feel for how the steps react to different bark types as you climb. It could take as many as 10 practice runs to begin to feel the pay off of learning a good ” system” to use the least amount of energy possible.

Practice with four steps over and over until you have complete confidence. Only then progress to six steps, then eight and so on. We NEVER recommend climbing 20 feet up a tree the first time you use the Silent Approach Climbing System! We ALWAYS recommend practicing during the off-season, unpressured, in the daylight before your first attempt to climb a tree climbing and saddle hunting.

With practice, you can climb almost any tree. Using the Silent Approach Ring of Steps Platform, you can sit or stand comfortably while tethered to a tree saddle with total security. The Silent Approach Climbing System lets you sneak in closer to unsuspecting deer, and then climb marginal trees not suitable to many other types of steps. At your stand, you don’t need to unpack and repack bulky sticks or screw in steps. There is no metal to metal clanging. There will be no sorting or clipping to your belt in the dark. With practice, you can climb silently and with the least amount of disturbance from your flashlight.

The Silent Approach Climbing System is designed for mobile hunters who need to have the lightest and most compact climbing system to pair with their hang-on stand or tree saddle. The Silent Approach Climbing System is ideal for hunters on public land that must remove their steps each day. Hunters with fixed stands can also remove lower steps to prevent the theft of their expensive stands.

Visit BullmanOutdoors.com for more information on the Silent Approach Climbing System, including individual steps and the 360-degree Saddle Hunting Platform with six steps.