Over 40 Years of Bowhunting and Innovation
The story of Tree Styx is rooted in a rich tradition of bowhunting and innovation that spans over 40 years. It all began with the inspiration of Jerry Hirzel, a legendary outdoorsman and mentor to the team. Jerry's passion for fishing and bowhunting ignited a fascination that ultimately led to the creation of Tree Styx climbing sticks.
The journey took a significant turn in the Dead Stream swamp near Moorestown, Michigan, over 20 years ago. While scouting a familiar public land area in early November, the team encountered an unfamiliar sight—a climbing stick on a tree. This innovative tool bridged the gap between the ground and a treestand, solving the challenge of treestand security and accessibility.
Starting with Lone Wolf's “wiper blade” sticks, the team began experimenting and improving. Within two years, they shifted from modifying existing sticks to creating their own, using aluminum for their prototypes. Although these sticks were better than the older continuous steel sticks, they were still heavy, noisy, and cumbersome to use.
Innovation that Elevates You
In August 2022, with newfound time to focus, the team embarked on a mission to perfect the climbing stick. Carbon fiber became the material of choice due to its unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. Early prototypes featured aluminum brackets and carbon fiber tubes, laying the groundwork for the modern Tree Styx.
Key innovations followed, including the development of the VersaClip™, which streamlined the attachment and secure stacking of the sticks, and a retractable aider, maximizing climbing height without adding bulk. The final challenge was designing a lightweight, dual-purpose step that worked at both the top and bottom of the stick.
After extensive testing and analysis, the production design was finalized, passing third-party ASTM testing. Tree Styx officially launched on June 1, 2024, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from both customers and competitors.
This journey, marked by creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, reflects the team's dedication to enhancing the outdoor experience for bowhunters everywhere.