Page Contents:
Overview
A false crotch is a man-made anchor point in a tree which is installed by a climber to make future climbs easier. JRB typically creates a false crotch constructed of tubular webbing, but could be constructed of other materials. Because the false crotch is a life-sustaining component and because it is subject to degradation or damage by factors such as weather, time, UV light and chewing critters:
- A false crotch should be installed, removed, discarded and replaced each hunting season.
- A Floating Anchor requires more effort to rig, but offers the advantage of longevity: the same Floating Anchor should serve us for many years. If it fails, our safety is not impacted.
The following video shows both a False Crotch and a Floating Anchor:
Installing a False Crotch
The climber needs to climb to the desired location on the tree by another means, such as DSRT, SRT or Hitch Climbing.
Recommended configuration
The Super Maverick Hitch is recommended for the anchor configuration. Be sure you know how to tie it.
This video is not specifically for a False Crotch, but completely relevant. Scenario 3 shows how the Super Maverick can be used in conjunction with the JRB End loop to rig a rope with a minimal amount of rope, such as 35 ft of rope into a 30ft crotch.
Removal / Replacement
To remove or replace a viable False Crotch: Climb on it, set a separate anchor at approximately the same height (JRB Hitch or Maverick) with one end of the rope, transfer over to the new anchor, then remove or replace the False Crotch Manually, rappel and retrieve.
Do NOT assume that a False Crotch (constructed of webbing or rope) from the prior season is still viable!
JRB recommends removal at the end of the hunting season rather than replacement. Rationale: even if we replace at the end of the hunting season, the new anchor will be in the tree almost a year, and we simply can’t trust it next year.