V-Tac, right choice?

P

Pydpiper

Joined
Feb 19, 2006
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Today was opening day for archery deer, I had a plan and I failed to plan for one small detail, scaling the massive cliff I slid down to hunt.
I gave up my unsuccessful hunt at about 9.30 this morning, I was in the bottom of a ravine, 150 yards to the top, excessively steep. With a portable blind and bow strapped to my back I got about 3/4 of the way up, my fingernails were bleeding and I was quickly losing grip in the slick surface. It was a rough go, but I made it to the top. Once there I grabbed the first thing in my way, a small sapling leaning over the edge and pulled myself up for a look. I was stuck on the edge in picky trees and had to fight my way through, it hurt like hell and should have been much, much easier.
Once I got to a point I could look back down with both feet on the ground I racked my brain as to what would have helped me, and the final decision made in a sweaty, bloody out of breath decision was a tomahawk, I just ordered a V-Tac, is it the right choice? Can I count on this thing or is it just more weight to lug around?
 
I have used on for hunting, camping and actually in the yard ( besides throwing )
You will like it !!!
 
Yes it does I have three so I dont have to walk back and forth so much.
 
Sneak preview, Pydpiper...

ATCVTAC.jpg
 
Have you seen the video on American Tomahawk's website
showing a pick-up truck running over a VTAC???
 
Sounds like some sturdy hiking poles might work a bit better.
 
I think he needs something more like an ice axe... a VTAC can be considered similar in some ways...
 
Some, although I'm not sure I'd want that blade swinging up at me as I stab away at loose rock while bent over with a pack on my back. You could easily fall on it.

Perhaps with an extra long Vec handle installed.
 
Very good point, Robert!!! I wasn't thinking about the blade facing the climber!!!
Maybe an ice axe or mountaineering hammer/axe would be the best choice then...
 
I don't think that at any point I would have had my body positioned over the blade, it would have been nice to extend my arm, stick the spike and use the extra leverage to draw myself to the blade, but not over top of it.
A special purpose climbing spike or sticks would not be appropriate, this was a one time incident (I hope) and I do manage to learn from my mistakes. I think the hawk will provide a broader range of solutions while maintaining a lower pack weight, a specialty item leans to wards preparation, not something I do a lot of in the bush while on a stalk. I don't live in a very hilly part of the country, but this ravine has been carved out of the earth leaving a wonderful spot to hunt as well as to simply enjoy some scenery.
I was looking for a good, all around tool that may provide many solutions over a course of time.
 
I've found myself in a similar scene and at the time I was without a hawk on my rig..I used a green stick with a slight flat on 2 sides and sharpened point about 6 or 7 inches long in the same manner you're talking about using the spike on a hawk. It worked so well I carried that stick around for several years,over time improving it with medical tape wrapping at the top and even a little sleeve made from poly-pipe. Now I'm no "expert" hawk handler and I have used my VTAC in the very manner we're talking about..BUT..even with the blade and arm out ahead or away from the body,if that spike pulls loose from its anchorage and you start to go back down the slope you are holding a VERY sharp and double sided hunk of steel in your hand!!! I make no judgement..just be CAREFUL!!!!!..having that spike or that edge go in you in a fall will surely spoil your hunting for some time to come!!!!!
 
Anrkst6973 said:
if that spike pulls loose from its anchorage and you start to go back down the slope you are holding a VERY sharp and double sided hunk of steel in your hand!!! I make no judgement..just be CAREFUL!!!!!..having that spike or that edge go in you in a fall will surely spoil your hunting for some time to come!!!!!
Click to expand...

Very true, and in my other hand is a bow with many pointy edges and a quiver with 6 arrows, each tipped with razor heads.. I can't get rid of all my sharp stuff, I'll end up hunting with a tennis ball or rifle!:)

I appreciate all the tips guys, I am either going to have to learn how to think things through a bit better or get a caddy to follow me around with all my stuff. Either way I have managed to justify the purchase of yet another sharp object.
 
No opportunity to use them on my hunt but when I got home I had a chance to play.
I re-profiled the cutting head, digs deeper now,.
Also, the case, anyone else have issues with the head digging in to the nylon and causing wear? I can live with it, but thought it was odd.
 
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