Tree Pod

So to visualize

Im running a strap of webbing from the tree, through the rear sling attachment loop, and through the front sling attachment loop. the tag end hangs free.

I have a paracord loop that girth hitches around the pistol grip area of the stock. The hitch is held tight with a nail knot (like a slip bobber knot) like slides down in place to secure it.

This loop clips into a tie down clamp that slides up and down the strap when depressed, but holds tight when released. This adjusts the length of the tether for sitting, standing, etc. To make it longer - hold the xbow with your fore end hand, reach up, and press the tie down clamp. this allows you to pull the xbow forward on the strap. To shorten, like if you stand up... hold the xbow with your pistol grip hand and use your fore end hand to pull the tag end through sling loop. This shortens the length up and takes the load off the sliding clamp. You can keep this tension on the strap for a quick shot as you lean into the strap while holding it against the forend with your hand. Or..take a quick second and slide the clamp up with your pistol grip hand. Now you can lean into the tether, which is the steadier option as it is closer to the tree. Its a almost like shooting off a bench at this point.

Its sound complicated but its really pretty simple in use.

The bonus is. .. sitting or standing you dont need to hold the x bow. It can hang over your shoulder, supported by the tether, at the ready. Or... swing it back out of the way.

My concern obviously is leaning into something from a tree stand as a safety concern. I actually find that isnt really a concern
A. I set my safety harness attachment quite high, with little slack. The tether attaches above that, just a tad looser than the harness attachment. Its free from get tangled, wont depress on accident, and it right there at harness length- or close to it.
B. I actually feel safer in the tree. I always have the xbow right there, attached to the tree, almost like a another support. When shooting, and distracted... Im not going to lose my balance as i have a rigid support.

No pics yet. My first edition was rope, with a prussic slider. Im switching over to webbing straps and the clamp. Much less mess and tangling potential. cleaner. I was running the rope through holes in the stock.Ghetto fab. As I get a more finished product I will post more. Still have to quiet the tether connection. I was just wondering, does this exist already? Hate to fabricate this up for no reason, though its a pretty cheap, simple project.

I get it with ladder stands. your rest is right there. Climbers..hang ons- not so much. Think of it as...aerial shooting sticks.

I primarily hunt with a compound. I use my xbow for turkey hunting out of blind. Thought late season I thought Id give the crossbow a go. My complaint on the crossbow has been:
A. Some people think because I can take it out of the box, go to the range and shoot 60 yards...I can kill a deer at 60 yards no problem
B. This is multiplied by the fact that its very hard to shoot an xbow free hand. harder than a bow, or a gun, though they are getting easier
C. A plus B can equal higher wounding rates.

While no one can change the fact the an xbow is still archery, and there are limits to what one can/should do with that equipment in real "game time" hunting situations.....Shooting with a solid rest can make it a much more viable and ethical weapon.

First time out I had a doe at 42 yards. do-able shot with a compound. She was totally unaware, in an open field, no obstructions to arrow flight. I make that shot at the range, or 3D, with my vert bow all day long. Bordering on what Id be comfortable though. Free hand with a crossbow, from a tree stand.... circus. With the sling/rest/pod on the crossbow, from my climber, I was dead on rock steady. I felt I could have put that bolt on a dime. Quick to adjust for about any shot, since we usually have some warning before the shot, as far as where we are going to taking that shot. Worst case scenario....loosen the clamp completely for a free hand shot. It seems it would work equally well from a ground position, by tethering to your tree behind you. If you have to move quickly to another spot.. just press the clamp and walk away, as it slides off the tether.

The added bonus is the fact that the xbow can hang, over your shoulder, in your lap, or out of the way. Hands free.